With Stephen Thompson installed as Chairman, 2008-09 progressed well but brought an early Scottish Cup exit at Hamilton.
In the Co-Operative Insurance Cup, United took Celtic all the way to extra time in the semi final with the Glasgow club emerging 11-10 winners on penalties in the most dramatic shoot-out ever seen in Scottish football.
A measure of United’s progress was evident when a fifth place league finish was seen disappointing. The last match of that campaign marked United’s 100th birthday but visitors Rangers spoiled the party.2009-10 was United’s centenary season and the Club arranged a whole series of events, the highlight of which was the most excellent Centenary Dinner.
Just before Christmas, Craig Levein left United to take up the post of Scotland manager and that was followed by a couple of bad results. However, interim Manager Peter Houston performed a minor miracle to completely transform the season which ended with a comfortable third place league finish and a memorable 3-0 Scottish Cup final win over Ross County, bringing with it qualification for the Europa League. Houston was then appointed Manager on a permanent basis.
Coming Soon: The Next Chapter
