Society hope for Blues chief over

THE Dundee FC Supporters’ Society (DFCSS) admits it rejected an approach for a “no strings attached” donation from Dundee FC.

But the fans’ group insists it wants to help the cash-strapped club through Covid-19 – and has called for “constructive dialogue” with managing director John Nelms.

The Dark Blues hit out at the DFCSS after revealing the group refused a request to donate a fivefigure sum from its cash reserves.

Dee director Bob Hynd quit the society board over the row, with the Dens Park club accusing the group of offering “little to no help” over a period of seven years, despite having profited from the club’s intellectual property.

The DFCSS hit back at that claim, maintaining it has a duty to its members not to simply hand over cash.

And, in a statement, the society, which is working to set-up a monthly, direct-to-club donation scheme, revealed its willingness to sit down to discussions about alternative funding arrangements.

“The DFCSS/Dee4Life directors wish to confirm their extreme surprise and disappointment at the resignation of Bob Hynd and record their gratitude for his valued contribution to the society and the important role he performed as a colleague and bridge between the Society and the club over the years,” said the statement.

“All society directors and members are extremely passionate Dundee supporters and we want to help the club through these extraordinarily difficult times.

“The recent press statement from the club refers to the society rejecting a request for financial assistance from the funds we currently hold.

“The fact of the matter is the society rules, in common with other supporters’ trusts, do not encourage ‘no strings attached’ donations such as this and that is why the society directors decided they could not agree to the request as it stood.

“In light of the perilous situation facing clubs across the country the society board is exploring other means by which it could provide the club with funding at this time, including the purchase of shares or an interest-free loan.

“Furthermore, given the fact this could account for a significant portion of the society’s reserves, the society directors would wish to consult with the members over any such proposal and provide them with a comprehensive set of facts to allow them to decide how their money is spent.

“Unfortunately, the discussions with the club were short-lived and these alternatives were not considered.

“The press statement also referred to £38,000 being held by the society and claimed that the money was raised using the club’s intellectual property.

Managing director John Nelms, the man the supporters’ society hope to have “