When Dundee and Dundee United took on top English teams in City of Discovery Cup.

The inaugural tournament took place at Tannadice and Dens Park, with two semi-finals on Saturday and a final and third-place playoff on Sunday.

Graeme Strachan In July 2005, Dundee United, Sheffield Wednesday, and Wolves competed in the City of Discovery Cup, which is now defunct.

It was dubbed a “prestigious new pre-season tournament”. Mervyn Rolfe, the Chamber of Commerce’s CEO, came up with the idea.

It was described as the “centrepiece of a gala weekend of entertainment” . The City of Discovery Campaign supported the competition.

When the competition began in December 1994, Dundee chairman Jimmy Marr and United chairman Eddie Thompson delivered positive soundbites.

Paul Sturrock returned to Tannadice

A new trophy has been commissioned. In the first tournament, Dundee, Dundee United, Sheffield Wednesday, and Wolverhampton Wanderers competed in a two-day cup format.

Lord Provost John Letford officially launched the competition at the Hilton Hotel. Paul Sturrock, a Dundee United legend, was in charge of Sheffield Wednesday.

“I had 26 years here, I’ve still got a house here, my daughter still lives here, so it’s going to be special,” says Sturrock.

“I haven’t been to Tannadice or Dens for a while now so it will be a sweet moment.” Glenn Hoddle, a former England international, was Wolves’ manager.

“I don’t think there are two stadiums this close in the world,” Hoddle told reporters. “So hopefully, we will get a lot of fans through the gates.” Jim Duffy was the manager of Dundee, who had recently been relegated. Gordon Chisholm was the United manager.

The inaugural tournament took place at Tannadice and Dens Park, with two semi-finals on Saturday and a final and third-place playoff on Sunday.

A day ticket that includes both matches costs £15 for adults and £5 for concessions. Tickets for all matches cost £23 and £7.

Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves played out a quiet start to the competition.

Future United manager Jackie McNamara was in the Wolves side which included Joleon Lescott, Paul Ince, Colin Cameron, Kenny Miller and Carl Cort.

Miller missed a penalty.

The game finished goalless at Tannadice.

Sheffield Wednesday won the game 5-4 on penalties.

United won derby without breaking sweat

The Dundee derby was the second semi-final and kicked off at 4pm.

New signings Adrian Madaschi, Gavin Swankie and Andy Ferguson started for Dundee.

Chisholm’s men had complete control from start to finish. Before halftime, Mark Kerr scored from 22 yards to put United ahead. The second goal went even better.

Stuart Duff skipped past a few players and cut inside from the left before unleashing a powerful shot past Colin Meldrum, a trialist in the Dundee goal.

A third goal after 51 minutes put the game out of reach. Lee Miller fired a left-footed volley past Meldrum following a Stevie Crawford cross.

The goal sent Dundee fans running for the exit. The following day, Dens Park hosted 5,081 fans. Dundee lost 4-0 to Wolves in the “wooden spoon play-off”.

Wolves custodian Paul Jones broke his cheekbone in an accidental collision with Tam McManus, causing play to be suspended for seven minutes.

He was transported to the hospital in a neck brace. Wolves won 4-0, with substitute Carl Cort scoring a hat trick.

Billy Dodds was star man in the final

United fielded a completely different starting lineup in the final, including assistant manager Billy Dodds, who made an unexpected defensive appearance.

Dodds was the star. Wednesday gained the lead in the 37th minute. Lee Peacock hit a volley from eight yards past Rami Shaaban in the United goal.

United drew level at the hour mark.

James Grady broke through on goal, hoping to give Collin Samuel a tap in.

Patrick Collins, a Wednesday defender, ultimately got the final touch. Garry Kenneth’s late goal helped United win the inaugural City of Discovery Cup.

The 18-year-old displayed excellent boxing technique. He brought the ball down and shot past the custodian.

“I’m delighted with how it’s gone – especially for the kids,” claimed Chisholm. “It’s always nice to win things, and this is a good way to prepare for the season.”

 

New name for competition in 2006

In May 2006, things became even more complicated. The City of Discovery Campaign refused to award its trophy to the winners, claiming that it would no longer include out-of-town clubs. The decision had the rivals on Tannadice Street “united in bemusement”.

They believed that simply organising the game “gained valuable publicity for the city”. After much wailing and gnashing of teeth, the Evening Telegraph agreed to sponsor the competition and provide a brand new trophy.

The Evening Telegraph Challenge Cup would take place at Dens Park. At 1 p.m., the Soap Stars and Legends began their friendly match.

The game featured Coronation Street’s Sam Robertson, Ryan Thomas, and Sam Ashton, as well as Ralf Little from The Royle Family. Dundonian Robertson was a Dundee supporter.

Jim Duffy, Darren Jackson, and Tosh McKinlay comprised the Legends team.

The match finished 1-1. Following the celebrity match, a fans’ derby took place, with Dundee United and Dundee fans competing for positions on the team. Dundee won 3-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1.

Dundee won bragging rights in 2006 derby

The main event occurred at 3.15 p.m. Alex Rae was now in charge of Dundee.

Craig Brewster, the Scottish Cup legend from 1994, was United’s manager. Dundee fought tooth and nail from beginning to end, seeking vengeance for 2005.

Player-boss Rae was named man of the match. Bryan Deasley scored the game-winner after 61 minutes.

The Sunday Post wrote, “Their determination and drive won the day, with match winner Deasley’s pace posing a constant threat to the static United defence.”

” “The winner, which came on the hour mark, was spectacular, thanks to a Rae interception and flawless execution from the striker.

“The scorer raced on unchallenged for 20 yards before attempting a similar-range shot – and, for the first time in the game, United keeper Derek Stillie was forced to concede defeat as the powerful strike flew past him into the corner.

“It was no more than the First Division men deserved and a measure of United’s disappointing performance came from the fact that Stillie was about their only plus from the pre-season affair.” Bobby Mann, Dundee’s captain, lifted the trophy in front of 6,277 fans.

Strangely, the cup was never contested again. It was quietly forgotten about.

The game at Dens in July 2006 will be 20 years old next year. What better time to bring it back?

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk