Society and Dundee Mad Supporting Depression Alliance Campaign

With depression being such a high profile issue in football since the sad death of Gary Speed and a handful of players admitting they have also suffered at various points of their careers, Depression Alliance UK in conjunction with ex Premiership footballer and radio pundit Stan Collymore are running a campaign to highlight an issue often shied away from.  Many sufferers find it hard to admit to having a problem with depression initially, and even harder to talk about it and seek help. Many aren't even aware that depression is the cause of the feelings they may be having.

 

To bring attention to the people who can help - anonymously, online, or through local support groups - Stan has been collecting signed and match worn shirts from his contacts and friends in the game and is running a prize draw for anyone who wishes to donate a fiver to support the charity's work up until the 31st of the month.  A full list of all the shirts and Premiership hospitality prizes are available here, along with terms and conditions.

 

The Dundee FC Supporters' Society and Dundee Mad are working together in support of the campaign, and to raise awareness of Depression Alliance UK locally, the Society have donated a squad signed 2011/12 shirt to the campaign.

 

For more details on this, and for your chance to get your hands on either the Dee top or one of the countless others that have been donated, visit the Dundee Mad website.

Transform Follow Up

Saturday 14th January saw the return of SFL action to Dens Park in the Dee's first home league game of 2012, and Dundee FC Supporters' Society were delighted to welcome Transform Community Development along to the game against Livingston as part of the Community Initiative.

Transform Community Development (formerly Dundee Cyrenians) is a community based project aimed at overcoming social exclusion and poverty by providing temporary accommodation, with 70 beds across three units, along with support in finding permanent accommodation and furniture for people who are in need and creating employment opportunities for people who are having difficulty finding employment.

Transform also provide a whole range of other services, from Dundee Homefinder Service, Arch Catering, The Big Apple through to the distribution of quality surplus food through their FareShare project.  The Society caught up with Bryan Smith to see how the day had gone for them.  "Everything on the day was fantastic, the organisation shown by all the volunteers at Dens was unbelievable, so the day went off really well.  The article in the match programme was fantastic also, it said exactly what we wanted to say, and that set us up for a very successful visit.

"We are really happy for all the support we received from Jacqui Robertson, and the Dundee supporters, and we have already received a few enquiries since the visit.  We have had some people in touch donating furniture, and a few just enquiring as to what exactly our services have to offer.
 
"We were obviously aware that people were really at Dens to watch the football, and have a good time, so we were keen not to be badgering them, so we decided just to have leaflets available, I was handing them out with my two kids, Georgia and Lewis, and that seemed to be enough.  Plenty were handed out and, hopefully, a few more people are now aware of Transform Community Development and what we do, and if that means that in the future we can help more people, then we have achieved our objective.

"Obviously the leaflets can never explain the whole story, and homelessness is a pretty complex issue, but if anyone really wanted more information then I felt that they would not really be wanting it there and then, they were at Dens for the football after all, and contact information was on the leaflets handed out, so they could always get in touch later, and thankfully that proved to be the case.

"We got involved today because the three of us are season ticket holders, and saw the work done at Dens, in fact it was the second home game of the season, where we saw Boomerang had a stall in the Bobby Cox concourse; we have actually dealt with Neil and his team at Boomerang, so I knew a fair bit about them, and it got me thinking, if Boomerang can do it, why can’t Transform Community Development?

"So I got in touch with Jacqui, and soon plans were afoot for our visit last week, and I would recommend it to any local charity who would like to become involved in this initiative.  The way the day was organised left us free to concentrate on what we wanted to achieve, and with the help of the volunteers at Dens, I think we exceeded our expectations.  Indeed if any charity is interested, but maybe a bit unsure, I would be happy to talk to them personally, and let them know how well things went for us on the day."

When asked if Dundee supporters were reflective of his target market, Bryan was quick to point out that everyone is his target market.  "As I said to Jacqui prior to our visit, we don’t have a target audience as such, because anyone can become homeless, people in any circumstances can find themselves in that situation, but on top of that, it might be that people may know of someone else in those circumstances, and maybe now they might just think of Transform Community Development, and if they get in touch, then we can direct them to wherever they need to go for the help they need.

"Dundee might have a fairly low number of people sleeping rough, but homelessness is more than just those people, someone sleeping on a friend’s sofa or anyone who does not have secure accommodation is maybe homeless, and we look to help those people.  Our aim at Dens was to raise awareness of what we do, and thanks to everyone involved in this community initiative at Dens, we feel the day was successful.  Because of the work we do, sometimes it is hard for us to actually get any publicity, and this was a great way for us to do that, and I can’t thank everyone who helped out today enough."

For Jacqui Robertson, the day was also a successful one, "It was a pleasure to work with Bryan not only in his capacity with Transform but as a fellow fan in the Bobby Cox.  The fact that he had noticed one of our other charities in the stand was great as it led to another interesting and informative local charity being highlighted.  The platform is there and I want to hear from people like Bryan who see the opportunity to make their voices heard in the community and amongst a group of fans who have proven they care deeply about many things.

