Derek Robertson

All the directors, management team, players and staff at Dundee United are today saddened to hear of the passing of Derek Robertson. Derek was a lifelong Dundee United supporter and joined the Club’s Board in 2002 playing an active role as a director until his resignation at the end of last season. He used his position in the Board Room to good effect advocating much greater supporter involvement in the football club he loved. He was a key driver in the establishment of ArabTRUST, the Dundee United Supporters' Society, as well as being a leading figure in the development of the national fans' body Supporters Direct. He was fortunate enough to enjoy many of the Club’s greatest moments and never tired of being involved in assisting the Club and its supporters with any manner of matters. Even his worsening condition did not diminish his desire for the Club and he received a standing ovation at the Hall of Fame dinner in February from over 300 United fans after he gave an impromptu speech to acknowledge his recognition as the first official patron of the event. Stephen Thompson, Chairman of Dundee United, said: “It is such sad news. I worked closely with Derek for 14 years and he was tangerine through and through. He will be sorely missed by myself and the Dundee United family. Derek was a friend as well as a colleague and brought around much change at the Club in his early years on the board. Derek was also a family man and our thoughts are with his wife Sheila, daughters Caryn and Lyn and their families.”