The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
MacLean: Colvin cash helped save Dundee
Former Dens Park chief executive praises vital part played by departing chairman in rescuing club
Former Dundee chief executive Harry MacLean insists the club owe an enormous debt of gratitude to departing chairman Bill Colvin and his wife Pam.
Put simply, MacLean believes without the couple’s donation of £180,000 in 2011, the Dark Blues who were just coming out of administration for the second time, would have ceased to exist.
The money was given to Dundee to honour the memory of Pam’s late father, lifelong Dark Blues fan Bill Gordon.
Colvin ploughed further substantial sums into Dundee, eventually becoming chairman of the club and MacLean insists the businessman and his wife never received the recognition they deserved.
He said: “Bill and Pam made their donation as the club was coming out of administration. Without it, the club would not have met its operating costs.
“So, it’s absolutely accurate to say that without Bill and Pam, Dundee would not exist today.
“Bill’s only concern has always been what’s best for Dundee. It’s cost him money and without being critical of anyone, he and Pam have never had the recognition they deserve.
“I’m sure history will show the vital part they played and as far as I’m concerned, it should.
“No one should underestimate how important Bill has been in getting Dundee back to where they are now.”
Colvin himself has expanded on his comments in the official club statement announcing his departure on Tuesday and he welcomed the fact that Texan Tim Keyes of the American owners is set to have a more hands-on role at the club.
He said: “I think it is great news that Tim will be getting more involved both personally and professionally.
“He is a respectable man from a very respectable business family and Dundee are lucky to have him.
“He loves his football and he wants to do what is best for Dundee. I’m sure he will.
“I’ve been unable to devote as much time to the club as I would like so this is the right thing to do.
“I’m not sure my wife is in total agreement but I think this is best for Dundee. For us, that’s always been what it’s about.
“We came on the scene when the club was in trouble to help out and I think we have. I may no longer be chairman and have left the board but the wish to see Dundee do well hasn’t changed.
“I’ve told Tim if we’re needed he only has to pick up the phone. We’ve become too involved in Dundee not to help out if it was needed.
“I’ll also continue to come up for games. The fact is the number I’ve been able to attend since the turn of the year hasn’t been enough to continue in my role.
“I’ll be honest and say at times that’s caused problems. Sometimes it’s been a case of out of sight, out of mind, but you can’t really have a chairman who is only able to nip up for the odd game then disappear straight after.
“Having said that I would not be making this change if I did not feel it was best for the club.
“It is and I trust Tim Keyes to prove me right.”