Mark Ogren seeks Dundee United Supporters’ Foundation support for a new ‘project’, as Tangerines owner refuses out selling shares to fan organization. Ogren is eager to settle on the next project that will benefit from DUSF’s fundraising. Mark Ogren has written an open letter to members of the Dundee United Supporters Foundation (DUSF), stating his wish to agree on the next “project” that will benefit from their support. However, the United owner has refused to sell shares to the supporters’ organisation, claiming that their collaboration on “bricks and mortar” improvements has been “successful” and should continue.
The DUSF has almost 2,200 members and has contributed £516,000 Manchester United, with nearly £400,000 going toward the renovation of Foundation Park (originally Gussie Park). However, with that amazing initiative completed and giving an excellent foundation for academy and women’s teams, an impasse has arisen on the next stage. In letters seen by Courier Sport, Ogren writes: “It has been almost a full calendar year since any funds were forwarded to the club.”
Ogren: Potential initiatives can start during the closing season. While “reiterating gratitude” for DUSF’s sponsorship, he has asked them to consult with the club before deciding on a preferred topic to work on with United. He stated that the wheels may be set in motion in a couple of weeks. Ogren stated: “I believe that the vast majority of DUSF members have donated funds over a sustained period to provide ongoing financial support via two-party agreed projects.”It has shown to be mainly successful, and I hope that this remains the goal of members.
“I am eager for the club and DUSF to work together to compile a collection of suggested projects that will allow DUSF members to then decide for which project they want their funds to be directed.” He continued: “As we approach the close season and prepare for life back in the Premiership, now would be a good time to discuss potential projects that we can begin in the close season.” Ogren also stated: “The club remain committed to assisting DUSF in growing its membership through promotional activity and I pledge that this will continue and be enhanced in the coming months if we continued to work together on out next mutually agreed project.”
DUSF money are not for Tannadice’s “general maintenance” Ogren used the letter to indicate that he will not consider selling any of his shareholdings to the DUSF, despite claims that the option was discussed at a recent meeting with the group. He went on to say, “A member of the steering group suggested at this meeting that DUSF members wanted to shift away from project-based investment in the club and instead interested in acquiring shares, either while I owned the club or through’stockpiling’ funds to ‘influence’ decision making with a future owner.
“In reply, I reiterated that I would not entertain selling shares to DUSF.” Meanwhile, Ogren pushed to clarify that United never asked the DUSF to contribute funding to Tannadice’s ongoing general maintenance. However, he did emphasize that those expenditures are “rising every year” and, as a result, “would play an increasing role in the annual budget”.
