Dundee United Supporters’ Foundation (DUSF) are racking up the milestones.
Isla Gall, 11, became their 2000th member in April.
In June, the group contributed a record £215,000 to ensure the second phase of Gussie Park’s redevelopment could progress.
That will include a 215-seater stand to allow, among other benefits, United’s women’s team to host top-flight games.
And this month, DUSF celebrates its five year anniversary.
They have provided £438,000 of capital to Dundee United — with the stated aim of supporting ‘bricks and mortar projects’.
That has been evident at Gussie which, as steering group members Ged Bell and Martin Manzi tell Courier Sport, will soon be adorned with the name of the Foundation.
“There is a commitment with the club that the facility will be named after the Foundation,” said Bell.
Manzi added: “Foundation members should very proud of what they have achieved. Walking past Gussie Park in a year or so, when the Foundation’s name is on the signage, they will know what a huge contribution they made.”
Phase 3
It seems a fitting gesture, particularly given the potential of DUSF funding the remainder of the project.
Although any major decision will be subject to a vote of all members (as the recent £215,000 investment was, with a staggering 98.7% approval), due diligence is currently being done on the prospect of financing phase three.
That is likely to include changing rooms, medical and physical performance suites, a cafeteria, viewing area, analysis areas and administrative offices; a seven-figure outlay.
“We will do the work in the background and get legal agreements in place to ensure any members’ money we put in is used wisely and is secure,” assured Bell.
“That includes conditions on the property that ensures the facility [Gussie Park] will remain in the hands of the club.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to secure a great asset for the club. But it’s not our money, it’s our members’ money.
“We have got to ensure it is being spent wisely and securely. It is a responsibility we take very seriously.”
Nevertheless, the passion for the project shines through and, once the details are ironed out, the steering group are hopeful that enthusiasm will be shared by its membership.
“During the early stages, you had to do some convincing that the money wasn’t just going into a pot to paint the stadium or whatever,” smiled Manzi.
“That’s not the case and never has been. This is for something that will be with the club forever.
“The academy being at Gussie Park will help us bring through better young players, which improves the product on the park.
“We intend for the money put in by our members to ultimately reap rewards on the pitch, getting up the league and winning cups.”
Win-win
While DUSF cash is kept away from the vagaries of day-to-day business and transfer pots, it should be noted that they have — by owner Mark Ogren’s admission — aided United’s bid to secure summer signings.
“If our contribution allows Mark Ogren and the club to say, ‘that has released cash elsewhere to spend on top players’, then fantastic,” added Manzi. “It is almost like a double-win.
“We are supporting youth development while allowing funds to be diverted towards strengthening the squad.”
Five years on, what’s next?
Setting membership figures isn’t their style, with Manzi noting: “Having come through the Covid pandemic, and in the current financial climate, having a membership of more than 2000 and raising the amount of money we have, is remarkable.”
Nevertheless, the figure of 2,500 is floated as a possibility.
Other fundraising events are on the horizon. A celebration of the five-year anniversary of DUSF; an exclusive performance of Smile, the play based on the achievements of iconic boss Jim McLean; a new batch of specially brewed beers.
Looking at the bigger picture, DUSF’s desire to be on the ground floor of projects that tangibly benefit United in the long term will not end when the work on Gussie Park is concluded.
“If things go well and we can fund Gussie Park in a reasonable amount of time — maybe even three years if we increase our membership — then you ask, ‘what do you do with the money after that?’,” continued Manzi.
“One thing that has been floated is safe standing, perhaps in the Eddie Thompson [Stand].
“Is that something the fans would like? Would it benefit the club? Could it get the atmosphere at Tannadice akin to what it’s like at away games?
“That is for further down the line — but our ambition to grow and be involved in projects that can help United moving forward won’t end with Gussie Park.”
Conversation