DUFC

UNITED IN TALKS WITH ANDY MCLAREN

1st June 2000

United confirmed on Thursday they are willing to give old boy Andy McLaren the chance to rebuild his career after alochol and drug problems.

The 26-year-old winger was part of the side that clinched Scottish Cup glory in 1994, but his career went off the rails after he left Tannadice for Reading early in 1998. This year he failed a drugs test and was released by the English club, then suspended.

He is now, however, free to play again and has been working hard to overcome his problems and rebuild his personal life and professional career. If United can help him in any way, they will be only too happy to and manager Paul Sturrock has held talks with McLaren about a short-term contract.

"He is one of our own and we always look after our own," says Paul.
"He is trying to get himself sorted out and if he does that he can still have a very good career. We would be delighted if it was here again. However, we appreciate his special circumstances and he may want to stay close to his family in Glasgow. If he decides for family reasons to sign for a team down there, we will understand and wish him all the best."