The men who matter know real title truth

May 11 2008 By Gordon Waddell

IT'S the biggest myth in Scottish football folklore - Dundee United won the Premier League title using only 12 players.

But the 20 guys who did take part will always know the truth.

Boss Jim McLean staggered players and staff minutes after the club's greatest ever triumph in 1983 when he gave the credit for their win to just 12 men live on national TV.

To this day though the all for one mentality of a squad that goes down in history means every player who took part gets the praise from the men who matter - their team-mates.

Striker John Reilly was a vital cog, a guy who started only eight games and came off the bench in nine yet scored seven crucial goals - only one fewer than idol Paul Sturrock.

But he and seven mates were shamefully snubbed by McLean.

Now a journalist and taking charge of Arbroath's youth set-up, Reilly said: "It's not about individuals - it's about the team and if you take away anyone's contribution, chances are you don't win the league.

"That's how tight it was.

Take a guy like Derek Murray. He played one game, against Motherwell, but cleared a shot off the line at 0-0 that could have changed a match we won.

"We used 20 guys - and keeper John Gardiner should be included too. He grafted every day just in case anything happened to Hamish McAlpine.

"Yes, the comment about there being only 12 players left me gutted.

"I always feel like I have to justify my place in history - but never to the guys.

"When we get together it's still special. We've organised our own anniversaries - May 30 this year is the first time the club have done it - and anyone who played a minute of that season has always been invited."

Despite the part he played Reilly - known as Boney for his skinny build - insists he loved it even from the bench.

He shrugged: "Ralph Milne, Sturrock and Davie Dodds are possibly the best three strikers the club ever had so it's no disgrace playing second fiddle to them.

"It was a fantastic team and I had the best seat in the house to watch them."