Tannadice turmoil takes a new twist

DUNDEE United chairman Stephen Thompson was last night battling to prevent the embarrassing loss of club consultant Jim Spence after a mere week at the club.

The former BBC broadcaster was appointed to build bridges with supporters demanding Thompson’s removal from the board.

However, following a torrid meeting with representatives of the Arab Trust and the Federation of Dundee United Supporters Clubs on Thursday night, Spence began considering his position.

A Twitter post from the journalist read: ‘Being blunt I’ve already lost the fed and the trust, so looking grim.’

Newly appointed associate director Laura Conway is also believed to be considering her place on the board following another week of turmoil at Tannadice.

A besieged Thompson quit the SPFL board after the club were docked three points and fined £30,000 for using two ineligible players against Inverness last weekend.

A kit launch then had to be moved to the club’s GE Arena academy following fears of fan protests.

Thompson, meanwhile, will break cover to unveil new manager Ray McKinnon on Monday.

But the United chairman remained tight-lipped as he arrived at the club’s St Andrews training ground ahead of an afternoon meeting when he planned to persuade Spence to stay.

Gavin Muir, chairman of the Arab Trust, insists his fans’ body were not present at Thursday’s meeting in an official capacity.

‘We made our views known a couple of weeks ago that we wanted change on and off the park,’ he said.

‘Ray is appointed manager now and that’s good.

‘We were starting to feel there were some signs of change.

‘For that reason, I would be disappointed if Jim went. I believe he was pivotal in getting Laura Conway to come on to the board, so from the club’s perspective it would be a shame if he went and Laura subsequently went as well.

‘There are still a lot of unhappy supporters and some are quite vocal, but I personally saw Jim’s involvement as a positive in trying to build bridges with supporters.

‘That was always something unlikely to happen overnight.

Caretaker coach Gordon Young will end his brief seven-month stint at the club following this weekend’s final Premiership game against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Insisting he has no regrets over his decision to return north from Sheffield United, Young said: ‘The club is terrific historically and the ambitions to get back to that level shouldn’t be undermined.

‘I don’t want to leave bitter. I’ve never been that way in my life. I definitely have no regrets about joining Dundee United.

‘I wish it had ended in better circumstances and I wish them well in the future but I don’t regret it for a minute.

‘I haven’t spoken to the new manager. This will definitely be my last game.

‘I’ll leave the club on Saturday and I’m disappointed.’

With all but five players likely to leave the club this summer, Young admits the dead rubber with Kilmarnock will be a big ask of the team, adding: ‘We’ve got a challenge — let’s not kid ourselves. We’ve got to try and focus the players. Fans will be travelling and we can’t forget that.

‘There will be players making their debuts and let’s hope it’s not the only appearance they make for the club.

‘I’ve got personal pride and I ask the players to show personal pride. If there is a game to play, then there is a game worth winning.

‘People keep saying there’s no pressure but the win bonus could mean getting a holiday.’