Dundee United Captain Ross Graham Reveals Tactics Behind Celtic Victory as Former Midfielder Takes First Managerial Job
Dundee United defender Ross Graham has credited his side’s aggressive pressing game for their 2-0 victory over Celtic, explaining how the team bounced back from the heartbreak of his derby day own goal.
The 25-year-old captain produced a commanding display at Tannadice, making two blocks and 13 clearances as second half goals from Will Ferry and Emmanuel Agyei dealt a serious blow to Celtic’s title aspirations. The result keeps United’s faint hopes of a top six finish alive while leaving the champions five points adrift of league leaders Hearts.
Graham admitted he struggled to show his face in Dundee following the previous weekend’s 2-2 derby draw, where his 96th minute own goal cost his side victory at Dens Park. “After the derby, it was rock bottom,” he said. “It’s always difficult, especially being around the city. You can’t help but bump into fans of both teams. So, I tried to keep my head down, out of the way. It’s hard to describe how I was feeling. I’ve never felt that way before in football.”
He thanked manager Jim Goodwin for maintaining faith in him and praised teammates for lifting his spirits. “We always know in football, you’ve always got a game the next week to change things.”
Analysing the Celtic triumph, Graham highlighted the importance of defensive organisation and bravery. “Whenever you play Celtic, the defence and the whole team need to be switched on defensively and maintain the structure. We know Celtic want to get the ball down and play, so we thought we’d press them high and be aggressive, especially on that pitch. It can take a few bad bobbles and stuff like that. So, we were brave in our press and we nipped the ball off them on multiple occasions.”
In other news, former Celtic midfielder Colin Kazim-Richards has embarked on his managerial career by taking charge of League Two strugglers Crawley Town. The 39 year old, who made 11 appearances for the Hoops during the 2015/16 campaign, replaces Scott Lindsey at the Broadfield Stadium following the latter’s dismissal after ten winless matches.
Kazim-Richards retired from playing in 2023 and subsequently joined Arsenal’s academy coaching staff. Crawley owner Raphael Khalili praised his “natural leadership” and “extensive experience in the dressing room” after what he described as a thorough recruitment process. The new appointment faces a daunting task, with the club sitting 21st in League Two and five points from safety.