I don’t think who controls Dundee and Dundee United matters to most fans, as long as the clubs are well run.
That’s just as well, because I suspect that both are now beyond the reach of home-based ownership.
Given the costs of buying and running a high level football club, locally-based individuals who would have the wherewithal to buy either outfit will be thin on the ground.
United’s books showed a profit this week, but crucially also revealed that American owner Mark Ogren has invested around £10m.
That money is on an interest-free loan basis, with no intention in the short-to-medium term to seek any repayment of the debt.
What that means long term is a different matter.
Mark Ogren’s expenditure has been vital for the club.
It’s allowed United to run an expensive academy system, pay high wages to big name signings and invest in the stadium and the Gussie Park facility.
Ogren is man of faith, which is just as well, since United’s form would test the patience of a saint.
He has been a good steward of the club and gets on with – and is well liked by – supporters, who greatly appreciate his commitment, backing and keen interest in the club’s history and tradition.
If there is a problem for him, it’s one which will also affect his counterparts at Dens Park.
American Tim Keyes has also put his money where his mouth is in backing Dundee.
He and John Nelms, who oversees day-to-day running of the club, are meeting some resistance from supporters over the issue of the proposed new arena at Camperdown.
They’re concerned over stadium ownership issues and, more immediately, the prospects of being homeless and ground sharing.
When it comes to football, the old maxim springs to mind…
How do you make a small fortune in football? Start off with a big one and buy a football club!
It’s one thing getting into a club, assuming you have the money, but it’s another thing entirely to get out of a club, without losing a huge chunk of original investment.
Unlike English Premier League sides like Manchester United and Liverpool, whose American owners are looking to sell, Scottish clubs aren’t magnets for investors.
As such, Stateside ownership looks assured for Dundee and United for the foreseeable future.
Arbroath were right to take on the minority of fans who gave abuse to players and other fans last week.
Football’s passions spill over in the stands but, when the temperature gets so hot for some supporters that they become aggressive and insulting to others, they’d be better staying at home or in the boozer.
I don’t know why football fans in particular seem to think it’s fine to scream the most vicious and intemperate bile at their own players, opponents and officials.
These 90-minute nut jobs wouldn’t get away with it in the pub or in the workplace.
And the problem affects folk regardless of their social standing.
I’ve known professional people whose behaviour at football would get them the sack in their working environment.
Arbroath are a well run club and they’re right to tackle their terracing terrors.
Conversation