Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
DUSF vote on club cash injection proposal closes at midnight
A FAN organisation has told its members their sixfigure financial injection into Dundee United will help to “ensure the club’s short-term liquidity”.
A steering group of the Dundee United Supporters’ Foundation has drawn up an 11-point document with the Tangerines which, if voted through, will see £100,000 deposited into United’s bank account.
The Tannadice directors have agreed the money they receive be earmarked “principally” for an upgrade of the academy facility at Gussie Park in line with their long-term strategy of developing the best young players in the country.
But the need for assistance i n “running costs” in the middle of a pandemic has also been spelled out.
The proposal that has been agreed after talks reopened between club and Foundation recently is for the latter to provide funds for the “redevelopment of our Academy facility at Gussie Park,” United explained.
“However, the proposal, if passed, will assist towards the running costs of the club at a vital time when we are unable to generate match-day revenue given the current circumstances that all of us find ourselves in.
“The contribution of £100,000, and potentially future f unds as DUSF grows with the help and support of the club, will ensure that the redevelopment is achieved much sooner and to a higher quality than otherwise would have been the case.
“The redevelopment of Gussie Park is crucially important in ensuring that we produce a regular flow of young players of the quality required of a Premiership team.”
U n i t e d ’s sporting director, Tony Asghar said: “The long-term strategy of Dundee United i s built upon the identification and development of our own players to play in our first team and, with the major investment that has been put into the club from the chairman, this cannot be understated.
“However, this vision and objective can be considerably enhanced with the partnership from our support base and by forming this coalition between the club and the Dundee United Supporters’ Foundation.
“With this agreement the Foundation are underpinning their belief in the club’s vision, as well as their generous donation forming a large part of the legacy for our academy at Tannadice.”
Foundation members have until midnight tonight to cast their vote.
The steering group’s document covers:
The transfer of funds; The difference in the number of United shares the Foundation will receive if the Gussie Park development does/does not go ahead;
Future co-operation between club and foundation;
A senior club representative to be tasked with DUSF liaison;
The drawing up of a full partnership agreement;
Provisions for a second ballot on detailed academy plans.