Dundee United manager Ray McKinnon has doffed his cap to the heroes who conquered the mighty Barcelona 50 years ago today.
On November 16, 1966, some 28,000 fans packed into Tannadice to see Jerry Kerr’s Euro rookies stun the Fairs Cup holders with a 2-0 victory.
It followed a 2-1 success in the Nou Camp three weeks earlier and was the first of many great European nights at Tannadice.
The anniversary is being marked with a special event that’s open to all fans in the Hegarty Suite at the ground tonight and the present gaffer is delighted it’s taking place.
“Only two groups from this club have beaten Barcelona and these guys are legends, so it’s great we’re remembering them,” he said.
“Obviously, the 1966 game was before I was born. I remember watching the second victory in ’87 and they were great games.
“The first one was as well and it’s part of a history we can be proud of. When I was a kid I used to hear stories about it and it’s great those memories live on.”
Regarding current business, comeback man Stewart Murdoch played just under an hour for the U/20s in last night’s 4-3 Development League win at Kilmarnock.
That should have him ready for involvement at Morton on Saturday, with the question now being whether or not he can be considered for a starting place after being out since September with knee trouble.
“We gave him 45 minutes down at Killie. It was on astro, so that’s not ideal, but it’s important he got a game.
“Now, I’ll see how he’s come through it and we’ll work out where he is in terms of Saturday.
“We’re just building him up, that’s the important thing, we’re not going to rush him back.
“If we get through Saturday, he’s got another two weeks to the Hibs game and I think it would be better if we can get some more football into him.
“We’ll maybe get him another 20s game before the Hibs one.”
Goalie Cammy Bell was off ill yesterday as was his deputy Luis Zwick, but both are expected to be fine by the weekend.
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