Stephen Thompson’s decision to stand down as Dundee United chairman could mark the final chapter in his family’s ownership of the club.
The man who will remain at the head of the board until the end of the season has not yet put the Tangerines up for sale.
That may quickly change if a suitable buyer comes forward.
He surprised Scottish football late on January 31 when he announced his intention to quit the position he’s held for almost a decade when this season comes to a close.
As the official club announcement stated, over the next three to four months it will be decided what the next step should be.
The chairman retaining his shareholding while running a sister club in America is one option.
If, though, a suitable buyer was to come forward, making a decision on that plan could be taken out of the hands of the current board members.
Thompson would be willing to listen to a serious offer for his shares, but while that could be the ideal scenario for him, realistically he knows that could take time.
If that is the case, he will have to decide whether or not he also quits the board when he does give up the chairmanship.
While leaving the boardroom altogether is likely to be his preference, he may feel so long as he remains the club’s owner he would feel obliged to stay.
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