We will always listen to our fans says United MD

THE message from Dundee United’s new owners to Arabs is a clear one – we won’t always do exactly what you want but we will always listen to you.

Since American Mark Ogren and his son, Scott, bought a controlling interest at the end of last year, there’s been a concerted effort to involve supporters in as many areas of the decisionmaking process at Tannadice as possible.

Obviously, that cannot extend to manager Robbie Neilson’s plans for his team, nor investment in the playing squad.

But, when they can, those now in charge at the Tangerines will seek feedback from their support.

Managing director Mal Brannigan has been at the sharp end of that and, while it’s not always proved easy, he’s delighted with how the relationship with the support has developed.

“I think it helps when a new ownership comes in and there’s an expectation there when fans know things will change, whether that’s ticket pricing or investment in the ground, or in access to areas of communication with the fans,” he said.

“It’s also good that Mark and Scott come from a retail background, from an American sports background where communication is really important and the product that’s given to the supporter needs to be enhanced.

“And I have found the supporter base has been really open, definitely communicative in a positive way and in a challenging way as well.

“We are not going to get it all right but, if we communicate with the supporters groups we have and then we take on everyone’s view, the biggest thing is that we have listened.

“Whatever the decision we come to thereafter, at least we’ve listened and tried to take on board what the supporters have asked us to do.”

Dialogue, so far, has included matters such as the decision to give the home support three sides of the ground for the coming derby against Dundee, the new ticketing system that’s been introduced and even seeking thoughts on how projects like

Robbie Neilson has been given funds to strengthen his squad.