Tag: Kenny Valentine

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.