Dee4life

Members’ update – March

What a difference a derby victory can make!

Just as things were starting to look really ominous with the spectre of a relegation battle looming large, Dundee pulled out a win for the ages with a comprehensive triumph over the other lot at Tannadice.

The spirit, desire and dogged determination which we have all been searching for suddenly appeared in abundance on a beautiful Sunday. The 4-2 win probably should have been even more comfortable and the players showed that they can still turn on the style.

Everyone played their part in an excellent team display with inspirational performances from a number of them including big Joe Shaughnessy at the back, two-goal Jordan McGhee and, of course, that man Simon Murray. If ever there was a team that needed a spark to reignite their season it was Dundee and surely this result will give them a huge confidence boost going into three difficult games before the split. I know many of us have been hugely frustrated by the slump in form and results since the turn of the year but now we can look forward with some optimism and belief that we can turn this predicament around. I’m sure we will all give the team as much backing as we can for the run-in, starting with the visit of Rangers on March 29.

Another silver lining in what has been a challenging period for the Club is the fact that we can now look forward to a Cup Final at Hampden. While sadly the senior team did not make it past their Scottish Cup quarter-final with Hearts at Tynecastle, it has been hugely encouraging to see the achievements of the under-18’s team in reaching the Scottish Youth Cup Final. Scott Robertson’s young team produced a strong performance to overcome St Mirren on their home patch with a 2-0 win in front of 1,400 fans. They will now face Kilmarnock in the final at the national stadium with the dates still to be confirmed. I’m sure there will be many of you who will take the opportunity to cheer the Dark Blues on in a national final and we wish Scott and the team all the very best.

Off the field, there does not seem to be much happening, at least publicly, around the new stadium project or the proposed training facility at Riverside. There was no submission to the last meeting of Dundee City Council planning committee and it is concerning for fans when there is no news and the situation appears to be dragging on. We appreciate the Club has a lot on its plate at the moment and the focus must be on Premiership survival but it would be good to hear a little more on how things are actually progressing.

Turning to our D4L prize draw, I am delighted to confirm that this month’s winner is Vincent Brady from Dundee. Eight-year-old Vincent, who joined Dee4Life in 2023, receives £30 worth of vouchers for the club shop. We would ask Vincent’s parent or guardian to email us at contact@dee4life.com so we can arrange delivery of his vouchers. Congratulations Vincent!

I will close by wishing Tony Docherty and the team the very best for the seismic upcoming matches they are facing. We have been here before as a Club and as fans and, to continue the silver lining theme, we know what it’s going to take to get out of this.

Who’s to say we can’t pull off another great escape?

Best wishes,
Keith Winter
Dee4Life Chair

Chairman's Updates

Dee4Life members’ update – February

Dear Members,

‘Rollercoaster’ perhaps doesn’t do justice to the slings and arrows of Dundee’s fortunes since the turn of the year.

The highs of Scottish Cup triumphs over the lot down the road and Airdrie alongside a vital away win over St Johnstone as well as near wins over the Old Firm at Dens were wiped out by the lows of deflating heavy defeats to Hearts at home and Celtic away and then a disappointing loss to recent visitors Aberdeen. It’s hard to know what to make of the variation in performances from pushing Celtic all the way at Dens to crumbling to a resurgent Hearts on the same pitch a couple of weeks later.

The team has shown some great ability and effort on the one hand and worrying frailties throughout the pitch on the other. I know many fans were disappointed not to see a striker signed in the transfer window but Aaron Donnelly has been impressive since his return and we have to hope our latest Mexican addition, winger Victor Lopez, can make a difference to the goals for column. It was also extremely heartening to see several players return from injury including the Club Captain big Joe Shaughnessy after a long time out. We wish him well and his experience could be crucial in the crunch games to come.

Away from the field, there was sad news this month with the loss of a Dundee great and one of its best known supporters. Billy Pirie was indeed a legend at the club. His tally of 106 goals in 138 games in the late 1970’s says it all about a special player who was the club’s leading goalscorer for three consecutive seasons. The Hall of Fame member will be greatly missed by all Dundee fans.

