A prominent fan group has called on Dundee owners Tim Keyes and John Nelms to provide clarity on their new stadium plans and the impact it will have on the club.
Dee4Life have raised their concerns in a letter to the American owners and pressed for them to meet supporters and shareholders.
Dee4Life were formerly known as the Dundee FC Supporters Society, the fan group who helped see through administration before the Keyes family purchased a majority stake in the club.
They still hold shares in the club with rights that include the option to veto any plans that would see the Dark Blues play away from Dens Park for more than one year.
Dark Blue Property Holdings, the company set up by Keyes and Nelms to purchase the land at Camperdown Park for the new stadium complex, recently held a public consultation.
Concerns
However, Dee4Life want more specifics on how the move will impact the football club.
In a letter to members penned by chairman Norrie Price, the group said: “Dee4Life has always been supportive of the stadium development in principle, however there are many outstanding questions that we believe the club needs to address.
“Our concerns include: The prospect of Dens Park being sold before completion of the new stadium, depriving the club of a safety net.
“The lack of clarity over ownership of the new stadium.
“The lack of clarity on the prospect of interim groundsharing.
“The apparent absence of a Plan B should the Camperdown project fall through.
“Exposure of the club to risks associated with inflation and rising interest rates facing DBPH.
‘Crucial’
“Therefore, we have written to John Nelms and Tim Keyes to ask that they, as owners of both DBPH and Dundee FC meet with representatives of supporters, shareholders and other stakeholders to discuss the specific impact the development will have on the club.
“The relationship between the club and DBPH, including expected lease terms with DBPH or any future owners and details of the risk/benefits for Dundee, is crucial.
“We believe a new stadium could prove to be transformative for Dundee but there are examples of clubs who have found themselves in perilous situations because their own dream moves have turned sour.
“Our own club has twice been placed in administration because the ambitious plans of previous owners were not built on robust foundations.
“As a result, transparency and engagement are essential to ensure we do not make the same mistake again.”
Dundee managing director John Nelms set an ambitious target of 2024 for the new stadium to be ready but has since admitted 2025 is more likely.
Courier Sport revealed last year a deal is in place with the owner of Dens Park, John Bennett, to purchase the club’s current stadium.
The plan is to then sell Dens but it’s expected the club will have to play home games elsewhere while the new ground is built.
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