The Dundee FC Supporters’ Society will take into account the views of all Dark Blues fans, not just their members, before deciding whether to give owner Tim Keyes complete control at Dens Park.
The Tele revealed yesterday that talks between the American owners and Dundee Football Club Supporters Society Ltd (DFCSS) to acquire a chunk of their shares in order to bring their holding from 68.2% to over 75% have been ongoing since the summer.
Doing so would remove the veto rights of the DFCSS over a number of issues, including over the new stadium proposal at Camperdown Park but also safeguards over any future sale of the club or potential merger with another club.
However, owner Tim Keyes and managing director John Nelms could gain 75% of the club anyway through a rights issue without the agreement of the DFCSS.
That’s despite its board being within their rights to make the decision on behalf of fans.
The Tele contacted Ian Baird, secretary of the DFCSS but, given the delicate nature of discussion and the desire to give fans their say, other than confirm the consultation process was under way, he was not in a position to discuss the matter.
“At the moment this is an internal matter for the society and we cannot comment on that,” he said.
By way of coincidence, as well as replying to the consultation document they’ve received, members will be able to discuss the proposed move face-to-face with their board when the Society’s AGM takes place on Saturday.
Although it doesn’t appear on the agenda for the meeting, a question-and-answer session has been pencilled in and those attending will be free to raise it.
As well as hoping for as many responses as possible to the consultation document, the Society board will also be monitoring views expressed by supporters in general in the coming week.
They then hope to make their decision as soon after the January 21 deadline for replies as possible.
Right now membership of the society, which is renewed annually, stands at just under 150, that’s down from a high of 4000 during administration in early 2004.
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