Greg Fenton – Dee4Life

Dee4Life update – September

Dear members,

When Dee4Life directors pledged to do everything in their power to seek answers about the proposed new stadium development, it was made clear that diplomacy would have to be exhausted before a different course of action would be pursued.

Over the past year, we have been guided by legal advice and have asked for nothing beyond what FPS agreed to when they bought the club 10 years ago. We have sought help from intermediaries and offered to go to arbitration to establish a framework for fan representation. We produced a proposal that highlighted the ways we can help the club in return for them fulfilling their legal obligations. We demonstrated our willingness to work alongside the club and provided financial assistance for projects. Most recently, we requested a Q&A session so that outstanding stadium issues could be addressed.

We have worked hard to find an amicable solution but, with the club still failing to answer the perfectly reasonable questions put to them, we feel now is the time to appraise you of all that has happened to date.

Board nomination

In December 2022, we nominated Trust director Kenny Valentine to sit as our primary representative on the club board. The response, signed ‘Dundee Football Club Limited’, made clear this was regarded as a hostile act. Much of the anger appeared to be linked to the fact that a Dee4Life director had, while acting in a personal capacity, responded to the Camperdown statutory consultation by noting that they opposed the plan as it was presented at that time. We had restated Dee4Life’s position – support for the development subject to assurances about the risks facing the club – in our official response to the same consultation.

We immediately sought legal counsel and were advised to resolve the situation privately. Our lawyer wrote to the club noting that the concerns expressed were clearly those of an individual, reminding them that we had acted within our entrenched rights, and offering to meet with company secretary Lindsay Darroch to discuss next steps.

While it would have made our lives easier to outline every detail with you, we were advised that any public fallout would jeopardise any chance of progress. We ultimately took the view that to go public would be to fail our members by making it less likely that they received the answers they sought.

While discussions were ongoing between lawyers, Kenny met with club GM Greg Fenton and received confirmation that Dundee would be playing at Dens Park the following season. This didn’t answer all our questions, but it did address fears that we would be groundsharing for 2022/23.

Over the months that followed, some progress was made. Despite the language used in their response back in December, the club had not said they wouldn’t agree to a Dee4Life rep on the club board and, at this stage, the direction of travel seemed to be towards this happening.

Frustrated progress

Kenny and I (Dee4Life Chair Keith Winter) held robust and constructive discussions with John Nelms, emphasising why increased engagement was positive while pushing back firmly but professionally where appropriate.

An example of this came when we launched a survey in response to the club’s season ticket launch. Two hundred of you took the time to complete the survey and to ask other questions. Despite having agreed to provide answers to FAQs, the club then said they would prefer to answer them on the club’s channels so that all fans could be addressed simultaneously. We still await these answers.

By this time, we had finalised a formal proposal outlining how we saw a relationship between the club and the Trust working and this was sent to Dundee directors once the season ended. We called for several measures intended to increase engagement and communication, along the lines outlined in the club’s own Customer Charter. There were also examples of the ways in which we could help the club as part of a mutually respectful partnership.

While there was agreement in some areas – including willingness to take part in a Q&A – there was significant disagreement in others. Whereas discussion on the board place were of the ‘when, not if’ variety a few months ago, there now appeared to be a hardening of the club’s position. This culminated in us being told that attempts to have a Dee4Life rep appointed would continue to be resisted.

Q&A request

Over the past year, we have made clear that we sought a reset in relations with the club but the supposed actions of “individuals associated with Dee4Life” were repeatedly cited as reasons for the club’s reluctance to engage. With no movement on the board place we requested the Q&A that John Nelms had indicated he was willing to take part in. The response we received offered only a further meeting rather than direct discussions about the issues we had raised. We had previously been offered a Q&A with Tony Docherty but it would have been inappropriate to take part in this while we seek answers to the Camperdown questions.

It has been frustrating not to be able to share all we have been doing with members, but it was necessary that discussions remained confidential while there was a chance of diplomacy succeeding. We also had to be able to evidence the steps we had taken to resolve the impasse in a professional and amicable manner. Our aim was to be above reproach in all that we did.

Next steps

For obvious reasons it isn’t in our interests for the full legal advice we received to be in the public domain but, to summarise, the only way to enforce Dee4Life’s entrenched rights would be by raising legal action against the club. We don’t have inexhaustible funds but the majority of our reserves are ringfenced for legal action if it is ever required to fight a very clear threat to Dundee’s existence.

