“Fans at this club do have an opportunity to speak up. We have the AGM later this month; the owner (Mark Ogren) is going to be over. There will be time to discuss what their issues are.”
The words of Dundee United sporting director Tony Asghar, to internal club media on February 7.
Tuesday is that day.
Asghar and Ogren will be present in Lounge 87 at Tannadice at 11am, undertaking the formal AGM business in front of United shareholders.
And with fans set for a rare opportunity to quiz the Minnesota-based owner, a swathe of issues could be tackled during the Q&A session.
What happened in January?
In a January that left fans highly disenchanted, United allowed an experienced striker, Tony Watt, to join St Mirren without replacing him. Rory MacLeod, 17, and Sadat Anaku are now the only recognised back-ups to Steven Fletcher.
Asghar suggested the inaction was a result of the club “hitting the bar” as they aimed for high-calibre targets, while emphasising how difficult every team in the top-flight found it to sign forwards.
United also allowed goalkeeper Carljohan Eriksson to join FC Nordsjælland on loan and, as an international transfer, he cannot be recalled.
In light of Mark Birighitti’s injury, it leaves United with Jack Newman, 20, as their de facto number one unless they secure an emergency loan or free agent.
The denouement to January knocked the wind out of supporters, as evidenced by the “Asghar Out” banner at Rugby Park on February 1. It is inconceivable that shareholders will not have questions about club strategy.
If there was simply no wiggle room in the budget for a striker, supporters would rather hear that.
It is evident that Ogren invested heavily in the squad last summer, signing nine players; paying fees for Dylan Levitt, Mark Birighitti and Glenn Middleton.
Fletcher, Aziz Behich, Jamie McGrath and Arnaud Djoum are established internationals.
Then there is the cost of hiring — and firing — Jack Ross.
If he is tightening the purse strings, so be it.
Fans can handle that unvarnished message. Ogren is, after all, running a business and, while wealthy, is no oligarch or media magnate.
Will Harry Souttar cut be reinvested?
Following on from the lack of spending in January — Loick Ayina’s arrival on loan was the sole new face — there will be a natural curiosity regarding how much of the approximately £3 million received following Harry Souttar’s switch to Leicester City will be reinvested.
Having ploughed well north of £13 million into the club, it would be foolhardy to expect Ogren to deliver a huge windfall to the football department.
At some point, the American businessman will expect, and is due, a return.
Nevertheless, with a summer rebuild likely, there will be a natural curiosity surrounding how the most sizeable source of recent income will be used.
Is there faith in Tony Asghar and Liam Fox?
Asghar is a lightening rod for criticism.
Banners have been flown calling for his sacking, with that sentiment vocalised in the form of chanting at United’s last four matches.
While the club has a defined recruitment team and a chief executive, Luigi Capuano, in place, Asghar is seen as bearing responsibility for a dismal campaign.
Ogren’s faith in Asghar has been unwavering since his takeover in 2018 and, until this season, there has been little reason to query it.
From floundering in the Championship to European football in four years is unarguably a laudable journey.
However, with growing disillusionment, Ogren may field questions regarding his ongoing support for those he charges with the day-to-day running of the club, as well as head coach Liam Fox.
Relegation contingencies?
It is a “what if” that United chiefs have been reluctant to even countenance.
However, the prospect of relegation may now have to be properly addressed.
How not to play out from the back 😬
Over to you Dundee United…
(🎥 @BBCSportScot)#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/wlk3gnqerc
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 19, 2023
If the worst happens and United are faced with a season in the Championship, then what are the contingencies in place?
Will Ogren’s investment and commitment extend to another rise from the second tier?
With a feeling of dread affecting a portion of the United fanbase, they will want answers about what comes next if the Tangerines disappear through the trap-door.
Lewis Neilson — and youth development?
Speaking to BBC Scotland, Asghar stated that he is limited in what he can share about United’s failed bid for compensation following Lewis Neilson’s move to Hearts last summer.
Nevertheless, Asghar’s confirmation that the Terrors are appealing the decision provided tacit confirmation that the tribunal ruled in favour of the Jambos.
With the issue a persistent stone in the shoe of disgruntled fans, one suspects it will come up.
As will the club’s ongoing commitment to youth development.
The news of an accepted bid for Rory MacLeod triggered anger on social media over the perception that United are cashing in on a prospect as quickly as possible.
Supporters know talented kids won’t stick around for long in modern football.
But some see the speed with which another young star has secured a move as a concern.
Conversation