Next up was Peter Campbell (Fife Dark Blues): “We don’t know a great deal about shares, the ordinary fan needs guidance. What about the thoughts of the Business Trust?”
Steve Martin (Trustee, Dark Blue Business Trust and DFC Director) was on hand to answer “the two trusts are working well together as groups and in the boardroom. We do need money but we also need to protect the Society’s percentage at the same time – this is exactly right. We’re just waiting for your mandate as a Society. The Dark Blues Business Trust will issue a statement within the next 14 days.”
Steve then asked Fraser “can you clarify what people are being asked to vote on?”
Fraser replied “this is about the overall ownership structure, NOT about whether to accept or reject investment. The resolution put to members is that the club needs to be owned by its supporters. In other words, the fans should retain over 50% of the shares and any external funding should be obtained within that structure. If members agree with this, they should vote ‘Yes.’ However, if they are prepared for the Society to relinquish their majority ownership, they should vote ‘No.’
That was the last question in what was a very open, frank and worthwhile session.
Before the meeting closed, the speakers each gave a final few words. Stuart Murphy thanked everyone for coming, commenting that he wished there had been more of a turnout.
Fraser MacDonald also thanked those who attended, and urged those present to talk more with friends and family in pubs and online, inform others what had been discussed here. “We are always happy to answer questions and if anyone wants to get in touch please do so via our website or PO Box.”
Scott Glenday reiterated that he hopes both additional funding and a supporter majority shareholding can be achieved and “both boxes can be ticked,” before telling everyone to enjoy their football, thanking them for their efforts and expressing his real pride in them all. He also guaranteed that the Boards of both the Dundee FC Supporters’ Society and Dundee FC are fully committed to working as hard as they can together on the fans’ behalf.