Stars of the 80s: No 4, Ralph Milne

Published on 25/10/2012 18:38

DUNDEE United’s top goalscorer in European competition with 15 goals in both the Uefa Cup and European Cup during the halcyon days at Tannadice. Despite that, Milne was primarily a midfielder to trade.

A local boy, Milne played for ten years at United between 1977 and 1987 and was a key player as they won their only league title in 1982/83.

In 1978 he moved to Charlton Athletic and, in 1988, he joined Bristol City. Then came a move to Manchester United.

Milne was famed for his goalscoring ability from midfield but admitted after his career ended that alcohol and gambling problems prevented him fulfilling his true potential.

Jim McLean, his manager at Tannadice, seemed to agree. “If I had an outstanding failure then it was Ralph Milne,” he said.

“He should have been playing in World Cups. He did not have the right attitude to the game and I could not instil that into him.”