Tekel Towers » Ogren

AlwaysUnited · 14/4/2020 4:45 pm

So Ogren has turned against the fans. Shock horror. Only here for the cash.

STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN MARK OGREN

Published: 14th April 2020

I want to pass on my thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the COVID-19 virus whether part of the Dundee United family, the Dundee community or the key workers on the front line.

These unprecedented times are causing extreme hardships on many and will have a significant effect in both the short and long term on the overall welfare of families and businesses.

As Chairman of Dundee United FC, I am very proud of what our Club has been able to accomplish in the relatively short period of time under our ownership.

We, together, have started something special here and the words of United Together cannot be understated. The future of our position in the league is under discussion with the governing bodies. Our coaching staff and players are more determined than ever to continue what we have started as soon as they can, to create even more memories for our fans.

I want to thank everyone throughout our Club for making the furlough process as easy as possible. We also, however, all need to understand that with every crisis comes financial burden which needs to be managed carefully. Financially, this is an extremely difficult time for our Club.

With that in mind and with great disappointment, I would like to state that recent talks between Dundee United FC and the Dundee United Supporters Foundation (DUSF) have now come to an end.

After initially being told the organisation was there to assist our Club with monies which have been raised throughout their membership, we as a board were not willing to fulfil the unreasonable demands of DUSF encompassing a requirement for shares and thereafter a secured loan. This is particularly troublesome to us considering the size of the overall investment Scott and I have put into Dundee United FC and quite frankly goes against all the values that we have as owners and as a Club.

Therefore, we are formally announcing that Dundee United FC will no longer recognise DUSF as a partner moving forward. What this means for the future existence of that organisation and to the distribution or otherwise of the funds it has accumulated from fans over a number of years is a question only their Steering Committee can answer.

We will be shortly announcing the formation of a new Supporters' Foundation after consultation with the various supporter groups with whom we have clear and productive relationships.

Last edited by Tek (14/4/2020 7:11 pm)

AlwaysUnited · 14/4/2020 4:47 pm

Why shouldn't the Foundation get some security over members cash? It shouldn't just be handed over carte blanche to be sent back to America. It should be used to help UNITED and the only way to do that is legal assurances.

Last edited by AlwaysUnited (14/4/2020 6:52 pm)

SuperMario · 14/4/2020 4:57 pm

Depends how much the shares they were wanting etc need to see what the foundation will reply, Ive been paying money from the very beginning and never once wanted anything back in return, would rather the money just went straight in to United academy etc

If the ogrens started gifting shares would that not in turn devalue their shares

Tangy · 14/4/2020 4:59 pm

I'm guessing there is more to it, the Ogrens are savvy enough not to want to make enemies.

We always knew they were here to make money and didn't buy united as a toy - so coming out with snake comments seems a bit unwarranted. (The only way they will make money is to be successful and I like success for our club).

I'm interested to read their response - perhaps we will get more information. Either way disappointing as the club seemed to be as 'United' as it had in a long time and we could all be doing without the bitter name calling we had years of previously

Last edited by Tangy (14/4/2020 5:35 pm)

Tek · 14/4/2020 5:01 pm

AlwaysUnited wrote:
Why shouldn't the Trust get some security over members cash? It shouldn't just be handed over carte blanche to be sent back tho America. It should be used to help UNITED and the only way to do that is legal assurances.

Whilst you have a point, can we please refrain from petty name calling towards Utd people please?

14/4/2020 5:01 pm

Let's not assume the DUSF steering committee speaks for all fans.

I also contribute monthly and and presumed that something like the current situation might be where the DUSF would provide financial assistance.

I never once understood this would be in exchange for shares or as a loan, secured or not.

Disappointed in the DUSF if this is the case.

SuperMario · 14/4/2020 5:12 pm

Goodie Conway 2 wrote:
Let's not assume the DUSF steering committee speaks for all fans.