More recently we were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Paddy Barclay. One of the UK’s best known football writers who covered World Cups, Champions League and Premier League football, Paddy’s heart was always at Dens. A font of knowledge about all things Dundee he was a friend to many, many Dark Blues fans and will be a huge loss. Our thoughts are with Billy’s and Paddy’s families.

AGM

Dee4Life held its AGM on 1st of February 2025, which was postponed from 23rd of November 2024 due the adverse weather that day. The meeting in the Dundee Social Club was reasonably attended with active participants in the room.

I delivered the report from the Chair setting out events over the reporting period to 31st May 2024 and the final accounts for the year were presented for information and comment.

There were no additional directors appointed at the meeting though three existing directors were reappointed: George McIrvine, Grant McGregor and Mary Coyle. Mike Woodcock’s place on the Board was also confirmed.

The minutes and reports from the AGM are available in the members’ section of the website.

Following the AGM there was a question-and-answer session which raised a number of points and issues over the development at Camperdown and the ongoing use of Dens Park.

We were asked about relations between Dee4Life and the Club, ideas for engagement with Dee4Life members and the broader fan base and possible actions from the action plan compiled at the board strategy day in August 2024. We received a number of helpful suggestions from the floor which will be followed up.

Junior Dee draw winner

I’m also delighted to announce the winner of our Junior Draw at the AGM:

Mya Hanlon!

Congratulations to Mya who joined in November 2023. She wins £30 of vouchers to spend in the Dundee FC Shop. We would ask Mya’s parent or guardian to email us at contact@dee4life.com so we can arrange delivery of the vouchers.

I will close with a reminder that the Board is a team of volunteers and is working hard to build and develop Dee4Life so it can fulfil its role and support the club but we can’t do it alone.

We need you as members to engage with us and share your ideas and opportunities so we can move forward together. That’s why the AGM was so refreshing but there’s no need to wait for a formal meeting to give us your ideas and views.

Please follow us on X and Facebook and feel free to contact us any time at contact@dee4life.com.

As we look forward to some key league matches and the prospect of a Scottish Cup quarter-final against Hearts at Tynecastle let’s get behind Tony Docherty and the team and hope that we can add some consistency to the undoubted potential of such a young team and make the most of the business end of the season.

Best wishes,
Keith Winter
Dee4Life Chair

Chairman's Updates, Member stories

Dee4Life members’ update – December

Dear Members,

Three consecutive home wins, nine points secured and eleven goals scored – it’s a good time to be a season ticketholder! While recent results at home have been very positive unfortunately the away results have not been so good. The quality of the attacking football and the pace and dynamism of players such as Seb Palmer-Houlden, Scott Tiffoney and Oluwaseun Adewumi combined with the skillful probing of Lyall Cameron and the incredible work rate of Simon Murray is making for some great entertainment. The defence is clearly still a work in progress, however, and injuries to the likes of Ziyad Larkeche and Clark Robertson are certainly not helping but the arrival of Sean Kelly on a short term deal should help and there is plenty of reason for optimism. We welcome Tony Docherty’s comments around strengthening the squad in the transfer window and if the defence can be tightened up it could be a very positive end to the season.

Results are not the only thing to be encouraged about at home. The much maligned pitch last season has been replaced with a much healthier looking playing surface that stood up well to Storm Bert and the inclement weather we have seen in recent weeks. The Club and the groundstaff deserve credit for addressing this issue and enabling the focus to remain on winning points and climbing the league table.
With all that in mind it has to be hoped that more fans are tempted to come along to matches and we would certainly encourage all members to be reminding their family, friends and colleagues that half season tickets are now available from the Club.

While the pitch held up well and the Hibs match thankfully went ahead unfortunately it was necessary to postpone the AGM which had been scheduled to take place earlier that day. We did not believe it was reasonable or advisable to ask members to travel, in some cases from other parts of Scotland and the central belt, in those conditions.

The AGM has been rescheduled for 11.30am on 1 February 2025 at the Dundee Social Club.

We look forward to seeing as many members there as possible. Hopefully the prospect of a free prize draw and a nice cup of tea or coffee will entice a good number of you along to Thistle Street!

