Recent Dundee signing Craig Curran switched from the Dee’s arch-rivals Dundee United on an 18-month deal.
This came as a surprise to most, notably the United fans, who wondered what Curran had done in the Championship to warrant a move back to the top-flight.
Curran has made the switch between the city’s two footballing sides, but he isn’t the first. The striker is just one of a number of stars who have moved between the two teams in the city.
Jim McInally
One of the Arabs’ greatest players, McInally made the switch to Tannadice in 1986 from Coventry City.
The current Peterhead coach was a stellar servant for United, going on to make over 300 appearances for the Tangerines. He made 10 Scotland appearances in his time at Tannadice, and helped the club reach a UEFA Cup final.
After a move to Raith Rovers in 1995, McInaly returned to Tannadice a year later, before moving to Dens Park as a player-coach. No doubt a sting to United fans, McInally helped the Dark Blues win promotion in 1999.
Tommy Coyne
Coyne swapped city clubs in the 86/87 season, and it was a massive coup for the Dark Blues. He had made some notable contributions in Tangerine, including a UEFA Cup semi-final appearance against AS Roma.
Coyne left for Dens Park in a deal worth £75,000, and the next season, scored 33 times in the Premiership.
He was the third top goalscorer in Europe during the 87/88 season, a massive improvement on the 14 goals in 77 appearances for the Tangerines.
Lee Wilkie
A player who swapped Dark Blue for Tangerine, Wilkie’s cross city move saw him turnout for the team that somewhat ended his career prematurely.
Wilkie had been at Dens Park for his full career, minus a couple of loan spells, until 2006. In 2004, however, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a Dundee derby. Wilkie permanently lost the ligament.
The defender somehow managed to continue and switched to United in 2006. He captained the club at the 2008 League Cup final, but was one of three Arab players to miss penalties, allowing Rangers to lift the trophy.
United’s club captain was forced to retire because of persistent knee problems in 2010, ironically finishing his career at the team he picked up his gruesome injury against.