Tony Asghar makes no secret of the fact that Dundee United legend Jim McLean continues to inspire his vision for the club.
McLean’s statue overlooks the Eddie Thomson Stand at Tannadice and acts as a fitting tribute to the late Dundee United legend.
During an incredible 22-year reign at United, McLean developed a conveyor belt of talent to topple the Old Firm and challenge Europe’s biggest clubs.
The likes of David Narey, Paul Hegarty, Paul Sturrock, Maurice Malpas, Jim McInally, Kevin Gallacher and Andy Gray all came through the ranks during the McLean years.
Scottish football may never see those days again.
However, the McLean template for success is inspiring United to create the heroes of tomorrow.
🦁 Chris becomes the eighth @DUFCAcademy to put pen to paper on a contract extension in the last 12 months
📺 DUTV subscribers can view an exclusive interview with the attacking midfielder where he discusses his future at Tannadice
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) February 23, 2022
United owner Mark Ogren recently insisted the academy is the ‘cornerstone of our club’.
An incredible 14 academy graduates have starred for United’s first team this year – including Kerr Smith prior to his move to Aston Villa.
And in a Courier Sport exclusive, the Tangerines’ sporting director has outlined his ambitious vision.
Tony Asghar: We want to create Dundee United heroes like Jim McLean did
“One of our fundamental aims was to transform the academy,” said Asghar, who was appointed by Ogren as soon as he bought the club.
“We’re not trying to re-write the book of football.
“But we want to rediscover the bedrock of Dundee United’s past success.
“I want to see the club creating heroes like the Jim McLean days.
“When you develop players who have grown up with an attachment to the club. It benefits everyone.
“The youngsters feel like they belong, the club has committed players and fans can identify with them.
“A lot of our academy boys are local. They come from Dundee, Fife and Angus.
“The talent is there and we want to make sure it comes to United.
“There is always an opportunity to develop outside talent.
“Look what happened with Andy Robertson.
“We got him in at 19 from Queen’s Park, and added value before excelling in England.
“We’ve also brought in Matthew Cudjoe from Ghana.
— Mathew Anim Cudjoe (@CudjoeAnim) February 18, 2022
“Some, like Kerr Smith, will move onto a bigger stage but we hope others will be with us for ten or 15 years.
“We don’t want always want to see all fruits of our labour go out the door.
“If they do leave, we’ll always have a stake in their future and the club will benefit financially.”
The Kerr Smith model
One such player is Kerr Smith.
Smith became the youngest ever Dundee United player to star in a city derby early in the season.
He also starred at Celtic Park before making a dream move to English Premier League giants Villa in January.
“Kerr is an exceptional talent,” said Asghar.
“Before he even signed a professional contract with us he had big clubs interested.
“A lot of English Premier League clubs were aware of him but he wanted to start out here.
“We knew, ultimately, that interest would leave to him leaving.
“It’s the measure of Kerr and his family that he spent his formative years here.
“Kerr only played a few games for us but has earned a great move.
Full debut for Kerr Smith! #avfc pic.twitter.com/WLJokb30eg
— The Villa Academy (@academyavfc) February 21, 2022
“It’s one that will benefit him but also be good for Dundee United.
“Financially, it works for us.
“But it also provides a shining example of how we will help choose the right pathway for any aspiring Dundee United player.
“Maybe those talented players who have their pick of big clubs from a young age will look our way because of how it worked out for Kerr.”
Tony Asghar on Fulham link-up
United entered into a unique collaboration with English Championship leaders Fulham in January.
The clubs will share best practice across youth development, player market intelligence and commercial development.
It could also, ultimately, lead to loan deals between the clubs.
“There will be prominent opportunities to get players from Fulham and move players there,” said Asghar.
“But that doesn’t mean that every player they put up for loan will go to us.
“It has to be right for the player, right financially and for both clubs.
“Similarly, it doesn’t mean they automatically take the next Kerr Smith to Fulham.
“It’s an overriding partnership that will see knowledge sharing.
“We will work collectively to improve from a football perspective and commercially both in retail and ticketing.
“Our academy director Andy Goldie is a terrific asset to Dundee United. He is working closely between both academies to share practice and innovate.
“We believe it will be hugely beneficial to both clubs in the long term.”
