Thompson move not enough for fan groups

DUNDEE UNITED: Supporters do not believe resignation plan will let club move forward

Stephen Thompson’s resignation as chairman does not go anywhere near far enough for prominent Dundee United fan groups.

And replacing him with his boardroom ally Mike Martin would not be acceptable either.

As Courier Sport reported yesterday, Martin is the favourite to step into Thompson’s shoes in the summer.

But this wouldn’t represent significant change as far as the Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs, Fans United and the Dundee United Foundation are concerned.

In a joint statement they called on Thompson to “relinquish his majority shareholding.”

Thompson is open to getting out but a solution that would meet his financial expectations hasn’t materialised – and this includes trying to tap into the American sporting market, an idea first revealed in The Courier nearly a year ago.

In the short-term, the notion that Edinburghbased banker Martin (who has bought out Justine Mitchell’s 33% share in the club) becoming chairman will appease an increasingly volatile fan-base has been blown out of the water.

In a statement, the groups said: “We are pleased with the announcement by Dundee United Football Club that Mr Stephen Thompson is stepping down as chairman.

“We think this a sensible measure given the continued difficulties of the club on and off the park.

“We would also urge Mr Thompson to relinquish his majority shareholding of the club as soon as possible and let Dundee United move forward and ‘heal’ as a club after a traumatic few years.

“A possible candidate to take over the chairman’s role would be Mike Martin, who to many Arabs has gone under the radar as director on the board and has recently purchased a 33% shareholding of the club.

“This, however, would be of great concern to all groups given Mr Martin’s seven-year involvement at the club as a full director and close ally of Mr Thompson with both men presiding of the club both on and off the park over the past few years.

“The thought of Mr Thompson continuing to be owner and major shareholder of the club along with Mr Martin as chairman, or continuing as director of the club, is a major concern and we would question how much change this action would make.

“However, we welcome the two new additions to the board, Mr David Dorward and Mr Jimmy Fyffe and wish them every success in their new posts.

“The Federation, Fans United & Dundee United Supporters’ Foundation urges all Arabs to get behind the team and hope that we can gain promotion this season.”