“One for all, and all for one!” That was the message delivered today by Stuart Murphy, the fans’ representative on the board of Dundee FC, in announcing the creation of a single supporters’ group.
At the conclusion of many weeks of talks, meetings, consultation and compromise, a single group will now encompass what was the Dundee FC Supporters Association (DSA), Dundee FC Development Club and Dee4Life Trust.
“It’s a huge step forward, and with all fans now working together as a single organisation, we are in a much stronger position to work with Dundee FC for the benefit of the club and its supporters,” explained Stuart. “Everyone recognises the problems we have in Scotland with three governing bodies, so it’s only sensible that Dundee should have one, rather than three, fans’ groups.”
The group will use the existing structure of the Dundee FC Supporters’ Society Ltd., the legal name of Dee4Life Trust, but will seek a new trading name to reflect the progression from surviving administration to being one of the leading lights of fan-club partnership in British football. Members of Dee4Life will remain members of the new group, while supporters' clubs will retain their independent status but affiliate to the Society instead of the DSA, as unanimously agreed at their AGM two weeks ago.
“It’s business as usual for our member clubs,” explained John Keith, secretary of the new sub-committee tasked with looking after supporters’ clubs’ interests. “We’ll continue to organise events, including the Player of the Year dinner, help clubs run buses, and there’s no pressure on clubs to raise funds – we still have our own budget, although we’ll look to build on the contribution we made of over £10,000 to the football club last season.”
Meanwhile, subject to ratification at a general meeting next week, a sub-committee with responsibility for business and youth development will continue the long-standing fundraising efforts of the Development Club, whose chairman Dave Forbes has been involved in talks from the outset. “The new structure allows us to continue the good work we’ve always done, while consolidating the funds raised by all fans into the next level of investment by the fans in the football club.”
Stuart urged all fans to get involved. “Whether you joined the Trust six years ago for £1, pay your subs to the club run from your local, subscribe to Club Dundee or sponsor the club through your business – or even if you’ve never joined any fans’ group – I would ask you to join or update your details to make sure we know you’re an active member. This new group has massive potential, there are reps from all groups on our new board – with more to come at our AGM – and it’s vital that as many Dundee supporters join as possible to ensure this one group truly represents all the fans.”