It's been a busy time so we've not been able to catch up with our Boardroom guests from just over a week ago when Ross County visited Dens. First up, our Gold/Platinum September Monthly Draw winner was Graeme Lynch of Annan, who was Dundee Chairman Stuart Murphy's guest for the game. Graeme brought his friend Scott Oram along for the day - there was a slight diary malfunction, Graeme told us "both Scott and I thoroughly enjoyed being in the Boardroom and meeting other guests - we had a chuckle at Scott being down as 'Mrs Lynch' though!"
Graeme continued "It was good to see around the Boardroom and meet the Directors, who all made a point of coming over to chat; they were all very approachable and happy to answer questions. Scott, who goes to every home game and has been in Hospitality many times also made this point. It was also Scott's first time in the Boardroom so it was special for him too, especially as he and daughter Caitlyn have sponsored a player for the last five years."
Graeme and Scott were, of course, in the Boardroom with Authors Kenny Ross and Jacqui Robertson on the day "It's All About the Memories" was launched, Graeme said "It was great to meet 'Miss October' and Kenny - Jacqui even arranged to bring her new book across at half time and autographed it 'Love from Miss October'. Apart from the result, it was a great day and I've bored my wife to tears since I got home!"
Stuart commented “I was delighted to welcome Gold Winner Graeme and Scott to the Boardroom. Graeme had travelled two and a half hours up the road from Annan to be at Dens, another example of the great support our Club has. Scott, Maurice and I are happy to be able to invite Dundee fans, folk who have been friends of the club and helped us out, into the Boardroom as our guests on Saturdays, as a token of our appreciation for their support. Through Gold and Platinum memberships, fans like Graeme are making a regular contribution, and by holding a monthly draw it gives fans the chance to get a wee bit extra for their membership. While disappointed with the result, I’m glad Graeme and Scott enjoyed their day.”
Also in attendance in the Boardroom were Gregor Millar and Martin Mullady of the Central Dark Blues, who were guests of Society and Club Director Maurice Kidd, in recognition of the Supporters' Club's fundraising efforts and ongoing support of the Dundee FC.
We caught up with Gregor after the game and he told us "'It was an honour and a privilege to be invited into the Boardroom to represent the Central Dark Blues. It was a great day and for it to coincide with the book launch on the same day, with the legends in place was an added bonus. By 'The Legends' of course we refer to authors Jacqui and Kenny!
"Martin who accompanied me to the Boardroom has been supporting Dundee for 60 years and this was his first visit to the Boardroom. Both of us enjoyed perusing around all the artifacts and we are still none the wiser as to why the SPFA presented Dundee with a truncheon after the 90-91 Challenge Cup Final. Surely not a case of 'smash and grab'? If anyone knows why, please enlighten us!"
On the Supporters' Club, Gregor said "Central Dark Blues have been on the go since the days of Perugia. Although it's been a long, dark road since those Perugia days, now that the Football Club is in the supporters' hands we can see the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. It is obvious great work is being done behind the scenes by Stuart, Scott, Maurice and the rest of the Society. For the Society to open up the Boardroom every week to ordinary supporters like us is tremendous, Martin and I would like to thank Scott, Stuart and Maurice for their generous invite."
Maurice said, "I was delighted to welcome Martin and Gregor to the Boardroom. Central Dark Blues are a leading light within the Supporters' Clubs. Throughout the Administration period, they fully supported the Club and Society with fundraising, and continue to do so. The pre-match events they organise when Dundee are playing in their area are a great example of what can be done to not only support the Club, but also to forge better links between Dundee Supporters' Clubs and also to provide a great match day out. It would be great if some of the local Clubs could follow their lead and take turns at hosting a match day event."
Don't forget the Central Dark Blues will be hosting fellow Dees at Fallin Miners Welfare before the forthcoming Scottish Cup game at Forthbank on 19 November.