Among the topics for discussion at the AGM will be our search for new talent to join the Board. We are keen to hear from Dundee fans who would like to get involved and have interests or backgrounds in areas such as membership, social media and events/campaigns/fundraising. If you know of anyone who might be interested please do ask them to get in contact with us or to attend the AGM.

Another piece of news from the Board is that sadly Ross Day has stepped down. Ross has been a mainstay of the Board for two years and has made a substantial contribution. His knowledge and experience will be missed and we would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his efforts on behalf of Dee4Life.

Back to Club matters and it was encouraging to see the proposed training complex at Riverside receive planning approval from Dundee City Council. The benefits to the Club are clear in terms of establishing a dedicated high quality training facility with grass and all weather pitches and in taking this component out of the plans for the new stadium at Camperdown. It also pleasing to see the community benefits being offered at the Riverside complex and the Club is to be commended for linking up with Riverside West End FC to allow their various teams to use the facilities.

It is also going to be interesting to learn more about the Club’s new partnership with Mexican side CF Monterrey, known as the Rayados, and see what the outputs might be from a player development perspective in particular. We will be curious to see if Antonio Portales will be joined by some more of his countrymen from the Rayados Youth Academy in the coming months.

I will wrap up by wishing all of you the very best for the festive season. I hope you and your families have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and are in fine fettle for the first of our two encounters with the lot from down the road next month on 2 January. Between that and our Scottish Cup tie there is plenty to look forward to.

Best wishes,
Keith Winter
Dee4Life Chair

Chairman's Updates

Dee4Life members’ update – August

Dear Members,

We hope you have enjoyed the start to the season as much as we have. With a convincing run in the Premier Sports Cup group stages followed by a comfortable home victory over Airdrie we can now look forward to a plum tie at Ibrox. August was also a good month in the league with a nailbiting derby and an excellent win over Hearts at Dens before battling draws at Easter Road and against St Mirren at home. Perhaps most encouraging of all has been the goalscoring exploits of the team with 33 chalked up in league and cup so far. Long may that continue!

Tony Docherty’s recruitment for the campaign ahead has continued with several additions to the squad, including the very popular return of Simon Murray, and some departures, notably Cammy Kerr, after a lengthy period of club service. Our best wishes go with Cammy for the future. There was a flurry of activity at the end of the transfer window with the arrival of loanees Sammy Braybrooke, Julien Vetro and Oluwaseun Adewumi. However, and not a surprise, we sadly saw Luke McCowan make the transfer to Celtic. A definite loss for the team but our best wishes go with Luke following his service to the club over recent seasons.

The club’s investments in the playing surface and the e-ticketing arrangements and approach have certainly on the evidence to date been positive and should improve the experience for the team and the fans.

At Dee4Life we have been continuing to work behind the scenes on the administration of the website and ensuring the minutes of the board meetings are posted in good time. We have also restored minutes from meetings in previous years to the website.

The planning application for the new stadium at Camperdown has not advanced as the club expected and we note the deferral of the consideration of the PPIP application from the 12th August planning committee of the city council. At this time a new date has not been given for when it will go to the planning committee. We are keenly awaiting an update on this and hope that the club can provide any additional information required for the PPIP application to advance.

The sudden departure of the club chief executive Greg Fenton just before the start of the league campaign raised concerns among some fans and we hope the club will communicate their plans for the role in due course.

The board held a strategy session on 31st August to review the last year and look forward across the 2024/25 season. The discussion was involved covering matters such as the relationship with the management at the football club, growing and engaging with the Trust membership, promoting and supporting the club, community trust and the wider club community. More of the output will be shared over the coming months.

For information the DSA held their AGM on 31st August following the planned Secretaries meeting at the Dundee Social Club.

I will close by asking you as members to let us know what you are thinking in terms of the progress being made by the club and if there are questions that you would like answered. We are working to develop better communication channels with the club and hope to be able to establish a constructive dialogue that can help our members and the club itself. Our contact details are available below and we look forward to hearing from you.

Here’s to another strong season for the Dark Blues!

