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In pictures: Dundee United women gear up for new SWPL campaign as boss hails ‘best ever’ support

The Tangerines face Partick Thistle on Sunday afternoon.

Nicola Jamieson leads the way during a Dundee United running drill
Nicola Jamieson leads the way during a running drill. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson

Graeme Hart says Dundee United women have learned lessons following their narrow escape last season as they embark on a new SWPL1 campaign.

The Tangerines avoided a relegation playoff by two points last term and, although survival was an admirable achievement in their maiden top-flight season, Hart reckons it was an eye-opening experience.

And the United boss is determined to oversee improvement in the coming campaign — backed by what he describes as the “best ever” support from the football club. 

Dundee United women's boss Graeme Hart dishes out the orders
Graeme Hart giving the orders as United prepare for their TV showdown with Thistle. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson

“I think that experience of last season is going to be massive,” Hart told Courier Sport. “From myself, to the coaching staff; the players and the club itself. We all learned a lot.

“I got pre-season wrong last year. It was too easy. So we’ve worked the players really hard. We have improved the fitness, analysis and we are taking big strides, on and off the pitch.”

He added: “The support we’ve had from the club has gone to another level, which might surprise people, given the men’s team not having the best time last season. But, from my view, the support we are receiving is the best it has ever been.”

New Dundee United women's skipper Rachel Todd at Gussie Park
New Dundee United women’s skipper Rachel Todd. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson

Rachel Todd, the newly appointed captain following Danni McGinley’s move to Hearts, added: “We’ve set our aims for the season.

“We know it’s going to be tough against the top four or five, but the non-negotiables are facing the teams around us. We don’t want to lose against those teams.

“We want to take advantage of our home games and improve on what we did last season.”

And Courier Sport was at Gussie Park for a behind the scenes look at United’s final preparations for the trip to Petershill.

The final countdown

Dundee United goalkeeper Megan Sidey saves a drive
Safe hands: Goalkeeper Megan Sidey clutches a drive. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson
Robyn Smith is closed down by Katie Frew, in bib, during Dundee United training
Robyn Smith is closed down by Katie Frew, in bib. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson
Dundee United's women team train at Gussie Park
Eyes on the prize: United held their final training session on Thursday ahead of the Thistle test. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson
Dundee United's Nyla Murphy picks a pass at Gussie Park, Dundee
Nyla Murphy picks a pass. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson
Georgie Robb launches a Dundee United attack.
Gifted Georgie Robb, a Scotland youth cap, on the attack. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson
Dundee United women captain Rachel Todd shoots as Cassie Cowper looks on
Power: New skipper Rachel Todd pulls the trigger as Cassie Cowper looks on. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson
Dundee United keeper Lauren Sangster clutches a powerful low drive
Lauren Sangster clutches a powerful low drive. Kim Cessford / DC Thomson
Dundee United women carry out a running drill at Gussie Park Dundee
Hard running: United have sought to improve their fitness levels during a gruelling pre-season. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson
Dundee United women's manager Graeme Hart
All smiles: Hart is relishing his second season as a top-flight manager. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson

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