Dens fans should leave nostalgia where it belongs – in the past!

is a great point, but

Dens is crumbling and is unsustainable in terms of maintenance.

“The amount of money required to fix it would be money down the drain.

“The old wooden stand would need to be demolished and rebuilt along with the South Enclosure, and the environment around these two areas would mean massive disruption to the residents – and probably have enormous challenges to overcome meaning huge costs.

“Therefore, a new-build is the better option.”

Gerry has for many decades served as an official with the Dundee Schools FA, and he continued: “As for tradition, Dundee United have already destroyed part of our uniqueness by not walking to the opposite ground on derby day, but meeting elsewhere for a meal and taking a bus.

“Former Dundee player Fabrizio Ravanelli said it was a brilliant experience, unheard of elsewhere and had no hint of trouble.

“Yes, I remember the huge crowds in the streets, but times have moved on and he himself said that people don’t arrive in this manner now.

“Plus crowds of this size no longer exist here. It’s living in the past.

“I believe the access/ exit issue is clearly a cause for concern, but it has been investigated and addressed. It won’t simply be ‘use the existing exit’.

“Yes, we have a crematorium, but it struggles to cope with demand, that’s been clear for some time now.

“It also brings in income, as St Johnstone have discovered to their gain, as would the other buildings such as the hotel.

“Some fans like to stay over if it’s been a long trip and it would be handy.

“The training pitches save money and can also be rented out. It’s all about raising income and it’s the way forward.”

Charleston resident Gerry concluded: “I accept his views, but it’s a little short-sighted.

“Leave nostalgia where it belongs – in the past!”

Last week, we featured he Dundee FC youth team which took part in the St Andrews Football Festival in 1997. Some of that team were released and almost immediately signed for Arbroath. Above is the Arbroath FC youth team which took part in the St Andrews Football Festival in 1998. Back row (from left) – Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Andy Webster, Mark Anderson, Kenny McMillan, Colin Wares, Paul Harris. Front row – Kevin Heenan, Gavin Swankie, Scott Peters, Derek Beattie, Kevin Steele, Paul Durno, Stephen Campbell. Again, any help with the ‘Unknowns’ would be appreciated.

This is the Morgan Academy football first XI from 1959-60. Back row (from left) – Unknown, Dillon, McCulloch, McGregor, McGovern, Unknown. Front row – Tipping, McKenna, Donaldson, Thom, Dillon.