"One of the things that Bryan said to me that stuck with me is that it doesn't matter who you are, anyone can become homeless.  I'd like to think that if I or anyone I know was ever in the position that a lot of our fellow Dundonians find themselves in, that Transform could make a difficult situation that little bit easier."

The Dundee FC Supporters' Society would like to thank Bryan, Georgia and Lewis for coming along to Dens on the 14th, and are proud to be associated with the leading homeless charity in Dundee.  Anyone wishing further information on Transform Community Development, whether it is to use the services they offer, donating furniture, volunteering or indeed any of their other services, can contact Bryan through the Transform Community Development website.

Message from Wullie Reilly

Society Community Director Jacqui Robertson and celebrity Dee Bobby Brady visited Dundee's most famous fan, Wullie Reilly, last Thursday after he'd spent a while in hospital.

Wullie told Jacqui and Bobby that he has been overwhelmed with all the messages, visits and love he has had from everyone since his stay in hospital.  His ward sounded like a who's who of local celebrities and none more so than him!  He asked Jacqui to pass on a big "thank you" to everyone for their kind words which have kept him going.  Wullie asked that we say a particular "thank you" to Mark McGregor who has been a real strength and also to his god-daughter Carra - and to let Carra know he was wearing his Dundee top (pictured), a present from her, when they visited.

Society Welcomes CEO Appointment

Dundee FC Supporters' Society today welcomed the appointment of Dundee FC's new Chief Executive, Scot Gardiner.

All three Society representatives have met with Scot on several occasions, including several recent matches - as have the rest of the club board - and we are confident that with his strong commercial background both inside and outside of football, Scot will be a valuable asset to the club at a time when it is looking to grow revenue streams and attract investment.

We wish him every success in his new role.

Alasdair Draws Attention to the Players!

You may remember a story we featured recently about Junior Dee Lyndsey Bennet who was given a day to remember as a club mascot v Falkirk after missing out on a birthday message in the match programme.  Well, Lyndsey wasn't the only one in the family who had an exciting day as big brother Alasdair wowed the lads in the dressing room with his drawings of them in action.  At just 12 years old, Alasdair may be a young lad but we think he has a great future ahead of him if his player portraits are anything to go by.  Community Director Jacqui Robertson asked Alasdair what he made of his day.
"It was a great game!  It’s not often that you see that many goals in a match.  I go to a lot of the games and I really enjoy it.  I haven't missed a game this season.  It’s really disappointing if Dundee put on a bad performance and lose, but when we score it’s brilliant and the atmosphere is amazing.

"I really enjoyed my day – getting to meet all the players was amazing!  Jake Hyde and Kyle Benedictus took most interest in my drawings and kept following me about so that they could see the drawings of the other players!  I was so happy that I was allowed to go into the changing rooms to meet the players with my sister who was, after all, the real mascot.

"I have always enjoyed drawing and one day decided to draw one of the players who was in the programme.  After that I drew all of the other players.  I kept asking my dad how I could get them signed, so  I was really happy when you phoned up telling us that Lyndsey would be mascot because that meant that I could get them signed.  I spent a couple of weeks beforehand working really hard redrawing all of the pictures to make them better.  I was so glad to get them signed after all the hard work!"

Well done Alasdair and we are so glad you had such a good day along with your sister.  More of Alasdair's player drawings can be found here.  We’re sure you’ll agree he’s a talented lad!

Billy Enjoys Boardroom Experience

Guest of Society Director Maurice Kidd for a bit of Boardroom hospitality last Saturday was Billy Shepherd.  A former Society Director himself, Billy has been involved at the club looking after match day mascots for many years.  Maurice said "Billy is one of many volunteers behind the scenes, whose great work probably goes unnoticed by most.  Fortunately, I have seen how Billy transforms an already special day for mascots into a day they will remember for the rest of their lives, and I was therefore delighted the Society recognised his excellent work and invited him to the Boardroom."

Billy told us "It was a great afternoon.  I look after the mascots pre-match so I’m familiar with what goes on behind the scenes on matchdays – it’s my dream job as far as I’m concerned, even if I am a volunteer!

"Being invited into the boardroom, however, was still a fantastic experience and it’s great that so many ordinary fans are now getting the chance to mix with the people who run the Club.  This has been unheard of in all the years I’ve supported Dundee FC, and must still be fairly unique amongst most football clubs.  I see it as a clear indication of the positive direction the Club is now taking and it was obvious on the day that we now have a group of people running Dundee FC who have the grand old lady’s best interests at heart.

"For any Dee, a visit to the boardroom will be a special experience and I was extremely grateful for the opportunity.

Monthly Draw Winners...

We've fallen a bit behind with the Gold/Platinum Monthly Draws, so to rectify the situation, Society Board Members Steve Ayre and Eddie Devlin have drawn a number of winners to catch up.  Winners are therefore as follows:

October's winner was Norma Dye, who will be attending Dundee's match v Hamilton on February 11th.

The draw for November was won by Bill Tait, who will be guest at the Dundee v Ross County game on February 25th.

Andre Coppens won December's draw and Andre will join the Society Board for the game on March 10th v Ayr Utd.

