Thursday 2 April 2015 16:35, UK
The Dundee United board has defended its business decisions following fierce criticism from two supporters groups.
ArabTRUST and the Federation of Dundee United Supporters Clubs expressed concern over the way the club was being run after meetings with board members and key officials.
The groups raised issues over potential season ticket price rises and the impact of cost-cutting on the team.
They also questioned why United's finances were not in better shape following the offloading of key players.
United, who came under fire for selling Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven to Celtic six weeks before their League Cup final defeat to the Hoops, said: "All supporters can be assured that the board will continue to implement its professional and comprehensive strategy for the football club.
"This strategy and the related actions of the chairman and board of directors have delivered progress both on and off field.
"On field the club has reached back-to-back domestic cup finals for the first time in 29 years, qualified for European competition in three of the last four years, finished in the Premiership top six in every one of the last seven years and won the Scottish Cup in 2010.
"The current management team and players are also sitting fourth in the Premiership this season with sights firmly set on securing a European qualification place.”
The supporters' groups were also worried that chairman Stephen Thompson was wary of bringing in investment for fear of seeing his family's shareholding drop in influence.
They were also "shocked" that a "huge amount of commission" had been paid to unnamed parties from the sale of Ryan Gauld, Andy Robertson, Armstrong and Mackay-Steven.
United’s statement added: "Off field the board has reduced overall debt, including Thompson family loans, from £5.2million in February 2014 to £2.6million while successfully extricating the club from all bank debt.
“The club debt is projected to be reduced to £1.4million by the end of this year.
"Supporters can rest assured that the board is comprised of individuals that are, without exception, Dundee United supporters.
“They bring with them a wealth of experience in business. At all times, the board acts to promote the success of Dundee United and will continue to do so."
