A leading Dundee United fans’ group has quit the club’s supporters’ liaison group in a bitter row over information about the team’s finances.
A message posted on The Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Club’s Facebook page on Thursday night said it had tried and failed four times to arrange a question and answer session with Tannadice chairman Stephen Thomson about his plans for United.
The club refused but agreed to a meeting on January 19, if all questions were submitted by December 15..
When the Federation asked if they would be allowed to ask questions relating to any events that happened after the deadline for questions, they claim they were told this would not be possible.
The Federation represents 27 supporters’ clubs who have a total of 1500 members.
They were seeking to find out Mr Thomson’s plans for the club if it fails to gain promotion to the Premier League this season and details on the club’s finances.
They posted their resignation email to the club on Facebook.
It read: “It is with deep regret we write to inform you The Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs wish to tender our resignation from the Liaison Group.
“This decision has been a difficult one. The continued refusal of the chairman to firstly meet our members, then The Federation Committee, has angered a large number of our members who are becoming more and more disillusioned.
“For the chairman of DUFC to agree to meet The Fed Committee and answer members questions, request those questions in advance, then refuse to meet has left many totally bewildered.
“The members who have asked those questions are some of the most loyal Dundee United supporters, who are deeply concerned about the financial stability and general running of our Club.
“We have been approached by many of our Members asking why we are on a Supporters Liaison Group, suggesting to the outside world all is well when the club chairman refuses to meet and answer the questions they want answered. It is all deeply distressing.”
Courier columnist Jim Spence was recruited by the Tannadice club last year to ease tensions between the club and its supporters.
He left his post after just nine months in January.
Dundee United said the door remains open to the Federation to return.
A statement on the club website said: “While disappointed the Federation has removed itself from the main communication vehicle for all supporters’ groups, the operation of the Supporters’ Liaison Committee remains unaffected.
“The Supporter’s Liaison Group was formed to give all Dundee United supporters the opportunity to communicate on a regular basis with the club on a wide range of matters in a structured environment and the club is delighted that organisations such as ArabTRUST, Dundee United Business Club, United Ladies of Tannadice and independent supporter representation remain engaged in a constructive dialogue with the club.
“A place on the group continues to be available to the Federation should they wish to return and continue communicating with the club.”
