First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
Mr Thompson said, "A media announcement has been made today concerning the sale of my company, Morning, Noon & Night to Scotmid, the leading Co-Operative retail chain. I felt that I should also inform Dundee United supporters directly in connection with this development, in view of the close relationship between myself, MN&N and the Club.
From a personal point of view, I must repeat that selling a company that I have built up from scratch has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. However, Scotmid is a well established, leading Scottish company and I know that the MN&N staff and stores will be well looked after. Also, market conditions are such that the purchase price is one of the largest ever retail deals between two Scottish companies and simply could not be ignored. In addition, as you know, I am currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer which may entail me having to take some time out for further treatment.
From a Dundee United point of view, I will of course now be free to concentrate more of my time and energies to the running of the Club. Fans should not however, expect a sudden influx of money into the Club. We have seen the harsh lessons learned elsewhere. Football clubs must be run as businesses. It does no good to spend excessively in the short term, incurring ongoing costs which are not sustainable by the Club in the longer term. However, over the past two years I have put money into the Club when required and I will continue to do so as and when the need arises.
Finally, I can confirm that the Morning, Noon & Night shirt sponsorship will continue until the end of this season but as the brand name will ultimately disappear, it is anticipated that Scotmid will take over the sponsorship arrangements from season 2005/2006. However, this matter has still to be discussed by the Board. As you know, we would normally expect to have a life span of two years for replica strips but I trust that you will appreciate that, on this occasion, due to these exceptional circumstances, this minimum period cannot be adhered to."
From a personal point of view, I must repeat that selling a company that I have built up from scratch has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. However, Scotmid is a well established, leading Scottish company and I know that the MN&N staff and stores will be well looked after. Also, market conditions are such that the purchase price is one of the largest ever retail deals between two Scottish companies and simply could not be ignored. In addition, as you know, I am currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer which may entail me having to take some time out for further treatment.
From a Dundee United point of view, I will of course now be free to concentrate more of my time and energies to the running of the Club. Fans should not however, expect a sudden influx of money into the Club. We have seen the harsh lessons learned elsewhere. Football clubs must be run as businesses. It does no good to spend excessively in the short term, incurring ongoing costs which are not sustainable by the Club in the longer term. However, over the past two years I have put money into the Club when required and I will continue to do so as and when the need arises.
Finally, I can confirm that the Morning, Noon & Night shirt sponsorship will continue until the end of this season but as the brand name will ultimately disappear, it is anticipated that Scotmid will take over the sponsorship arrangements from season 2005/2006. However, this matter has still to be discussed by the Board. As you know, we would normally expect to have a life span of two years for replica strips but I trust that you will appreciate that, on this occasion, due to these exceptional circumstances, this minimum period cannot be adhered to."
