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.

Norrie Price
Norrie Price

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.

Norrie Price steps down as Chair

I am sad to report that that Norrie Price has decided to step down as Dee4Life Chair though he will remain an active member of our Board. He became a director several years ago and held the position of Secretary before assuming the Chair last year.

It is vital for any organisation to have a diversity of opinion and it is fair to say that Norrie is not shy when it comes to getting his point across! He argues passionately for what he believes to be in the best interests of Dundee FC, while respecting other viewpoints and the democratic process.

Norrie played an important role in ensuring that Dee4Life survived a difficult few years and was instrumental in introducing new directors to bolster the Board. I am personally thankful to him for bringing me on board, and for his leadership, support and friendship.

Norrie (above) said, “I am pleased that in my time as an office bearer we have seen a transition to a more modern and streamlined setup. Also that the age profile amongst the directors has been reduced and the resultant influx of fresh blood has driven an increased membership level to almost 500.

“However, I feel great frustration at the way the football club itself continues to be operated. This has contributed to my decision to step away from my current position.”

We will update members on the vacant Chair position in due course.

Vice Chair,
Grant Hill