Update from the Foundation tonight, will share it below for anyone not a member.


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DUNDEE UNITED SUPPORTERS' FOUNDATION MEMBER UPDATE
No 128

Celebrate our past ,
ensure our future
Member Update
8th February 2023


Winter Of Discontent

Seasonal depression, the experts tell us, typically peaks during the months of January and February. For Dundee United fans that has certainly rung true for 2023 so far. Since that encouraging victory at Perth on January 2nd, a run of five games has seen us collect only 1 point from the 15 on offer. Sure, we did face Celtic and Rangers during that period, and were very unfortunate to return from both games in the capital city with only one point, but that barren spell has seen us drop to the bottom of the table.

However, it was events off the park, or rather lack of them, that has seen Arabs vent their concerns. The January transfer window came and went with only one addition to the squad, and with so many loan signings departing the Club, there is little doubt we ended the month of January weaker than we started it. The coaching and football management staff at the Club seem optimistic that we have enough quality and strength in depth to get us out of this situation. We fervently hope that is the case, but you can fully understand the angst and concern of many fans who still have nightmares when recalling the 2015-16 campaign which led to four seasons in the Championship.

We, at DUSF deliberately do not comment publicly during periods like this with so many opinions being shared on social media platforms. With a membership of 2,000 plus it would be impossible to reflect so many differing views, many of which can be voiced in the heat of the moment. However, we have been contacted directly by several members articulating their concerns, and we do feel a responsibility to share these with the Club's management.

That is why we wrote to the Chairman and the Club Executive to request a meeting to discuss members' concerns following recent events.
Coincidentally, the first Dundee United Supporters' Group (DUSG) meeting of the year takes place on 23rd February with Chairman Mark Ogren in attendance, and we have since received a response from the Club suggesting we use that forum to raise these concerns. That seems a sensible approach as we are sure the other fans' group will be equally anxious about our current league position.

Football being football though, there is always the next game, and there is a run of fixtures coming up that gives us a great opportunity to climb the table and lighten the mood.

Finally, a word once again on your great support of the team. Season ticket sales recently surpassed 6,000 for the first time, and your backing has not faltered all season. One of the Scottish national newspapers commented after the Hearts game at Tynecastle, that 'the backing and support of the visiting crowd was evident and despite their irritation it was not having a negative influence on the field'.

For sure, the team will need us right behind them for the rest of the season, and that was one of the reasons that we decided to try and help fill The Shed, for what will be a very important game, v St Johnstone on 18th February