I also contribute monthly and and presumed that something like the current situation might be where the DUSF would provide financial assistance.

I never once understood this would be in exchange for shares or as a loan, secured or not.

Disappointed in the DUSF if this is the case.

Agree big time

Tek · 14/4/2020 5:42 pm

DUSF Response

Tek · 14/4/2020 5:47 pm

I don't have a horse in this 'battle' but the Utd statement did seem quite aggressive in tone.

Not sure that was necessary at all and not sure what purpose it serves to make this public.

Also who decides who sits on this new Supporters Foundation? And what purpose does it serve?

Tek · 14/4/2020 5:56 pm

Final thought.

If DUSF's caveat's on the deal were indeed reasonable they should just say what they were and let their members decide for themselves.

AlwaysUnited · 14/4/2020 5:58 pm

All that the foundation have done is tried to stand by the club in their hour of need. Fans need to be aware of where the money will be going though. If the foundation just hand over a cheque, what's to stop the Ogren's disappearing with it, as repayment for their investment?

I applaud each and every member of the Foundation.

Tek · 14/4/2020 6:04 pm

AlwaysUnited wrote:
All that the foundation have done is tried to stand by the club in their hour of need. Fans need to be aware of where the money will be going though. If the foundation just hand over a cheque, what's to stop the Ogren's disappearing with it, as repayment for their investment?

I applaud each and every member of the Foundation.

There does need to be a bit of legality about it. Don't think anyone would disagree with that part. It's a substantial amount of money that was raised in good faith.

But the details of the discussed deal are important. It would seem they have greatly offended Ogren.

Tek · 14/4/2020 6:08 pm

Tobias Smollett wrote:
Tek wrote:
Also who decides who sits on this new Supporters Foundation? And what purpose does it serve?
I'd guess the Ogren's sit on it and all money goes to them, er, the club

That's what needs clarified before even one penny went into it.

AlwaysUnited · 14/4/2020 6:16 pm

What is crystal clear, and I say this with great sadness, is that the club and fans are now at war.

Each fan must tonight look into their soul and decide which side they are on.

The side of true United fans who have been with the club through thick and thin, or the side of the owners.

Some supporters clubs will undoubtedly side with the club and its efforts to form a new foundation. They are entitled to do so.

Others will look to the past and make their own mind up.

You decide.

Last edited by AlwaysUnited (14/4/2020 6:20 pm)

Tek · 14/4/2020 6:24 pm

AlwaysUnited wrote:
What is crystal clear, and I say this with great sadness, is that the club and fans are now at war.

Bit dramatic, no?

The DUSF only represent a tiny minority of the Utd support.

Arabdownsouth · 14/4/2020 6:25 pm

AlwaysUnited wrote:
What is crystal clear, and I say this with great sadness, is that the club and fans are now at war.

Each fan must tonight look into their soul and decide which side they are on.

The side of true United fans who have been with the club through thick and thin, or the side of the owners.

Some supporters clubs will undoubtedly side with the club and its efforts to form a new foundation. They are entitled to do so.

Others will look to the past and make their own mind up.

You decide.

My decision is that you've given yourself a strange username - Always United, considering all your talking about is war and choosing sides.

All I care about is a successful United and that we all come through this terrible time intact, certainly not going to be going to war with anyone over anything.

Tek · 14/4/2020 6:27 pm

There's no way Mark Ogren worded that statement btw.

TheShed · 14/4/2020 6:30 pm

A new foundation formed by the club will get nothing from me. The whole point of a foundation was, in my mind anyway, an insurance policy for when times were desperate. My vote in the foundation would always have been to keep it that way.
Do the club need (not want) the money now? Are the club desperate? If so they need to tell us that.
One things for sure that childish strop of a statement isn’t the way to go about things.

Arabnophobia · 14/4/2020 6:31 pm

AlwaysUnited wrote:
What is crystal clear, and I say this with great sadness, is that the club and fans are now at war.

