Ralph Milne:  Signed for United in August 1977 from Dundee Celtic Boys Club and made his debut in July 1979, which brought the start of the most exciting wing play of the modern era at Tannadice. On his day he was virtually unstoppable, and he reserved some of his greatest performances for the European arena. No Arab will ever forget his breathtaking goal in the match which secured the league championship at Dens Park in United's 2-1 win against Dundee. However, he proved something of a wayward genius, his off-field activities all too often reducing his ability to perform with consistency, or even to appear consistently. This illustrated by the fact that he played in 34 league games, scoring 16 times, during the championship season, yet appeared only 76 times, scoring only 11 goals, throughout the 4 seasons which followed, and in 1987 he left Tannadice at the age of 25, and signed for Charlton Athletic. Played 285 games for the club in all competitions and scored 74 goals.

Eammon Bannon: Signed from Chelsea for a then Scottish record of £165,000 in 1979. Bannon was a regular scorer from midfield something that is much sought after in today's game. His pace was electrifying and he often stripped defenders of all dignity at home and on the European stage. He again was a major influence in the United team of this era being so great. In 1981 he took on the whole Borussia Muchengladbach defence on single handed and scored a quiet magnificent goal in our 5 - 0 home thrashing of the Germans. This goal to me signified what Bannon was all about. Scores 108 goals in 440 games for the club and won 11 Scotland caps. He left United to join Hearts in 1988.

Maurice Malpas:  Still playing today Maurice Malpas signed for United from Leven Royals in 1979 and made his first-team debut in 1981, but did not become a full-time player until completion of his BSc degree in Electrical Engineering two years later. Maurice soon developed into one of the best full-backs in Scotland, a fact recognised with the first of his 55 caps for Scotland in 1984, thus becoming the only United player so far to enter The SFA's Hall of Fame. Consistently outstanding, his good fortune in avoiding serious injury, has helped him build toward David Narey's all-time record for appearances. That figure is still increasing because at the age of 36, he remains a first-team regular, still producing consistent and outstanding performances. He was also a member of the Championship winning team in 1983 and many memorable European matches including The UEFA Cup run of 1986/87. Has the honour of being the first United captain to hold aloft the Scottish Cup. Will break Dave Narey's all time appearence record this season. To be continued.