First Team
All The Info | Rangers (A)
22nd November 2024
The Board is deeply disappointed that notice of a Press Conference concerning the future of Dundee United Football Club was issued to the media a matter of hours before our vital game against Livingston. In view of the resultant speculation surrounding the future of the club however, the directors believe it is now important to clarify their position.
Jim McLean resigned as Chairman and Managing Director of Dundee United in October 2000 following an incident during a televised interview with John Barnes of the BBC. We believed that was the correct decision to take in Jim's interests and the interests of Dundee United. We remain of that view.
Lawyers acting for former Chairman Mr Jim McLean have this week formally asked the Board to appoint Mr McLean and three other individuals as directors of the football club. Mr McLean's lawyers have also requested that the present directors should resign their positions immediately after appointing a new Board.
Following careful consideration, the directors have unanimously declined Mr McLean's request. The directors do not believe that Jim's return to Tannadice as a director is in the best interests of Dundee United Football Club, our fans, fellow shareholders and club sponsors.
Although Mr McLean has indicated he can call on the support of 54% of the issued shareholding of the club and will now proceed to call an EGM, the directors have a legal duty to act in what they believe to be the best interests of the football club and will accordingly vigorously resist any motion to appoint Mr McLean as a director.
The Board believes it must adopt this position to allow all stakeholders in the club - our fans, staff, fellow shareholders and sponsors - the opportunity to take part in debate before any EGM takes place. We will be guided by the views and choices of the club's stakeholders.
The directors believe that since Jim's departure as Chairman, the club has made steady but quiet progress to resolve many of the challenges it faces on and off the pitch. Much of the credit for that progress must go to Alex Smith and his coaching staff who have worked exceptionally hard to restore confidence and team spirit in the dressing room. Huge credit must also go the club's supporters who have stuck by Alex and the team throughout.
For their part, the directors recognised the need to look to the longer term financial stability of the club and to that end have appointed Mr Tony Davidson to carry out a root and branch review of the club's finances. Mr Davidson brings to Dundee United substantial financial expertise and contacts. Like the vast majority of clubs in Scottish football, Dundee United faces serious financial challenges, but we are confident we have the means and opportunity to address these in a way which will allow us to continue to support the efforts of Alex and his staff.
The directors will continue to monitor the situation closely and undertake to keep fans informed of developments. We would however urge all the parties involved to work quickly, sensibly and honestly to resolve these matters speedily for the good of Dundee United Football Club.
Jim McLean resigned as Chairman and Managing Director of Dundee United in October 2000 following an incident during a televised interview with John Barnes of the BBC. We believed that was the correct decision to take in Jim's interests and the interests of Dundee United. We remain of that view.
Lawyers acting for former Chairman Mr Jim McLean have this week formally asked the Board to appoint Mr McLean and three other individuals as directors of the football club. Mr McLean's lawyers have also requested that the present directors should resign their positions immediately after appointing a new Board.
Following careful consideration, the directors have unanimously declined Mr McLean's request. The directors do not believe that Jim's return to Tannadice as a director is in the best interests of Dundee United Football Club, our fans, fellow shareholders and club sponsors.
Although Mr McLean has indicated he can call on the support of 54% of the issued shareholding of the club and will now proceed to call an EGM, the directors have a legal duty to act in what they believe to be the best interests of the football club and will accordingly vigorously resist any motion to appoint Mr McLean as a director.
The Board believes it must adopt this position to allow all stakeholders in the club - our fans, staff, fellow shareholders and sponsors - the opportunity to take part in debate before any EGM takes place. We will be guided by the views and choices of the club's stakeholders.
The directors believe that since Jim's departure as Chairman, the club has made steady but quiet progress to resolve many of the challenges it faces on and off the pitch. Much of the credit for that progress must go to Alex Smith and his coaching staff who have worked exceptionally hard to restore confidence and team spirit in the dressing room. Huge credit must also go the club's supporters who have stuck by Alex and the team throughout.
For their part, the directors recognised the need to look to the longer term financial stability of the club and to that end have appointed Mr Tony Davidson to carry out a root and branch review of the club's finances. Mr Davidson brings to Dundee United substantial financial expertise and contacts. Like the vast majority of clubs in Scottish football, Dundee United faces serious financial challenges, but we are confident we have the means and opportunity to address these in a way which will allow us to continue to support the efforts of Alex and his staff.
The directors will continue to monitor the situation closely and undertake to keep fans informed of developments. We would however urge all the parties involved to work quickly, sensibly and honestly to resolve these matters speedily for the good of Dundee United Football Club.