Each fan must tonight look into their soul and decide which side they are on.

The side of true United fans who have been with the club through thick and thin, or the side of the owners.

Some supporters clubs will undoubtedly side with the club and its efforts to form a new foundation. They are entitled to do so.

Others will look to the past and make their own mind up.

You decide.

What a pile of shite. You are over reacting and/or just stirring shit.

SuperMario · 14/4/2020 6:32 pm

AlwaysUnited wrote:
What is crystal clear, and I say this with great sadness, is that the club and fans are now at war.

Each fan must tonight look into their soul and decide which side they are on.

The side of true United fans who have been with the club through thick and thin, or the side of the owners.

Some supporters clubs will undoubtedly side with the club and its efforts to form a new foundation. They are entitled to do so.

Others will look to the past and make their own mind up.

You decide.

Genuinely laughed reading this hahahaha

Arabnophobia · 14/4/2020 6:34 pm

SuperMario wrote:
AlwaysUnited wrote:
What is crystal clear, and I say this with great sadness, is that the club and fans are now at war.

Each fan must tonight look into their soul and decide which side they are on.

The side of true United fans who have been with the club through thick and thin, or the side of the owners.

Some supporters clubs will undoubtedly side with the club and its efforts to form a new foundation. They are entitled to do so.

Others will look to the past and make their own mind up.

You decide.

Genuinely laughed reading this hahahaha

Finding it hard to believe this isn't a Dee at the wind up.

AlwaysUnited · 14/4/2020 6:41 pm

TheShed wrote:
A new foundation formed by the club will get nothing from me. The whole point of a foundation was, in my mind anyway, an insurance policy for when times were desperate. My vote in the foundation would always have been to keep it that way.
Do the club need (not want) the money now? Are the club desperate? If so they need to tell us that.
One things for sure that childish strop of a statement isn’t the way to go about things.

Appreciate your support mate.

AlwaysUnited · 14/4/2020 6:43 pm

Arabnophobia wrote:
AlwaysUnited wrote:
What is crystal clear, and I say this with great sadness, is that the club and fans are now at war.

Each fan must tonight look into their soul and decide which side they are on.

The side of true United fans who have been with the club through thick and thin, or the side of the owners.

Some supporters clubs will undoubtedly side with the club and its efforts to form a new foundation. They are entitled to do so.

Others will look to the past and make their own mind up.

You decide.
What a pile of shite. You are over reacting and/or just stirring shit.

I appreciate it seems that way, but you've no idea how much that foundation means to me. I'm in shock.

The next 24 hours will determine so much.

Arabdownsouth · 14/4/2020 6:44 pm

Arabnophobia wrote:
SuperMario wrote:
AlwaysUnited wrote:
What is crystal clear, and I say this with great sadness, is that the club and fans are now at war.

Each fan must tonight look into their soul and decide which side they are on.

The side of true United fans who have been with the club through thick and thin, or the side of the owners.

Some supporters clubs will undoubtedly side with the club and its efforts to form a new foundation. They are entitled to do so.

Others will look to the past and make their own mind up.

You decide.

Genuinely laughed reading this hahahaha

Finding it hard to believe this isn't a Dee at the wind up.

Yep, kinda strange that a newcomer to the board would make this their opening salvo.

PatReilly · 14/4/2020 6:47 pm

Always United, firstly it's unnecessary and unhelpful to name call in the manner you have in your initial post today (and your second post on this board, the first being exactly 21 months ago).

And your first post, in July 2018, sung the praises of Stephen Thompson. You can see why folk might be suspicious.

Regarding the Foundation, I was enthusiastic about the group initially, but they failed to respond to simple queries I put to them, thus, to be honest, I almost forgot all about DUSF.

You don't speak for all United fans by any stretch of the imagination, and I'm sure, in time, we'll be provided with a more balanced version of the fall out between your organisation, and the club.