Dear Members,
As we move through the early stages of the 2025/26 season there are still more questions than answers swirling around Dundee FC.
On the field the new Head Coach Steven Pressley and his backroom colleagues have been scrambling to compile a squad. The lack of experienced new signings, the failure to progress in the Premier Sports Cup and the opening day defeat to Hibs were worrying signs regarding the readiness of the team but the gritty performance in gaining a point at Ibrox gave some grounds for optimism. The loss of income from the Cup will be particularly sorely felt compared to last season’s money-spinning tie away to Rangers. The loan signing of Yan Dhanda from Hearts brings some much needed top-flight experience and creativity to the squad. It is to be hoped that a few more signings of similar calibre will be made before the transfer window closes.
Off the field, there are plenty of question marks as well. There is still no sign of any determination on the application for the new stadium development at Camperdown. The earliest any decision can now be made would be at the September planning committee meeting of Dundee City Council but the indications (at the time of writing) are that it could be at the October meeting. The successful objection from a local environmental group to the Riverside training complex application has seen things grind to a halt on that front too.
The aura of uncertainty surrounding aspects of the Club at the moment cannot have helped season ticket sales, as the extension of the early bird offer would suggest, and while the upcoming derby should take care of itself we have to hope that fans will be patient and keep standing by the team.
Supporters’ Liaison Officer
Another area of change off the field was the departure of John Burke as the Supporters’ Liaison Officer. I always valued John’s contribution and his efforts on behalf of the fans and I know he was held in high regard by the Board of D4L.
On behalf of the Board I would like to thank him for all his hard work and assistance in the role and wish him all the very best for the future.
The question of who will replace John is another one waiting to be answered following the Club’s appeal for volunteers to cover the position with the application deadline date set for 31 July. It goes without saying that we wish them the very best of luck too.
Strategy day and season review
The Board took part in a strategy day at Downfield Golf Club over the close season, reviewing activities from last season and setting our priorities for this coming year.
A season review was also conducted and we looked at three key themes: whether fans felt engaged and were enjoying attending matches, whether DFC are competitive at the higher end of Scottish football and whether the Club is heathy off the pitch and looking forwards.
We would like to hear your views as D4L members on these areas and would encourage you to share them with us to help inform our views as the Board. Please email them to contact@dee4life.com.
We will be saying more about our priorities for 2025/26 in future newsletters but it is safe to say that they will tie in with these general themes. We have also been working hard to review and improve our procedures and processes as a Board and to ensure resilience in terms of being able to fulfil our responsibilities to members. The minutes from this session and all our Board meetings are available in the members’ section of dee4fife.com.
Fundraising
I will take this opportunity to remind members that you can assist with fundraising for D4L at no cost to yourselves. All you need to do is register at www.easyfundraising.org.uk and whenever you buy anything online money will be donated to D4L.
We have created a step-by-step guide with some more information on our website.
WIN a Dundee top
We are always looking to sign up new members and as the new season gets underway we have the opportunity for one lucky member to win the new DFC home or away shirt.
All members have to do is refer a friend as a new member. When that member joins up they will be entered into a draw to win the top.
If you want a chance of winning the new 2025/26 season shirt then email contact@dee4life.com confirming the new member’s full name. If they join prior to 19 September 2025 then you will be entered into the draw.
I will close by reminding you to stay in touch with us at D4L and let us know what you would like to see us doing on your behalf. Despite the controversy around his appointment we continue to wish the Head Coach all the very best and hope that he can find a way to fashion a team and keep Dundee FC in the top division come next May.
Best wishes,
Keith Winter
Chairman.
Dee4Life 