Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson formally took on the Tannadice club’s controlling interest on Friday and set his sights on exciting times to come on and off the park.
As expected, the club’s directors have approved a change of ownership, which saw majority shareholder Cath Thompson transfer her entire 86.2% share-holding to her son Stephen and daughter Justine Mitchell.
Stephen Thompson is now the owner of a 52% stake in the club, with the remaining Thompson family shareholding now held in the name of Justine Mitchell, and the new owners confirmed their intention to plough a six-figure sum into the club.
“Scottish football continues to face challenging times, but we have risen to these challenges and will continue to do so,” Thompson insisted.
“In an acknowledged difficult financial climate, we have posted a profit in three of the last four years, reduced our outgoings, met all of our financial commitments and targets and reduced our long-term debt from a peak of £6 million to just over £3 million.
“Like many businesses we continue to rely on the goodwill and support of the bank, with whom we have a good working relationship, and it was important to demonstrate to them and the board of Dundee United that our financial commitment remains.”
He continued: “Recent performances have been exceptional and a joy to watch. Many fans have told us that this is the best style of football seen at Tannadice since the ’80s.
“This and the emphasis on youth was exactly why we recruited Jackie McNamara, and we would urge all United fans, particularly those who have perhaps got out of the habit, to turn up and support him and his team at Tannadice.
“Half-season tickets are now on sale at hugely discounted prices and we hope that more Arabs will come and join us for the rest of the season and see where this young team can take us.”
Mrs Thompson, who was left the shareholding by her late husband and former chairman Eddie, has stepped down from the board with immediate effect.
Daughter Justine joins her brother Stephen on the board of the directors and took part in her first formal board meeting on Friday.
Meanwhile, United confirmed their William Hill Scottish Cup tie against Kilmarnock will be played on Friday November 29 with a 7.45pm kick-off.
The change of date was required after city rivals Dundee were also drawn at home in the fourth round, with their tie against Raith Rovers being played on the Saturday of that weekend.
Admission prices for United’s game versus Kilmarnock have been set at £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for under-12s.