Chairman of fans’ group ArabTRUST, Gavin Muir, has welcomed the results of the Tele’s survey on Dundee United’s relegation.
He believes the rank and file fans’ views on future ownership/investment are in line with those of the trust.
“We’re looking for increased fan involvement but we’re not looking to take over the club. The ideal situation would be for local business people taking over,” he said.
“If there was then an opportunity for fans to look at increasing their shareholding, we would happily look at that.
“There are unissued shares and that’s something that could be examined.”
Where fans apportioned blame for the club’s predicament did not come as any surprise and his view is it is it’s very much a case of shared accountability.
“There’s a responsibility at all levels. Jackie and Mixu’s signings were poor in many respects and I’m sure some of the players would admit they could have done better.
“The chairman and the board set the strategy for the club, so they have to take responsibility as well.”
Looking to the future, he shares the cautious optimism of fans that time out of the top flight may only last a season.
“It’s difficult to answer that at the moment and we’ll have to see how Ray McKinnon shapes his squad.
“The Championship is a tough league to get out of but the club have started making some changes and we’ve taken that as a positive sign.
“I’m sure Ray realises he has a hard job but, if we get off to a good start and build momentum, we can do well, though you look at Hibs and see no one has a divine right to win the Championship.”
Muir believes the results are an accurate reflection of how United fans feel.
“Surveys can be difficult because you never know you’ve definitely reached the masses. When we survey our members, we do find it can be the ones who have negative views at the time who respond.
“I would say none of your findings come as a surprise. That suggests it’s accurate and it’s always good to hear what fans think.”
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