Dundee United v Aberdeen: Jackie McNamara out to spoil Craig Brown’s retirement party

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara admits he owes Craig Brown a big debt of gratitude.

Despite that, he will be looking to spoil the veteran’s “retirement party” when the Tangerines entertain Aberdeen at Tannadice on Saturday.

Brown is set to move upstairs to the Pittodrie boardroom following the game against United, with Derek McInnes poised to take over in the Dons hotseat.

The Aberdeen fans are set to travel in their thousands to give him a fitting send-off but McNamara admits there can be no room for sentiment from himself and his players as they look to keep alive their top-six dream.

McNamara said: “Craig is a good guy and he has been a great servant to Scottish football. He was the last manager to take us to the World Cup in France 98 so he’ll rightly be remembered for that for a long time.

“His record in management is tremendous and I’ve also been fortunate enough to work under him for the national team.

“He gave me my international debut so I have a lot of respect for him.

“When I was at Partick Thistle, I spoke to Craig about different things and always got on really well with him. It will be nice to see him again.”