A flag bearing the names of well over 1000 Dundee fans from around the world will be unveiled at half time during this Saturday’s home clash with Queen of the South.
Dundee fanatic Graeme Brymer (47) raised £38,600 after striking upon the idea of asking fellow Dark Blues to pay £30 each for the privilege of having their names printed on a flag to fly at Dens Park. After launching the appeal on the Dundee Mad website, Graeme was immediately inundated with enquiries and before long was in the position to offer a massive boost to the Dundee FC Supporters’ Society fighting fund.
He is certain to receive a massive round of applause at half time on Saturday as he makes his way to the flagpoles situated at the south side of the ground to unfurl the fruit of his labour. Graeme will be accompanied by club legend Pat Liney as he unveils the 6ft x 3ft flag, which was made and designed by Carnoustie company Prime Signs.
Graeme said the idea came from a determination to do his bit for the club he loves, and that the initiative raised far more than he had originally envisaged.
“I was just sitting going over the situation we were in one night and thought that if we had a flag that people could pay to get their names on then that might raise a few quid,” he said.
“I posted on Dundee Mad and got something like 40 responses within 15 minutes. I made some calls and emailed a few people and it all started from there. The club’s chief executive Harry MacLean was a big help, as were a lot of other people.
“I know I wouldn’t have managed it without their help, but I especially need to thank John Falconer of Prime Signs who did a lot for me. He helped me out with the flag and it was him who did all the artwork, put the names onto the flag etc.
“He also arranged for the flag to be made, and paid for that himself so there was no extra charge. In total, there were about 1120 names on the flag. When you add in donations that people made, we raised £38,600, which is amazing for what was just a 10 second idea. We even had people sending their names from Sweden, America, New Zealand, from all over the world. I really was overwhelmed by the response.”
Acting on a further fundraising idea initiated from the club’s Commercial department, Dundee Mad posters chipped in to thank Graeme for his sterling work by paying for him and his partner to watch January’s visit of Falkirk in hospitality.
The idea proved such a success that a second flag, for businesses to put their name to, has been launched. The Supporters' Society have been contacted by several local companies and other organisations asking about the possibility of creating a DFC Business Flag in a similar manner.
Five of these organisations have already paid £300 each to have their name emblazoned on the flag, which will be displayed at Dens Park alongside the fans equivalent, for years to come.
DFCSS director John Keith praised Graeme for everything he has done and said he hoped the fans gave him a great reception on Saturday.
“We would once again like to thank Graeme for his outstanding efforts,” he said. “He put in a massive amount of time and effort to raise so much money for the club he loves. I hope everyone gives him a big cheer at half time to show their appreciation.”
Anyone wishing to have the name of their company added to the business flag should contact Maurice Kidd on 07789 264027, or at maurice_kidd@hotmail.com.
The unfurling of the flag is just one of the activities taking place on Saturday.
A 600cc Suzuki Bandit motorcycle, donated by John Burke of the Barry Smith Dundee Supporters Club, and customised in a DFC livery is to be raffled to raise money for the Fighting Fund. The bike will be on show in the concourse in from of the Main Stand throughout the game and John Burke jnr will ride it round the track to show Dundee fans just what a special and unique piece of memorabilia this is.
Around 200 raffle tickets have already been sold at £5 each, and anyone who wants a chance of winning the bike should get theirs as soon as possible.
Three supporters’ clubs will take the crossbar challenge this week, with the Central Dark Blues, Glasgow Dees and Billy Steel Dark Blues taking to the hallowed turf at half time.
“We’re really starting to develop our match day activities to get as many fans as possible involved,” continued John. “If anyone has any ideas about how we can do this, or who would be interested in helping us to improve our pre-match and half time entertainment please get in touch.”