A thank you

Last updated : 15 April 2011 By Shaded

Dundee FC Supporters' Society Chairman Scott Glenday today thanked his fellow supporters not only for their continued support but also for their patience. ‘Administration has been dragging on for some time now, much longer than anyone associated with the process imagined it would. There have been several reasons for that and despite there being little or no specific information coming from the Club, Society, DBBT or the administrator the supporters have on the whole continued to stick together, turn out in numbers and refrain from being over critical of either individuals or any of the groups involved. Our fellow fans have been extremely generous, patient and very understanding over a very long period of time and hopefully they will be rewarded shortly. ‘This has been a difficult and frustrating time for everyone and I have to admit to having had some difficulty myself in remaining patient and focused. We’re still hoping that we can give the fans cause for double celebration at the end of the season by way of First Division survival and exit from admin but at this stage we can take neither for granted; there is still work to be done on both fronts. ‘What I do know is that many people have been very busy generating funds to increase our chances of survival and trying to prepare the foundations for the future. Like many others I’ve been working harder than ever and don’t ever recall attending so many meetings or teleconferences, it’s taking up a lot of people’s time and energy but there’s a determination to succeed that is very evident. ‘There are lots of good things going on and the number of people coming forward to support our efforts continues to increase whilst initiatives gather pace. Last Sunday for example we had the volunteers at the stalls handing out leaflets, distributing Junior Dee goody bags, the buckets were out, Ronnie McIntosh was doing his run, the Penman Lounge was open for business, Platinum members were in the Captains Lounge, posters were put up advertising membership schemes, a local good cause received a donated signed football, the crossbar challenge went ahead at half time, the Barry Smith Dark Blues motorbike was out, the Dundee Mad flag fluttered in the wind, Kenny Ross was selling back issue programmes, we had as we always do a substantial contribution in the match day magazine and there were Society / Club meetings that started at 10am and finished after the game. ‘Another point, another step towards survival, a bit more money in the kitty, progress with planning and it was all worthwhile. We’ve concluded the period of consultation on the community initiatives and recognised there’s an awful lot of potential if people are willing to come out and support the organisation of some of the initiatives. We got a decent response and I think it proved that people really do care about the Club, much, much more than just wanting it to survive or exist. We’ll be publishing a document based on what we received and intend to have an open meeting on the best way forward and what fans want the Club to look like some time in the next month or so. ‘Things are moving on, Harry, Jim and the rest of the staff have done extremely well on a daily basis keeping the Club going in difficult circumstances. Individual fans and organised groups such as the Business Trust, the Society and Supporters Clubs have all played their part. It really has been a fantastic effort. Where we go from here and how much of a Community Club we want to have will depend very much on the appetite there is for it, but I’m very confident the people will respond and we’ll deliver in the longer term the type of Club our loyal supporters deserve. ‘As we said at the outset we’ve a blank canvas, we’ve no intention of copying anyone else and we believe the answers to our problems lie within our own support. We’ve several avenues we’re keen to continue to explore and that hopefully will see us firm up links with people who can offer expertise, finance, talent, energy or particular skills. ‘Dundee FC will bounce back, if Barry and the lads complete the job of First Division survival on the park it would be a superb finish to one of the most remarkable seasons in the Clubs history. Exit from admin and entry to the world of Community ownership off it would mean the beginning of something very special for supporters. ‘There will be a place for everyone and our success will not only be judged in terms of points, prizes or balancing of the books. There’s been a real feel good factor around Dens of late, the fans, staff, players, coaches and the manager have stuck together. The team have been showing the kind of spirit and performance fans expect, it’s up to us all to build on that going forward and make their efforts all worthwhile. ‘We should expect no overnight miracle, but if we continue to stick together you never know we might just be building something lasting, something worthwhile, a Football Club that the people of Dundee and fans further field can be truly proud of.’