First Team
ALL THE INFO | PARTICK THISTLE (H)
1st May 2024
As we continue our United for 100 Years celebrations, we’re asking supporters to vote for their ultimate UTD100 starting XI - and Scottish Premier Division champion John Holt takes the final place in the back four!
VOTE FOR THE HEROES YOU'D LIKE TO SEE US INCLUDE ON OUR X FEED!
Holt joined United from Invergowrie Boys Club in February 1972 and quickly progressed to the reserves, signing his first professional contract twelve months later.
His first-team debut came in January 1974, showcasing his versatility in full-back and midfield roles due to competition, before becoming a regular under Jim McLean from 1977 onwards.
In December 1979, John secured the first medal of his career as United defeated Aberdeen in the League Cup Final. The following year, the Terrors retained the trophy with a 3-0 victory over city rivals Dundee.
Holt, once again, was at the heart of success in 1983 as United clinched the Scottish Premier League title.
The 1986/87 season saw him play a pivotal role in our UEFA Cup run, notably defeating Barcelona in the Quarter-Final. He featured in both subsequent rounds, however, United narrowly missed out on European glory as McLean's men finally fell at the hands of IFK Goteborg.
After 14 years at Tannadice, Holt departed in the early 1990s, going on to play for Dunfermline Athletic, Dundee, Forfar Athletic, Deveronvale, and Montrose before retiring in 1994.
He returned to Tannadice as a coach, and also worked as a scout for Celtic, a youth development coach at Dundee, and became assistant manager at Montrose alongside former teammate Paul Hegarty.
In 2011, Holt’s contribution to United's late 1970s and early 1980s success was recognized with his induction into the Hall of Fame.