Regards,
Keith Winter
Dee4Life Chair

Chairman's Updates

Dee4Life members’ update – July

Dear Members,

The summer break can often drag on for us football fanatics but the Euro’s have partially helped fill the void. Whilst the football on show could certainly be described as cautious, it was fitting that the team that consistently played, open, attacking football lifted the trophy. Viva Espana!

Back to Dark Blue matters. We were delighted that DFC won the race to sign Simon Murray and are appreciative of the significant commitment the Club made to secure his signature. We understand that more signings are imminent and our wish list would include extended contracts for Luke McCowan and Lyall Cameron.

It was good to recommence competitive football again with the group stages of the League Cup. A fine, dominant 7-1 win away to Bonnyrigg Rose, followed with another good win at a notoriously tricky venue saw us off to a great start.

We were due to host our first home game of the season against Annan Athletic on the newly improved pitch surface however the Club has decided that the pitch will benefit from additional time to settle and have announced both “home” League Cup ties will be hosted at Brechin.
The first game at our temporary home, along with results elsewhere, booked our place in the last 16 of the competition, with a game in hand. It’s fantastic to see the team strive on the pitch.

Whilst we support the Club’s decision to ensure the pitch is in the best condition possible for the start of the League campaign it is disappointing that fans will be left out of pocket due to additional travel expense. It would be a positive gesture from the Club to either offer subsidised supporters’ buses or reduced entrance prices to these matches.

We will just have to wait a little longer for the first match of 24/25 at The Kilmac Stadium and the launch of the e-ticketing system. The first home game at “Dens” is one of the most eagerly awaited matches for many Dees being the first chance to see the many new signings on home turf.

The aim of the Dee4Life Board for 24/25 is to improve our relationship with the Club so as to help increase engagement and enhance communication between the Support and Club on matters such as the temporary move to Brechin. We remain positive about the general direction of travel but remain committed to achieving greater fan involvement.

Whilst the board was enhanced by the addition of Mike Woodcock in June, sadly I have to report that Norrie Price has opted to step down as a director to focus on another project.

We thank Norrie for the great commitment shown to Dee4Life in his six years on the board, which included a two-and-a-half year spell as Chair.
He remains very much a Dark Blue diehard and we look forward to his continued contribution and support as a Dee4Life member.

Best wishes,
Keith Winter,
Chair.

Chairman's Updates

Dee4Life members’ update – June

Dear Members

It has been very encouraging to see the progress made on the extensive work being done to ensure the pitch at Dens is ready for the new season. We are yet to learn what the route cause of the drainage problem was but we look forward to seeing the first match on the new surface when we meet Annan in the League Cup on 23rd July.

Off the pitch, there was less positive news on the decision made by the SPFL to ask Dundee to cover Rangers’ travel and hotel costs for the two postponed matches. We were extremely disappointed to read this news and believe it sets a dangerous precedent for the Scottish game.

As communicated earlier this month, Grant McGregor attended the D.F.C EGM on June 2 and cast the Dee4Life vote in favour of both resolutions. We would like to reiterate that we received no clear guidance on what the new investment will be used for. While the percentage of minority shareholders will be diluted further, including our Dee4Life percentage, that doesn’t affect the rights relating to the ‘A’ shares. Ultimately we believed that supporting the club’s plan was the best course of action and we have to acknowledge that the result was inevitable given the high percentage holdings commanded by the majority shareholders. It is fair to say that there are still many questions regarding what the Club is hoping to achieve with the share issue and we hope that their aims will be communicated to fans in due course.

We will shortly be writing to the Club with the aim of re-opening channels and to try to establish constructive dialogue. The recent EGM illustrated the Club’s ability to organise and host professionally run meetings. Regular communication can only help both the Club and the fans and hopefully help bring ore fans back to Dens in the long run. Our hope is that we can achieve the reintroduction of AGM’s and more immediately a Q&A session for members and the wider fan base. We recognise the progress being made at the Club and believe that an engaged fan base can play a big part in helping the manager and the team to make even bigger strides next season.

In other news, I am pleased to introduce a new addition to the Dee4Life Board.

Mike Woodcock (above) has joined the Board as Communications Director. Mike is the Director of Communications at The R&A and is an avid D.F.C supporter, having been attending Dens since the days of Iain Ferguson (the first time) and Cammy Fraser. We all look forward to working with Mike.

