Sports icons – including Sir Alex Ferguson – have sent their best wishes to Stirling University as they compete in a historic Scottish Cup tie tomorrow.
The university’s football side will face Dundee United at Tannadice in the fourth round of the tournament – the first time a university team has reached that stage in more than 50 years.
The students are set to be roared on by supporters who will travel north for the bumper cup clash.
And ahead of the historic match, the players were given a boost when they were given words of encouragement from a host of sporting legends, including Sir Alex Ferguson and World Cup winning legend Lilian Thuram.
The match will be the first time ever the uni has faced top-flight opposition in a competitive match.
“I just want to wish you all the best. What a challenge it is to you, and I hope you enjoy it,” said Sir Alex in a video message. “You’ve every chance in the cup, and I wish you good luck.”
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The iconic former Manchester United manager received an honorary degree from the university in 2011 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport.
Thuram – who was played a key role in France’s World Cup win in 1998 and their Euros victory in 2000 – is also an honorary graduate of the university, having been recognised in 2019. Providing words of motivation in the short film, he said: “Congratulations! We need to win against Dundee United. We are the best! You are the best! Come on Stirling, let’s go!”
The footballing legends were joined by other big names in sending support to the student footballers.
The messages landed with the squad as they secured their third consecutive British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Premier North Division title. Chris Geddes’ side were crowned champions on Wednesday afternoon after an action-packed 3-3 draw with Durham University.
Olympic gold meal winning curler Eve Muirhead – who received an honorary doctorate in 2018 – said in her message: “I just want to wish you all the very best of luck on Saturday against Dundee United. You’ve got this far, and you can go further, so play well and have a great, great game.”
Judy Murray – speaking from Melbourne, where sons Jamie and Andy are in action at the Australian Open – sent the best wishes on behalf of herself, Andy and Jamie. She said: “Sending a massive good luck to the Stirling Uni football team with your clash with Dundee United in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.”
Pool star Ross Murdoch – who graduated from the university in November – said: “I’m chuffed to see how far this team has come along. Fourth round of the Scottish Cup – best of luck. This is a team that’s already made history – so you’ve got nothing to lose.”
Dougie Vipond – the one-time presenter of BBC football show Sportscene – also wished his local team well, saying: “What you’ve achieved so far this season has been absolutely sensational, and I know that this weekend is going to be incredible for you.”
Honorary graduate and local man Sir Craig Reedie, former chairman of the British Olympic Association and ex-president of the World Anti-Doping Association, said: “I send my congratulations to the football team on a great season – and every bit of luck for their coming big match.”
The messages come just days after former Scotland boss Craig Brown – the last manager to lead Scotland’s men’s side to a World Cup and whose grandson and namesake played for the university side between 2017 and 2021 – said: “Everyone loves a shock, and everyone loves the underdog – so, as the underdog, University of Stirling hope to win this match, and I dearly hope they do; it would be a terrific achievement. All the very best lads – and good luck on Saturday.”
Geddes’ team is the first university side to reach the last 32 of the Scottish Cup in more than 50 years and more than 1,000 supporters – students, staff, alumni, and members of the local community – are expected to descend on Dundee for this weekend’s match, with local supporter Gordon Mackay – a world-renowned sports surgeon, who runs The Mackay Clinic – putting on a fleet of buses for those travelling north.
Made up of students on football scholarships, Geddes’ side beat League Two side Albion Rovers in the previous round.
Tickets can be purchased up until kick-off, as they are issued electronically. Visit the Dundee United away tickets webpage for more information and to purchase: stir.ac.uk/99i
