Mark Ogren has accepted that he will need to invest more cash into the running of Dundee United following the club’s damaging relegation from the Premiership.
Ogren has described the Tangerines as being in “reset mode” after last weekend’s 3-2 defeat against Motherwell condemned them to life in the Championship.
The American businessman addressed a gathering of Dundee United supporters groups at Tannadice on Wednesday, fielding a number of questions regarding the future of the club.
The Federation of Dundee United Supporters published a thorough update for their members, while Courier Sport has verified the details with another fans’ group that was represented.
And, despite telling the club’s AGM in February that he could not keep ploughing money into United’s coffers for no return, Ogren has now accepted that he will have little choice amid looming financial realities.
In their last published accounts of June 2022, United were carrying 108 members of staff. Their wage bill stood at £5.9 million before the signings of internationals such as Steven Fletcher, Aziz Behich and Mark Birighitti.
Mark Ogren Dundee United transfer hint
For context, the Terrors’ total turnover in their last non-Covid-effected campaign in the second tier (2018/19) was £3.1 million. The sums are clear.
A 45-strong playing staff is likely to be cut by around 20%, a process already under way following the exits of Ryan Edwards, Peter Pawlett, Ian Harkes, Liam Smith, Loick Ayina and Jamie McGrath.
However, Ogren stated that he wishes to retain an infrastructure capable of competing in the Premiership upon their return to the top-flight, which will include the appointment of a new recruitment team in the fullness of time.
Jim Goodwin
Meanwhile, Ogren has backed manager Jim Goodwin to lead the club’s summer recruitment drive, expressing his expectation that the Irishman will sign several players he has prior knowledge of.
And he has urged patience, predicting it will take up to 18 months for Goodwin’s stamp to truly be put on the squad.
There are no plans to replace former sporting director Tony Asghar, with United committed to ensuring there are no ties to Revolution Sports Investment Ltd moving forward.
Ogren, who, for a third successive visit to Scotland, did not carry out any external media, also told the gathering that United remain committed to its academy. It will retain “Elite” status, the highest possible Club Academy Scotland (CAS) rating.
He declined to give a definitive answer on the Tangerines’ stance regarding the proposed Scottish FA Conference League, but acknowledged the depth of feeling on the matter.
It was confirmed that United will continue to train at their St Andrews base and will have different sportswear manufacturers and principle sponsors next season, parting ways with Macron and QuinnBet.
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