Regards,

Dee4Life Board.

Chairman's Updates

Dundee FC EGM update

On Monday 3rd June, Dundee Football Club held their EGM at Gardyne.

There were two resolutions on the agenda – broadly that the club board be given the authority to increase the shares available by £13m in value and that they should then have the power to issue those shares. That authority to span the next five years.

Following considerable discussion the Dee4Life board made the decision to vote in favour of both resolutions, effectively allowing the club to attract fresh investment or clear existing loans from the balance sheet.

We would point out that we received no clear guidance on what the new investment will be used for. While the percentage of minority shareholders will be diluted further, including our Dee4Life percentage, it’s important to be clear that it doesn’t affect the rights relating to the ‘A’ shares.

We believe that supporting the club’s plan was the best course of action and we have to acknowledge that the result was in any case inevitable given the high percentage holdings commanded by the majority shareholders.

There were perhaps just less than 20 shareholders in attendance and the actual meeting lasted some 35 minutes including the count of the votes. Dundee FC directors John Nelms and Bob Hynd were at the top table with Mr Darling of Gilson Gray introducing proceedings.

It was a poll vote with shareholdings held by the individual shareholders counting as opposed to the raising of hands.

Dee4Life Finance Director Grant McGregor cast our vote accordingly with fellow director Norrie Price also in attendance.

Both resolutions were passed with around 82% in favour and 0.004% against. The balance would be those shareholdings not cast.

Beyond the actual resolutions, there was no explanation of the club board’s intentions, nor was there the opportunity for shareholders to ask any questions. At the close of the meeting John Nelms offered all shareholders a tour of the facilities at Gardyne Campus.

Regards,
Dee4Life

Chairman's Updates

Dee4Life members’ update – May

Dear Members,

Well, another season is over and, already the anticipation of another season begins. It has been a great season on the pitch for the club and missing out on a possible European campaign was a disappointment. This achievement is decent for a first season back in the premier league under a new manager in his first season too.

Such times dictate change and upheaval in the playing staff, with the announcement of the loanees returning to their parent clubs, and three releases of Byrne, French and Wilkie. Our thanks for their service to the club and best wishes for the future go with each of them. You never know some of the loanees may yet return for next season.

The club has responded to the challenges recently experienced with the pitch and the impact on games swiftly. Barely had the last league game finished before the works to address this issue commenced, and hopefully we will see the results from this for next season.

Dee4Life have now commented back to the club thanking them for the recent answers to questions and looking forward to the Council holding the hearing in August on the submitted Planning Permission in Principle. Thereafter continuing dialogue and seeking to support the advancement of the New Camperdown stadium.

The matter of engagement and communication with the club continues to be a pressing priority for Dee4Life. We have previously sought a commitment from the club to an AGM arrangement, consistent with other club approaches, or if a preference for the club an open Q&A session for fans with club representatives, to hear of club intentions and future plans, and allow any concerns or points of interest to be raised by fans.

EGM attendance

As you will likely be aware, Dundee Football Club Ltd has called an EGM for Monday June 3rd. Dee4Life board Director Grant McGregor will represent the Trust at the EGM at the club’s Gardyne Training Facility where two Resolutions are to be voted on.

There has been work over recent months on the administration of the website and ensuring the minutes of the board meetings are posted as available and looking to provide historic minutes too, as these at some point seem to have been removed at the time of a system change. Please bear with us as we seek to address and resolve this matter.

Dee4Life are also keen to have open lines of communication with club representatives and will continue to pursue this outcome, to aid dialogue and continue to offer, and seek areas for, support from the society.

As we approach the summer and the European Championships our attention and support will move to the national team, and we wish Steve Clark and the Scotland squad all the best for the tournament in Germany.

Regards

Keith Winter
Dee4Life Chair

Chairman's Updates

Dee4Life members’ update

Dear Members,

The first item to cover is the fantastic achievement by Tony Docherty and the team in reaching top six status in our first season back in the Premiership. The club now have telling fixtures to try and secure European football again at Dens for the first time since 2003.

