Match Preview | Dundee United
Dundee United versus MORTON
Saturday 15 September 2018
Tannadice Park, Dundee
Kick-off 3pm
Scene Setter
Morton officially usher in a new era tomorrow at Tannadice as Jonatan Johansson takes charge of his first match since being appointed manager eight days ago.
After an impressive playing career that saw him earn over 100 Finland caps, and a steady climb up the coaching ladder, the 43-year-old felt ready for the added responsibility that goes with being a first-team boss.
The board of directors at Cappielow came to the same conclusion and identified Skelmorlie-based Johansson as the man to fill the vacant Sinclair Street hotseat.
Although the season is still young, the transfer deadline has passed and the man affectionately known as JJ will work with the squad he has inherited.
He is, however, in the fortunate position that the players have made a solid start to the league campaign, suffering just one defeat whilst managerless and in a state of shock due to events that unfolded on the eve of that match.
Johansson will want to put his own stamp on the side in terms of his preferred style, but it will take time for that to translate from the training ground to the field of play.
In the short-term, the new Ton boss says he wants to start by being hard to beat and to see the players put the fundamentals into practice.
He has also called for a positive attitude and expects his squad to be excited by the challenge of travelling to Dundee United in the pursuit of three points.
Gaffer’s Thoughts
Team News
Forwards Robert Thomson and Connor Bell are the only absentees. Otherwise, manager Jonatan Johansson has a clean bill of health.
Morton Milestones and Significant Stats
1 – Jonatan Johansson takes charge of his first fixture as Morton manager.
5 – Michael Tidser is Ton’s top scorer this term, with five goals in eight starts.
5 – Michael Tidser is also Ton’s top creator this term with five assists.
65 – Derek Gaston could record his 65th clean sheet should he start and keep Ross County out.
Current Connections
Frontman Robert Thomson is a product of the Dundee United youth academy and made two first-team appearances, coming off the bench in matches against St Mirren and Dundee in season 2012/13.
Summer signing Charlie Telfer spent three seasons at Tannadice, between 2014 and 2017, in which time he made 71 appearances – 28 in the Premiership – and scored five goals.
Dundee United recruited Paul McMullan following his release by Celtic, from whom he spent three months of the 2015/16 season on loan with us here at Cappielow, scoring one goal in 11 appearances
Head to Head
Sat 6 May 2017: Morton 1-1 Dundee United (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 9 Dec 2017: Morton 0-2 Dundee United (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 27 Jan 2018: Dundee United 0-3 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Sat 31 Mar 2018: Morton 1-1 Dundee United (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Round
Morton substitute Frank Ross scored direct from a corner kick in the third minute of stoppage time to rescue a dramatic home draw with Dundee United back in March.
Tannadice defender Bilel Mohsni headed Csaba Laszlo’s men in front just before the hour mark and looked to have earned his side all three points as the clock wound down.
But with just seconds remaining Ross whipped over a wicked inswinging corner that brushed off Billy King and crashed into the net via the crossbar to snatch a share of the spoils.
Officials
Referee: Colin Steven
Assistant one: Graham McNeillie
Assistant two: Chris Phillips
Fan File
Entry is pay at the gate. Admission prices are:
Adults: £20
Concession*: £10
*Over 65, under 18 and full time student. Proof must be shown)
Morton fans will be situated in the West Stand and enter via turnstiles 17 to 20.
Fans under the influence of alcohol will not be admitted and all bags will be searched with random searching undertaken.
Musical instruments, including drums, are not permitted inside the ground. Surfing flags are not permitted and any other flags will be checked to ensure that they are not offensive or derogatory.
Disabled Access
Access is through gate K and into the west stand or the ‘bus shelter’ on the trackside.
Travel
By Road: Dundee United Football Club, Tannadice Park, Tannadice Street, Dundee, DD3 7JW
A8/M8 – M80 – M9 – A9 – M90 and continue to A90 following signs for Dundee. On entering Dundee at Kingsway continue straight on through three roundabouts.
At the fourth roundabout take the third exit into Glamis Road – roundabout take first exit into Clepinton Road – turn right into Provost Road – turn left into Sandeman Street – right into Tannadice Street.
Please note, due to a number of events, including the opening of the V&A museum, there will be delays on arrival in Dundee. Leave sufficient time for your journey.
Check www.trafficscotland.org regarding any delays or roadworks on the route.
Parking
Car parking: On street car parking. Restrictions will be in place. Drivers should find areas away from the stadium to park legally.
Coach parking: Parking available in Neish Street.
Travel Club Info
- The Gourock Morton Supporters’ bus leaves the Royalle Club in Gourock at 12pm sharp. Costs are £11 for adults and £9 for concessions (U-16/OAP).
- The Greenock Morton Supporters Club bus leaves the club at 12pm. Visitors costs are £12 for adults and £10 for Under-16s and OAPs.
- The Port Glasgow Morton Travel Club bus leaves the Sutherland Bar at 12pm.
Image: Kenny Ramsay
