Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Independence is ‘healthy’ for United and fans
MAL Brannigan believes Dundee United should remain independent of its organised fan groups.
There has been turmoil of late between the Tangerines and the Dundee United Supporters’ Foundation (DUSF), which was set up to raise cash to aid the club.
A dispute over a potential cash injection from the Foundation has led to the Tangerines effectively disowning the DUSF as they move down the path of setting up a new supporters’ group.
The DUSF later stated they were “astonished” by United’s statement calling an end to their arrangement.
On the subject, Brannigan is guarded, but does admit he believes it is healthy supporters groups stay separate from the club.
He continued: “It’s very early days since those statements and I think the most important thing at the moment is we focus on what we can do.
“We can generate funds through season tickets and enthusiasm about being back in the Premiership again.
“It’s a subject I’m sure will keep coming to the fore every now and then but now is not the time to discuss it.
“You never know what’s going to happen i n the future but we remain positive about everything.
“In terms of expanding and moving forward, what we have done is all the supporters clubs are independent of the football club.
“I think it’s healthy to have that independence because what it does is it retains opinion and what people find of value.”
Meanwhile, Brannigan insists United will continue to use their money wisely amid the coronavirus pandemic.
American owner Mark Ogren has pumped seven figures into the club since taking over at Tannadice in late 2018, helping lead the Terrors to the Championship title in the process.
Their managing director believes the financial impact of Covid-19 won’t affect United’s ability to compete in the top flight when the action resumes next season.
In fact, he is optimistic they will continue to build a stable future