This success on the park is reflected in the nominations achieved by Tony Docherty up for the Manager of the Year award, Lyall Cameron for the Young Player of the Year award, and with Owen Beck named in the SPFL team of the year.

A delight for the Dees, 𝗟𝘆𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 has been in terrific form in 23/24.

The midfielder was delighted with his PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year nomination 👇 pic.twitter.com/lLu7pPYhym
— PFA Scotland (@PFAScotland) May 2, 2024

All fans will have noted the responses from the club to the questions about the new stadium development tabled recently, and the coverage across different media paths on this. Several Dee4Life members provided responses, to the Board, on the questions submitted and this is appreciated. Currently these are all being considered to establish whether we should seek any further updates or clarification on any points with the club.

Following on the recent and welcomed submission of the Planning Permission in Principle for the Camperdown stadium development, this has now been followed up by further announcements regarding a new training facility at Riverside, a new artificial pitch at the Gardyne Campus and works over the summer to address the drainage issues at Dens Park, with a significant level of investment for this announced.

These will be delivered through a combination of the Club, DBPH, and the Community Trust. All are welcome actions and, as delivered, reflective of the current positive path for the club on and off the field.

The announcement of e-ticketing for the new season is welcomed. This is something the Dee4Life board have pushed for previously as a benefit for fans and an assistance for matchdays where hopefully congestion at the ticket queues will be a thing of the past.

As a voice for Dundee fans, your membership is crucial. But did you know that you can also help Dee4Life by shopping online?

By adjusting your online shopping patterns slightly, you can help raise money for the Trust. Teaming up with easyfundraising, Dee4Life has already earned thousands of pounds thanks to members’ purchases online.

All you need to do is register for an easyfundraising account and select Dee4Life as the cause you’d like to raise money for.

Every time you shop online, easyfundraising will give a donation to the trust. This donation will help us to continue our work in providing a voice for Dees across the globe.

More information can be found here.

One area where there has been some discussion and reaction raised is to the 2024/25 season ticket prices notably the hefty hike in the under-12s price, from £1.00 to £50.00. These are the supporters of the future, and families may well struggle with this increase especially if there is more than one young supporter in the family. It is to be hoped that this does not backfire on the club and its ability to attract young fans for the future.

For your information there has been a change in the Dee4Life Board make up with Grant Hill standing down as Vice-Chair due to personal and professional commitments. Over the past two years, Grant has served the Trust very well, delivering and contributing on several fronts and bringing an energy and communications capacity that has been beneficial to the board and wider Trust membership. Our grateful thanks to Grant and all the best for the future.

So, finally, exciting times for the club and hopefully much more to come over the coming weeks, months, and seasons. But first and foremost, let’s focus on the exciting possibility of European qualification – see you at Dens on Saturday!

Regards
Keith Winter
Dee4Life Chair

Chairman's Updates

Members’ update: Club response to Camperdown questions and survey results

Dear members,

Thank you to all who attended our recent online meeting and contributed to discussion about the future direction of Dee4Life and our club. We welcome feedback on this event and would be happy to hold further meetings in this format if there is an appetite from members to do so.

As explained at the meeting, we received answers to the questions around the new stadium development that we had submitted to the club. Unfortunately, as these were received only an hour before the meeting, we did not have time to consider these as a board prior to the meeting but can now share this with you.

Click here to view the response on our website.

We thank the club for providing information that goes some way to addressing the concerns that members have shared with us over the past couple of years. We believe there is space for additional details to be provided on some of the matters raised and hope this can be addressed through further dialogue.

We would now like to invite members to share their feedback on the answers provided before sending a formal response.

Those wishing to submit their feedback should email contact@dee4life.com.

A desire for more information about Nou Campy was one of the standout findings from our recent members survey, which we shared with those in attendance. A breakdown of the results can also be seen on our website, along with our initial thoughts on the results.

Click here to see our members’ survey results.

What is clear from the survey responses is that Dee4Life members are committed and highly engaged Dundee FC supporters who make a significant financial and emotional contribution to the club. This is always at the forefront of our thinking.

Regards,

Keith Winter (Dee4Life Chair)