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Dundee United respond by pointing to club achievements

Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson.
Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson.

Dundee United have responded to the statement issued by two fans’ groups by highlighting the club’s most recent achievements.

ArabTRUST and the Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs issued a joint statement on Wednesday night which raised a number of concerns over how the Tangerines were being run.

The answer to those criticisms of chairman Stephen Thompson and his board came in the form of a club statement that stressed United would be sticking to their “professional and comprehensive strategy.”

It read: “The board of Dundee United has noted the statement issued by two Dundee United supporters’ organisations.

“All supporters can be assured that the board will continue to implement its professional and comprehensive strategy for the football club.

“This strategy and the related actions of the chairman and board of directors have delivered progress both on and off field.

“On field the club has reached back-to-back domestic cup finals for the first time in 29 years, qualified for European competition in three of the last four years, finished in the Premiership top six (formerly SPL) in every one of the last seven years and won the Scottish Cup in 2010.

“The current management team and players are also sitting fourth in the Premiership this season with sights firmly set on securing a European qualification place.

“Off field the board has reduced overall debt, including Thompson family loans, from £5.2 million in February 2014 to £2.6 million while successfully extricating the club from all bank debt.

“The club debt is projected to be reduced to £1.4 million by the end of this year.

“And, in a period where Scottish football clubs have faced some of the most challenging economic times in history, the club continues to pursue its strategic objectives and invests in facilities for the future.

“Supporters can rest assured that the board is comprised of individuals that are, without exception, Dundee United supporters.

“They bring with them a wealth of experience in business.

“At all times, the board acts to promote the success of Dundee United and will continue to do so.”

In their statement, ArabTRUST and the Federation said they were “shocked” that an alleged quarter of £6.3 million worth of transfer fees – has been paid to unnamed third parties. This claim, however, has not been confirmed by the club.

The strongly-worded statement also criticised “the overall management of the club,” which has just announced profits of £1.2 million.

It said: “It is with regret that we have to make such a statement.

“However, we feel that following the discussions held we have no other option and it is our duty to do so as shareholders in the club and as elected members of the committees of fans representative bodies.

“We were shocked to find out that a huge amount of ‘commission’ has been paid to unnamed parties from the sale of four players Gauld, Robertson, Armstrong and Mackay-Steven.

“We believe this figure to be in excess of £500k. This does not include payments to players, agents or other clubs. When all of these various payments are totalled, over 25% of the £6.3m in fees received has not been kept in the club.”

The joint statement concluded: “Given the points above, we believe that changes are required as to how Dundee United is managed.

“We want our club to be successful and stable, both on and off the park.

“Both ArabTRUST and the Federation wish only the best for Dundee United; the club is deep within our hearts and we hope that by the time we formally meet again with the Board of DUFC that the necessary changes have been made to improve the management of the club and allow us in the future to prosper on the field.”