Club Statement

Following reports in a Scottish newspaper today, based on a statement by ArabTRUST and the Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs, perpetuating the inaccurate suggestion that the manager of Dundee United and/or other employees may have benefited through the payment of over £500,000 in relation to transfer activity, the Board of Dundee United Football Club issue the following statement: “The Club engaged Jackie’s management team in January 2013 with a clear mandate to develop and play young talent in the first team. This mandate was in line with our strategic objective to reduce the overall debt at that time by successful trading in the transfer market. We sought a candidate who was more likely to develop and take the opportunity to blood young players in the first team rather than recruiting experienced players. “The Manager's basic remuneration package was reduced considerably, replaced instead by a performance-based contract, with several bonus initiatives, which included developing young players into actual transfer targets. This way the Club drove down management costs and engaged a forward-looking management team whose income would only increase by achieving results. This practice is well established throughout the UK, particularly in England where transfer markets are a substantial incentive. “The Club has consistently positioned itself as a club that will sell player(s) if that sale is to the benefit of the Club and, we believe, the Club remains the best platform in Scotland for the development of young talent, to the mutual benefit of the Club and players alike. “The Manager has now specifically waived his right to confidentiality and requested that we clarify publicly that certain bonuses are payable in respect of player transfers, but that he plays no part in any transfer negotiations.  This remains the responsibility of the Chairman and the Board. All bonuses are capped and properly monitored. “It is important to note that the Manager has not received bonuses anywhere near the highly misleading figure of £500k stated publicly this week. “It is also worth noting that since January 2013, the Club's overall debt has been reduced from £5.6m to £2.65m to date, and is projected to be further reduced to some £1.4m later this year on the receipt of the next scheduled receipt of transfer income.”