Majority of Dundee fans back Dens name change

THE majority of Dundee FC fans would back a move to introduce a sponsor’s name to their Dens Park stadium.

An exclusive poll for the Evening Telegraph showed that nearly 59% of supporters are keen on the idea of gaining extra income by changing the name of their historic home.

We revealed l ast week that Kilmac could be incorporated into the Dens Park name from next season.

More than 300 people took part in our survey, with 186 voting yes to the question: “Would you welcome sponsorship of Dens Park to secure more income for Dundee FC?”

Responding to the poll, Steve Barham from Stobswell wrote: “Any income to the club would be fantastic.

“Regardless of any name change, it would still be Dens to many fans.

“Other clubs have their stadiums sponsored nowadays. I would imagine that should the move to ‘Nou Campy’ (the club’s proposed new stadium) happen, that will also follow suit with a stadium sponsor.”

Fellow fan Garry Joiner, of Dunfermline, wrote: “Football is no longer a sport, it is a business and needs to operate as one.

“A name change will have no fundamental impact on Dens Park to those who have always known it as Dens Park.”

Richard Gennies, who’s based in Jakarta, backed sponsorship but insisted the stadium would “always be known as Dens Park no matter what the sign says”.

Another fan who also backs the move wrote: “If the name change brings in ongoing cash investment it must be a good thing for the club.

“It would be good to retain Dens in the name.”

One supporter suggested the name “Kilmac Dens Park” and others said they would support the move if “Dens” was incorporated.

However, others hit out at the sponsorship idea.

One fan wrote: “What good would changing the name do? All it would do is annoy the loyal fans who go to Dens week in, week out.”

Jasen Niblo, from Birkhill, said he didn’t like the fact the move was “all about money” and urged the club to keep the name.

Another fan cautioned the club against inviting any food-related sponsors, saying: “As long as it doesn’t sound as bad as the Tony Macaroni Arena (in Livingston) we might live with it.”

Graham Pert, from Whitfield, added: “I’m all up for things that will be great for the club but at this stage I think it would be sad to see the name changed from Dens Park.”

Dens Park stadium, which has been the club’s home for more than a century.