Sunday, May 13, 2007

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Parochial news day

I'm refusing to make any comment on the utter shambles that was the recent Scottish elections however tempted I am to mention breweries and pissups. Anyway there's much more important news in Dundee,

United want Jason back

JASON SCOTLAND (right) could be set for return to the SPL with former club Dundee United.


Dundee United want Jason Scotland back at Tannadice (write Graeme Finnan and James Masson).
The Trinidad and Tobago international was a big hit with fans during his first spell at the club, which ended in controversy when he was surprisingly refused a fresh work permit two years ago.

That subsequently led to him signing for St Johnstone and the 28-year-old has continued to show his class in the First Division, bagging 25 goals for Saints this season.

That’s triggered interest from several clubs and, although United boss Craig Levein was unavailable for comment, Saints manager Owen Coyle confirmed the Tangerines are one of them.

However, with Scotland’s contract running until the final week in August, the McDiarmid Park club would be looking for some form of financial compensation if one of their prize assets was to move on.

“Craig (Levein) called me out of courtesy to let me know of his interest in Jason, and I appreciate the gesture,” said Owen.

“We haven’t given up on Jason, but, obviously, finance always comes into play.

“He is under contract here until the end of August, so we can play him for the first month of next season. Any club wanting him before then will have to pay compensation.”

Meanwhile, following yesterday’s news that goalkeeper Derek Stillie will quit United at the end of the season to pursue a career in law down south, the Tannadice outfit have been looking at a possible replacement.

Polish goalie Lucasz Zaluska is currently on trial at the club. The 24-year-old plays for Korona Kielce in his homeland.

McINNES SIGNS

St Johnstone midfielder Derek McInnes has re-signed for the club on a one-year deal.

“I am delighted that Derek has signed as he has done well for us on and off the park,” said Owen.

Paul Sheerin, Simon Mensing and Scotland are the only three Saints still to pen new deals.



I'm sure you're all aware of the love for Scotland in the Gourlay/Mendes household and we all hope that the Tangerines can scrape the finances together to bring him back home.

Monopoly vote


I URGE people to vote for Dundee to get onto the new UK Here And Now Monopoly board game. We are currently in fifth place and it would be great if we could get the city up as high as possible. — Nathen Tyrrell, Dornie Place, Dundee.

Now this I can get behind. C'mon boys and girls cast your vote for the City of Discovery here.

Sadly there's been no recent news about the greatest rock band in the world The View but the Tele did receive this letter.

Don’t forget about McFly

McFly.


A LOT has been written about The View and Arctic Monkeys playing at the Caird Hall but not about McFly ,who performed there on April 6.

McFly are a chart-topping band who did a great concert with all their hits and more.

I was there with my eight-year-old daughter and we loved it and are so glad that a big group like McFly came to Dundee. — Sharon and Louise, Dundee.

I've been trying hard to forget about sodding McFly for months and you two have to go and remind me.

And finally a piece of shocking news,

Bald men


I AM constantly amazed at the number of bald men in Dundee.

A visitor could be forgiven for thinking there was some kind of giant Right Said Fred look-alike competition taking place. Wigs should have to be worn in public places. — Snappy Chappy.


Whilst I've never noticed this outbreak of baldiness in Jute City I vow to keep my eyes peeled for slapheads from now on. Perhaps I'll start carrying some hats to hand out to the follicly challenged so Mr S Chappy is not so offended.

Separated at birth!

My good friend Graeme


And Nasser Hussain


The resemblance is truly scary.