Our primary focus over the past year has been to fulfil the pledges we made at the last AGM and for fans to receive the information they deserve. The board rep nomination was a means to an end for us – that end being to get answers to the stadium questions and to ensure this kind of situation does not arise again. With club directors now explicitly saying they will block this move and with John Nelms now apparently unwilling to take part in a Q&A, it is now time to consider next steps.

We will be meeting with Dundee’s two constituency MSPs over the next few weeks to ask for their assistance in resolving this situation. We will update you on these talks and anticipate laying out the options available to us and recommending a course of action ahead at our AGM in November, at which point members will be able to vote on the direction we take.

We note today’s media reports about the imminent purchase of Dens Park by FPS and will consider the implications for the club as we obtain more information on the matter.

Keith Winter (Chair)

society updates

Entry issues, tannoy system, stadium maintenance – update

Dear members,

I spoke with DFC General manager Greg Fenton last week to discuss several issues that members have raised with us. I have summarised these, and Greg’s responses, below.

As we outlined in our recent partnership proposal, we want to work with the club to resolve issues as well as raising them. Our proposed next steps are outlined in italics.

A section of the Dundee support in the Bobby Cox Stand at the Motherwell game. Image: Derek Gerrard Photography.

Tannoy system

Several members were concerned that the South Enclosure tannoy system that has been inaudible for several seasons is now a bigger issue given the need for VAR updates.

Answer – the club invested in the SE tannoy in the summer and are monitoring the situation to test for its effectiveness.

We have received mixed feedback from the Motherwell game, with some fans reporting an improvement and others noting no change. We have offered to liaise with the company that DFC use to see what further options there are to improve the tannoy system and to potentially fund any improvement.

Ticketing

As we shared with you at the start of the month, we have been discussing this longstanding complaint of fans with the club, have proposed temporary solutions and have offered to support the introduction of eTicketing.

Answer – the club felt the new collection booth worked well in reducing club shop queues prior to the Motherwell match and are considering additional resources that would make it quicker and more convenient for fans to purchase and collect tickets.

Our offer of support remains in place and we are happy to explore any other ideas members might have.

Condition of South Enlosure seats

Dee4Life directors and members reported finding broken and dirty seats upon arriving at the Motherwell match.

The condition of some of the seats in the South Enclosure prior to the first game of the season.

Answer – all seats were cleaned in the days prior to the opening match of the season and stained and/or broken ones have now been removed, with replacements in place for the Hearts game. Seats in the areas worst affected by bird droppings are covered until 1pm pre-match.

As the club only has covers for a fraction of the total number of seats we are looking at whether we can fund more.

General stadium maintenance

Members expressed disappointment at finding old signs, bottles, cones and general debris upon arriving at the ground last week.

Answer – the club would appreciate any support to help clean up articles that litter the ground.

Earlier in the summer we helped connect the club with tradespeople willing to help out with stadium maintenance and we are liaising with individuals and other groups to see what further assistance we might collectively provide.

In addition, we were also asked to contact the club by a member regarding concerns about disabled access following on from the new parking restrictions introduced by the local authority. We thank DFC Disability Access officer Declan Gall for providing a speedy response confirming that disabled parking places for supporters are available on Provost Road and North Isla Street.

Any members who would like to provide their own feedback or raise any issues they’d like raised with the club then please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing contact@dee4life.com.

Regards,
Kenny Valentine,
Dee4Life Director

Chairman's Updates, Trust Update

Dee4Life End of Season Message

Dear members,

There were many ups and downs over the course of the campaign but it’s a pleasure to write to you all with our Premiership status restored after a remarkable end to the season.

On behalf of the Trust, I want to thank Gary Bowyer for guiding us back as champions at the first time of asking. He and his backroom staff will always be remembered fondly amongst the Dark Blue faithful.

His departure so soon after a weekend of celebrations came as a shock to many and we hope that the board will move quickly to appoint a new manager, allowing them time to build foundations before the season kicks off again.

As we shared with you all recently, talks have been ongoing between the club and ourselves regarding a future working relationship.

A formal proposal outlining how we see a partnership between the club and the Trust working has now been submitted.

