Ralph Milne: Dazzling winger who shone during Dundee Utd's march to the European Cup semi-finals in 1984
Milne's career was ultimately marred by problems with drink, gambling and consequent under-achievement
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.To Dundee United fans who revelled in the championship-winning flair and goalscoring exploits of Ralph Milne in the first three-quarters of the 1980s, it is criminal how the perky Scottish raider has tended to be dismissed as a flop, even a figure of fun, for his efforts with Manchester United later in the decade.
That such a gifted individual's career was ultimately marred by problems with drink, gambling and consequent under-achievement is a shame, but it should not override his glory days with the Tannadice club.
After breaking into Jim McLean's improving side as a teenager in 1979-80, Milne was quick to make an impact on the right of the Terrors' attack, entertaining royally with his fearless audacity and a lethal finishing knack that could be savage or subtle at need.
His most memorable moment was opening the scoring with a sublime 25-yard chip in the 2-1 victory over Dundee at Dens Park which clinched the first – and so far only – league title in United's history on the last day of 1982-83.
That term he contributed 16 strikes in 34 games before going on to dazzle as McLean's men reached the semi-final of the 1983-84 European Cup, maddeningly losing 3-0 to Roma in Italy after winning 2-0 at Tannadice.
He remains the Terrors’ top scorer in continental competition, with 15 goals in 39 appearances
Milne, whose only international honours were three under-23 caps, flourished at this exalted level and he remains the Terrors' top scorer in continental competition, with 15 goals in 39 appearances.
However, the talented Dundonian was a free spirit whose relationship with the stern McLean became strained – and in January 1987, having contributed 74 hits in 285 outings for his home-town club, he accepted a move to English top-flight strugglers Charlton Athletic.
He helped the Addicks to escape relegation but never settled at Selhurst Park, nor with third-tier Bristol City, whom he joined in January 1988, so he was both stunned and delighted by the £170,000 deal which took him to Old Trafford in November 1988.
With Alex Ferguson in the process of building a new team, there was scope for Milne to thrive, but usually he was shoe-horned on to the unfamiliar left flank to accommodate Gordon Strachan on the right, and he was unable to do himself justice in his 30 outings for a spluttering side, before brief service with Sing Tao of Hong Kong ended his career.
IVAN PONTING
Ralph Milne, footballer; born Dundee 13 May 1961; played for Dundee United 1979-87, Charlton Athletic 1987-88, Bristol City 1988, Manchester United 1988-91, Sing Tao 1991-92; died Dundee 6 September 2015.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments