Fan’s initiative delivers boost to Dee coffers

TAKING heart from the success of similar fan initiatives, the 1893 Foundation is already putting thousands of pounds a month into Dundee Football Club and it’s only been going 10 days.

With the club in need of a helping hand to see them through the coronavirus shutdown and the lack of income it has brought, Dees have stepped up once more.

After launching on the club website on July 21, the scheme has already secured 350 members – including manager James McPake – putting £5,000 into the club every month.

The idea was proposed to the Dark Blues by supporter Ross Day after seeing the success of similar schemes at Hearts and Aberdeen.

Ross told Tele Sport: “It was an idea that has been floating around for a while after seeing the kind of success the Hearts Foundation have had with raising money for their club. Aberdeen, too, have their AberDNA set-up and we wondered why Dundee didn’t have a similar thing.

“It was a no-brainer when you think about it.

“I put the proposal together, initially going through DFCSS, but then I took it to the club and they really liked the idea.”

The levels of monthly subscription vary from £10, £20, £40 and £100 with all money going directly to the club.

In return, members get rewards including pin badges, scarves, T-shirts, signed Dundee tops and hospitality.

Ross, though, is keen for the idea to evolve as the foundation grows and is looking for input from more fans.

“I think the idea will change and grow over time,” he says.

“In the current situation, it was a case of getting it out right away rather than having the perfect product because we all know the appetite is there to help the club.

“The feedback so far has been very positive and that’s not always the case with these things! A lot of people are saying it’s exactly what the club has needed for a while.

“It’s a way to keep money coming into the club and it might go on to pay for two players a year if it all develops and builds.”