Key to this is ensuring that an appropriate platform exists for supporters’ views to be raised, respected and reflected in decision making by those running the club. As such, we have called for several measures intended to increase the level of fan representation, engagement and communication, along the lines outlined in the club’s own Customer Charter.

We also outlined the various ways we can help with regards to fundraising, the club’s development and growing our support if the board are willing to enter into meaningful engagement of the type we have proposed.

We will update all members once further talks about this have taken place with the club.

Meanwhile, our director Kenny Valentine raised several issues highlighted by members in his latest meeting with Greg Fenton and he was assured that action will be taken over the summer to address the poor state of several areas of Dens Park. The sporadic closure of South Enclosure exit gates will also be raised with Safety and Security Manager Jim Thomson.

Greg also revealed that investment is being made in the club’s media department and DeeTV offering, as well as the wider people resource. More details on these areas will be shared by the club in due course.

Greg has requested that the FAQs arising from our season ticket survey are addressed as part of an upcoming update on developments to be shared with all fans simultaneously. Whilst the delay is frustrating we await the communication and hope it addresses the concerns expressed by members. If not, we will continue to raise these with the club.

All the best,

Ross Day,
Secretary.

Chairman's Updates

Monthly update

Dear members,

Over the past three months, representatives of Dee4Life have been meeting with John Nelms and other Dundee FC officials. The purpose of these talks has been to establish a framework for the future relationship between the Trust and the club, including the restoration of fan representation to the Dens Park board.

These discussions are progressing in a positive manner but, given the extent to which the relationship between the two groups deteriorated over several years, there remains some distance to go before we arrive at an agreed position. We feel that for a fans’ representative to be successful, their addition to the board has to be done in a positive manner that adds value to the club and its supporters.

We sincerely hope that the positive dialogue we have had since New Year lays the foundation for a fresh start that will allow us to represent our members – and the wider support – at board level, supporting the club’s development and helping to grow our fan base while also asking challenging questions when appropriate.

Gardyne visit and DSA meeting

I visited Gardyne campus on Wednesday to present the findings of our season ticket survey. A total of 200 members responded, with many taking the opportunity to ask other questions of the club.

We will share the results and their responses to the most asked questions with you all shortly and acknowledge the club’s decision to reduce early bird prices by £15.

After that meeting, myself and several other Dee4Life directors met with the committee of the Dundee Supporters Association.

This builds on our improving relations with the DSA over the past year and it was very obvious from our meeting that the same hopes and concerns are shared across both groups.

Combined we represent a substantial part of the Dundee fan base and we will work together closely in pursuit of our common goals.

The Dundee players celebrate a goal in our recent win over Ayr United. — Image: Derek Gerrard Photography

Earlier that day, Greg Fenton had reaffirmed his intention to meet with supporters’ groups, including Dee4Life, in the close season and we welcome this.

The more communication and engagement that takes place, the more likely it is that the club and fans will move forward as one.

In the meantime, I would encourage as many of you as possible to take advantage of the reduced admission offering for tomorrow’s vital home clash with Hamilton.

Times are tough for many people right now, so we were pleased to see ticket prices slashed to just £15 for the game. Let’s hope for a bumper crowd to cheer the Mighty Dark Blues on to victory.

Kenny Valentine
Trust Director

Chairman's Updates

Monthly Update

Dear members,

Increasing dialogue between Dee4Life and the club has been taking place in recent months, and we are hopeful that this will lead to a stronger relationship that will enable us to better represent Dundee supporters on all the issues that matter to them.

To that end, we were pleased that Dundee’s General Manager Greg agreed to a Dee4Life proposal for members to route any questions they have about the club through the Trust. We will share further details of how members can submit questions over the next few weeks. Greg also expressed his interest in attending a future Dee4Life meeting to hear from members in person.

That agreement came when our Director Kenny Valentine held another positive meeting with Greg at Gardyne Training Centre last month. At this, Greg confirmed that the club are committed to addressing the problems that some supporters have experienced when trying to gain entry to Dens Park this season.

We have agreed to support them in this endeavour and we hope to share plans for an improved admissions experience shortly.

Kenny (above) also shared feedback from members regarding the cleanliness at Dens. Supporters have noted improvements over recent weeks but also report a few areas where more work is required. Greg was pleased to receive this feedback and confirmed that steps continue to be made to improve the general upkeep of Dens.

