Darren Jackson quits agent job to join Dundee United

By EUAN McARTHUR
Published on 05/02/2013 00:00

NEW Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara last night revealed that Darren Jackson is giving up his role as an agent to become a pivotal part of his Tannadice revolution.

Former United striker Jackson will today take up his new post as a first-team coach after McNamara made him part of his backroom staff following his switch from Partick Thistle last week.

Jackson was a popular figure on Tayside as a player from 1988-1992 and the 28-times capped former Scotland player brings a wealth of experience to his new job as the Tangerines bid to surge up the Clydesdale Bank Premier League table.

McNamara, who got off to a flying start with Saturday’s 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Rangers, is thrilled Jackson is showing such a commitment.

McNamara said: “Darren will start on Tuesday. He’s just trying to sort some things out as he’s leaving the agency business.

“He’s giving that up completely so he can concentrate full-time on the coaching side of things at Dundee United.

“We’ve got a good relationship and Darren would come in and work two days a week when we were at Partick Thistle.

“He’s an ex-United player and has a good personality first and foremost so the lads will like him. He’s got loads of experience and has played in World Cups.

“It’s a big commitment for him to give up what he’s been doing to come with us. But he had a wee taste of it at Partick and he loved it.

“If you ask any ex-player, when you finish playing you always miss the day-to-day stuff on the training field and the banter with the players. Darren is absolutely buzzing at the prospect of starting here.”

McNamara has had a whirlwind start to his time at Tannadice since replacing Peter Houston and is relishing the cup quarter-final showdown with Dundee at Dens Park early next month after the Tayside foes were paired together in Sunday’s televised draw.

The Arabs manager said: “It’s a great draw for both teams. Ideally I would have preferred to be at home but that’s the cup for you.

“If we do the right things then we should be in the next round. I watched the first derby at Tannadice back in August and thought the boys were excellent. They caused Dundee a lot of problems that day.

“There are a lot of big games to look forward to in the coming weeks like Hearts, Celtic, Hibs and of course the derby. But that’s what we’re in it for. These are great games for the players and the fans alike.”