Life outside top flight is costing United dear

DUNDEE UNITED have posted losses of £1million as they continue to suffer the effects of life outside the Premiership. Csaba Laszlo’s side sit fourth in the Championship 17 points behind leaders St Mirren and new chairman Mike Martin, who replaced majority shareholder Stephen Thompson last week, said the club will continue to run at a loss until they return to the top flight. The club revealed their revenue, for the year ended June 2017, fell by 24 per cent ‘due to operating in the Championship’. Martin said: ‘The club continues to address the financial challenges of life outwith the top league. ‘The support of our corporate partners and fans continues to be impressive and we are very grateful for this. ‘While we remain in the Championship we will continue to incur losses. ‘Promotion to the Premiership remains the club’s main priority.’ Martin bought the club’s Gussie Park training facility out of his own pocket for £1m last month to help pay off debts and provide funds for the rest of the season. A club statement added: ‘Expenses were cut by 30 per cent as the board dealt with the change of footballing circumstances. ‘While the club enjoyed trophy success in the Irn-Bru Cup and progressed to the Premiership play-off final, both events had a neutral net financial effect due to the related costs and SPFL levies. ‘We remain confident that a combination of new revenue streams balanced with loan finance and costcutting will enhance the club’s Premiership ambitions while addressing the company’s current financial challenges.’