Dundee United Preview

Last updated : 14 July 2004 By Mark Heys
After the euphoria and jubilation of the European Championships tommorow night will see Bolton Wanderers return to competitive action as they take on a strong Dundee United side at the County Ground in Leyland.

As yet no team news has been announced although it is expected that Bolton will blend a mixture of youth and experience first off for the clash against the Tangerines and that could mean debuts for new signings Radhi Jaidi and Michael Bridges. A number of trialists are working out with the club over the coming weeks but whether Jordi Cruyff, Fernando Hierro and Carlos Kameni play an active role remains to be seen.

Dundee United have a head start on the Wanderers as they got off to a winning start by beating Queens Park at the weekend by two goals to one thanks to goals from debutant James Grady and Graeme Holmes. Ex-Wanderers favourite Owen Coyle is on the coaching staff at Tannidice but it is expected that he will take a back seat for the game having spent the majority of 2003-2004 on loan to newly formed Airdrie United.

Manager Ian McCall has some experienced names to call upon for the trip South of the Border including ex-Barnsley keeper Tony Bullock and one time Bolton target Derek McInnes who has served for Rangers, Stockport County and West Brom amongst others. Jim McIntyre and Andy McLaren have also plied their trade in England with each having boasted Reading as a former club. Evergreen striker Billy Dodds is a well known face from his Rangers days whilst defender Scott Patterson has been on the books of Liverpool and Bristol City in the mid 1990's. One player who will not be involved is star midfielder Charlie Miller once of Rangers and Watford as he has just completed a shock move to Norwegian club Brann Bergen.

McCall like his Bolton counterpart Sam Allardyce, could be set to name a few young faces in his team for tommorows clash as both Aaron Conway and Paul Jarvie managed to get run outs against Queens Park.

The game against United will be the first time Bolton have faced Scottish opponents on English soil since they drew 1-1 with Celtic in the Jimmy Phillips testimonial season in 1998 and is sure to prove a useful workout for both teams as they prepare for their Premiership and SPL campaigns. For Dundee United the game against the Trotters marks a double header against Lancashire sides as they are due to take on Wanderers Lancashire neighbours Burnley.

PLAYED FOR BOTH

HASNEY ALJOFREE
OWEN COYLE
JAMIE FULLARTON
ARNAR GUNNLAUGSSON
ALLY MAXWELL
MIXU PAATELAINEN

DUNDEE UNITED SQUAD- Tony Bullock, Mark Wilson, Chris Innes, David McCracken, Alan Archibald, Mark Kerr, Billy Dodds, Derek McInnes, Barry Robson, Collin Samuel, James Grady, Scott Patterson, Andy McLaren, Paul Jarvie, Stuart Duff, Aaron Conway