Dundee Utd 3
Rangers 1
Friendly (Testimonial for Maurice Malpas)

Match Report

A testimonial match for the Scottish Football Writers Association Player of the Year, Maurice Malpas, sees United beat Rangers 3-1 at Tannadice. Michael O'Neill and Hamish French (2) scoring for United. Ally McCoist scored for Rangers in the 81st minute.

United fans turned out in force to pay tribute to Tangerines skipper Maurice Malpas and were rewarded with a super showing from their side. 4000 Rangers fans added to the atmosphere. United opened the scoring in just two minutes when Hamish French steered home a Darren Jackson cut back. Rangers were still reeling when United made it two. Michael O'Neill this time netted for the home side from what looked like a suspiciously offside position. That came after Mixu had disposed Trevor steven and had his shot partially blocked. It was three just before half time when Mixu showed alertness in intercepting a poor attempted passbook to Goram by Oleg Kuznetsov and his accurate chipped cross found Hamish French who couldn't miss with a header from just two yards. Ally McCoist got a consolation late in the game when he beat debut boy Van de Lamp with a low shot as Rangers mounted a grand stand finish.

Jim McLean paid tribute to the defender, "If I have mentioned in the past the likes of Paul Hegarty, David Narey and Paul Sturrock as not only tremendous servants of Dundee United, but three players for whom I have great respect for, not only for their undoubted ability as footballers, but also as people, then Maurice Malpas undoubtedly falls into this same category. Managers may like to boast that they have moulded players like Maurice Malpas, Dave Narey or Andy Gray and their like. but it is a complete exaggeration of their development. If I try and recollect what advice I have given to Maurice over the years, the only thing I can say is that I have never had anything to say to him!

That statement alone is a tremendous tribute to the natural ability of a player who is one of those rare breeds in the game — a complete natural. I apologise if you have heard it all before, but Maurice is a shining example to anyone both on or off the park. You only have to look at his disciplinary record on the field of play. He has only rarely been booked and was unfortunate to be sent off on the single occasion on which he has been dismissed. His exemplary behaviour on the field is without doubt exactly the same away from football. In my opinion he has become an even better player since I made him captain of the side. I, for one, hope that he continues to play for Dundee United for a long time yet. When his playing days do come to an end, one thing I am confident about is that he has all the qualities to become a very good coach and I hope that Maurice will be able to do this in some capacity at Tannadice in the future. Meanwhile, I trust all the events in his testimonial year will all be outstanding successes. No player deserves it more."