In response to a question raised by one of our members, it was confirmed the club have plans to relaunch the Junior Dark Blues. We have offered our support for this initiative and look forward to helping with a new offering for young Dundee fans.

Prior to this meeting, Kenny was introduced to John Nelms, spent more than half an hour discussing the relationship between Dundee FC and Dee4Life with him.

Elsewhere, Directors George McIrvine and Scott Lorimer represented the Trust at the recent Dundee FC Sponsors’ evening at the Invercarse Hotel.

Board members George McIrvine (centre) and Scott Lorimer (second right) represented Dee4Life at the recent Dundee FC Sponsors' Dinner. The are pictured with players Luke Hannant and Max Anderson. — Board members George McIrvine (centre) and Scott Lorimer (second right) represented Dee4Life at the recent Dundee FC Sponsors’ Dinner.

The evening was well attended, with players and management staff taking time to chat with guests.
George and Scott had good conversations with Luke Hannant and Max Anderson, who they shared a table with, and both took an interest in hearing about the work Dee4Life does.

The more members we have, the more successful our efforts will be. Please encourage fellow Dees to sign up to the Trust as we aim to provide a voice for supporters.

Best wishes,
Grant Hill (Vice Chair)

Chairman's Updates

Chairman’s monthly update

Dear members,

The most notable piece of work we carried out in January was undoubtedly being able to inform you that Dundee will remain at Dens Park for the 2023/24 season.

Speculation about the imminent sale of Dens, the Camperdown Park development and potential groundsharing has been the biggest concern expressed by members in recent months.

So we were pleased when General Manager Greg Fenton confirmed to our director Kenny Valentine that we will still be playing at Dens next season.

We again thank Greg for taking time to address members’ concerns and hope we can build on recent dialogue to strengthen our relationship with the club.

While this was welcome news in regards to the immediate future, Dee4Life will continue to ask questions about the impact of the stadium proposals on the club and all matters of importance to Dundee supporters.

Given that we will remain at our traditional home for the next season, we have also raised concerns around the general cleanliness of Dens and enquired about the possibility of reinstating a pay at the turnstile. Matters surrounding the series of postponements this month have also been discussed with Greg and we will keep members up to date with any further updates.

Kenny Valentine hands over some of the hot water bottles we donated to Greg Fenton at Dundee's Gardyne Campus base. — *Kenny Valentine hands over some of the hot water bottles we donated to Greg Fenton at Dundee’s Gardyne Campus base.*

When meeting with Greg, Kenny also handed over 168 hot water bottles for Dundee FC Community Trust’s winter support program, which provides a vital service to those most in need in the wider community.

Liaison officer George McIrvine attended Saturday’s DSA meeting. It was interesting to hear the views of their members and learn more about their work and conversations with the club. George also talked about the work that we have been doing recently.

While Gary Bowyer is making adjustments to his playing squad, there have also been a couple of changes within Dee4Life.

Firstly, Douglas Tott resigned from his position as Director on the board. Douglas took on his role last February after first volunteering with Dee4Life in January 2018 and wewish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Meanwhile, Scott Lorimer has been appointed as our new Communications Director.

Scott, who has experience in journalism and public relations, takes over the comms brief from Grant Hill, who will continue in his role as Vice-Chair of Dee4Life.

Scott was straight into action, handing out Dee4Life flyers at the recent home game against Queen’s Park alongside Grant.

They were assisted by Grant’s son Elliot, who was paid far in excess of the national living wage for an 8-year-old in the club shop afterwards.

Young Dee Elliot was on hand to help recruit new members before the Queen's Park game. — *Young Dee Elliot was on hand to help recruit new members before the Queen’s Park game.*

We welcome those of you who signed up after receiving one of our flyers, bringing our membership up to 428 at the time of writing.

While pleased at more than doubling our member numbers over the past six months, if each of us could reach out to two or three others, that number could fairly swiftly reach our medium-term target of 1,000.

That would be significant progress and give Dee4Life an ever-increasing voice so please encourage your friends and family to sign up at dee4life.com.

Finally, minutes from our most recent Board meeting are now available to view for Members when they log in to the website.

Kind regards,
Norrie Price,

Chair