End of an era at Tannadice

As Stephen Thompson sells his stake in United, Ian Roache looks back at the family’s association with the Tannadice club

Almost 16 years after it began with some fanfare at Tannadice, the Thompson era at Dundee United has ended.

On September 26 2002 fervent United fan Eddie Thompson sat before a packed media conference, accompanied by son Stephen, and expressed joy at taking over his beloved club.

He had fought a protracted battle with Jim McLean to take charge of the Tangerines and finally persuaded the legendary manager to part company with his 42% shareholding. That took Thompson senior’s stake in the club to more than 50%, having also acquired the shares of then directors Scott Carnegie, Gibby Haggart and Jim Barrie.

Eddie thus became United’s first outright owner, and appointed himself chairman.

“This is a very special moment for myself,” he said.

“I have been working towards this goal for a number of years, and at times thought that it would never happen.

“It is a great honour for me to become United’s chairman and the first majority shareholder in the club’s history.”

Eddie put his heart, soul and several million pounds into United and his devotion only ended when he lost a battle with cancer, dying on October 15 2008.

He had a stand named after him, and I found him to be someone with integrity, whose love of United was absolute.

He was quoted as saying: “You can change your wife, your house, your car but you can never change your team. Chairmen come and go, boards come and go but the fans remain. They are the one true constant. I’ve just been a custodian of the club.”

Stephen took over as chairman and would remain in charge for almost a decade, stepping down to make way for Mike Martin last March.

His sister Justine also had a stint on the board before selling her shares to Martin, while Eddie’s wife Cath has been a respected figure at Tannadice, transferring the family shares to Stephen and Justine in November 2013.

The Thompson era has ended on a negative note, with the club spending a third year in the Championship and fans unhappy with his stewardship.

Nevertheless, as he walks away for good from United, Stephen can look back on happy times, too.

I was privileged enough to sit with him at Tannadice the day after United’s Scottish Cup win over Ross County in 2010 when all we had for company was a shiny bit of silverware sitting between us on the boardroom table. That was a good time.

United also played some brilliant football during his time as chairman, enjoyed European involvement and, including his father’s time in charge, made it to four other national finals as well as the victory over County.

Now it is over to the new owners to try to bring back the good days to Tannadice.