November meeting at Peterhead’s Balmoor Stadium may not be what dreams are made of for anyone connected with Dundee United just now however Balmoor boss Jim McInally is keeping his fingers crossed that it happens.
The Blue Toon manager made 395 appearances for the Tannadice men during two spells at Tannadice, including playing in both legs of the 1987 UEFA Cup Final against Gothenburg and winning a Scottish Cup medal in 1994. and he is hoping that his former club head north after they were paired together in the Betfred Cup.
The two clubs have been drawn in Group C alongside top-flight side St Johnstone as well as League Two Brechin City and Lowland League champions Kelty Hearts with the group ties being played in October and November.
Scotland’s longest serving manager is hoping that United visit in mid-November for both emotional, practical and financial reasons as he explained: “There is obviously a strong connection between myself and Dundee United. I still live close to their ground and facing them will be special.”
“I took Peterhead to Tannadice four years ago in a Challenge Cup tie and we gave them a real fright before losing 3-2 in extra time. Rory McAllister played so well that day that Dundee United were looking to sign him afterwards.”
“If we could get them at Balmoor that would a complete a nice double for me.”
As well as hoping his side are given a home tie with his former club when the fixtures are drawn up McInally is hoping that the game is held in the second round of fixtures in November as he explained: “The October games will be our first outings of the season and facing Dundee United or St Johnstone will be hard for any part-time team as they will have a few competitive games under their belt. It would be therefore be better to have some game time under our belts before facing a Premiership side.”
“Also come November fans should be allowed back into games and it would be great to see Dundee United’s support up at Peterhead.”
© Craig Stewart/ Peterhead Football Club
