Dens chief urged to work with fans

DUNDEE: Former chief executive hits out over lack of communication

Former Dundee chief executive Harry MacLean has criticised managing director John Nelms over “a lack of communication” with Dark Blues fan groups.

MacLean – at the helm of the Dens Park side during administration a decade ago – also called on Nelms to confirm whether or not he had taken a wage cut like the playing squad.

James McPake’s stars agreed salary reductions last month as the club moved to cut costs during the coronavirus shutdown.

Dundee have lost revenue worth more than £500,000 since football was suspended in March and face at least two more months of severely limited income, with the second tier not due to return until October 17.

MacLean, who wants Nelms to work closely with organisations such as the Dundee FC Supporters’ Society and the Dundee Supporters Association, said: “As a fan, I’m very worried about the situation at the club.

“I’m more worried about the lack of communication between the people who have an interest in the club being well-run and being a good club.

“It will never be like that while there are factions and disparate groups who don’t talk to each other.

“The person who can make that happen is John Nelms, he has the power but he has to have the will to go with it. I’m not sure if it is there.

“Now is the time, he needs the people’s help now.”

MacLean added: “If he has taken (a wage cut) then he would be as well to say so, there’s no loss to him revealing that.

“And then maybe invite the leaders of the fan groups to one table and ask, ‘What can we do together to safeguard the club?’”