January's winner is Grant Anderson, who has won hospitality for the game on 24th March v Raith Rovers.

Congratulations to Norma, Bill, Andre and Grant.

The Gold and Platinum monthly draws are just one benefit of subscribing to the membership schemes - if you're not already a member and would like to sign up or find out more about each scheme, visit our memberships page.

Capital Dark Blues Burns Supper on Saturday

Things are hotting up for the Capital Dark Blues Burns Supper this coming Saturday, with a number of attractions confirmed!
 
Dave Ellis told us "Bobby Wishart of the famous 1962 XI will be attending, we have some 'alternative' Burns entertainment and some interesting auction and raffle items including golf, rugby, and the inevitable bottles of refreshments.  Matt Lockwood will be there to explain penalty taking and Nicky Riley on hamstrings as well as the Capital Dark Blues’ very own board member, Fraser MacDonald, who will give an inside update on what’s happening at Dens.  But what we need is YOU!!  And your chums!!"  Tickets are still available – so contact Dave to book your place.
 
The time – 7.30pm, Saturday 21st January (after the Partick Thistle game)
The place – Willowbrae Bowling Club, Edinburgh
The details – 3-course Burns Supper, auction, raffles, fun and nonsense, and much, much more…
 
Tickets are priced at just £20 and are available from Dave Ellis on 07912 653013 or at ellis1959@btinternet.com.

Dark Blues Down Under Cheque Presentation

A couple of weeks ago, Society Director Fraser MacDonald welcomed Stephen Stewart of the Dark Blues Down Under for a bit of Boardroom Hospitality.  He enjoyed it so much, he came back to Dens on Boxing Day!  This time, accompanied by Stuart Webster, Stephen handed over a cheque for £500 to Dundee FC Supporters’ Society Director Steve Ayre on behalf of the Dark Blues Down Under.

Steve said “I was delighted to meet the guys and accept the £500 donation on behalf of the Society.  The continued commitment and support shown from the DBDU despite being so far from Dens Park is greatly appreciated by the Supporters' Society and the Club.”

Anything We Can Do, Our Fans Can Do Better!

A collaboration between Dundee FC Supporters’ Society, Dundee FC, Dark Blue Business Trust and the Dundee Community Family Support Project has seen one fan's ideas come to fruition after he read the Society's Community Manifesto.  The old adage 'Anything you can do' is a great way to describe how this came about but the truth is that Dark Blue Jim Christie has shown that any Dundee fan can work alongside the club to make a difference after highlighting this initiative and getting Dundee FC to agree to pledge 30 season tickets.

Dundee fan and volunteer Jim will see his idea become a reality on Saturday when the Family Guys initiative, led by Duncan Crighton, will be presented with their season tickets at half time at Dens Park.  An initiative already working well at Tannadice, the friendly city rivalry meant that we wanted to offer the same to families across Dundee who favour Dark Blue.

Jim said, "I was thinking about possible projects and found out about Family Guys' work with Dundee United.  It helps people who're doing great work out in the community to do their job better and to reach people more effectively.  It's a fantastic idea and it's exactly what we should be doing too.  Family Guys will strengthen links between club and community."

Family Guys co-ordinator Duncan Crighton, an avid Dundee United fan, will cross the great divide to spend time with the families he helps at the partnership and said, "Family Guys is a small part of the Dundee Community Family Support Project (CFSP).  Many dads/male carers struggle through these times and find themselves isolated and struggling to make ends meet and this has an impact upon them and their children.  Through this opportunity to work with Dundee Football Club we can give these families a positive social experience that can lead to new friendships, support and the chance to get out with the bairns and have fun."

Society Chairman Scott Glenday is delighted with Jim's work saying, "This has been made possible because the fans, Business Trust, Supporters’ Society and the Football Club are working together for the greater good of Dundee FC and the community itself.  Full marks and thanks also to Duncan and Audrie of CFSP, Dundee supporter Jim Christie and the Society's Jacqui Robertson for putting the proposal to the Club.

"The Board were quick to back their plan and we're grateful to them for coming forward with the idea.  We hope this helps some of the people who wouldn't otherwise be able to get along to games do so, it’s a partnership, a good cause and another great example of working towards one of our goals of bringing the Club and the community closer together."

For more information on Family Guys please contact Duncan Crighton.

DSCA Meeting This Saturday

The Dundee Supporters' Clubs Association are holding a General Meeting for all affiliated Supporters' Clubs this coming Saturday at 11am in the Andy Penman Lounge.  The DSCA Committee would be grateful if all affiliated Clubs ensure that they are representated at the meeting.

This Weekend's Guests - Transform Community Development

Continuing the Dundee Supporters’ Society Community Initiatives, we are delighted to welcome Transform Community Development to Dens Park on Saturday afternoon.  The organisation was created in 1971 as Dundee Cyrenians and changed name to Transform Community Development in 2007.  Their aim as an organisation is to meet the needs of vulnerable people, listen to what they say and work with them to find individual solutions to the needs they identify.  To achieve this, the organisation provides a range of services that they hope really do make a difference.  These range from advice and accommodation to sheltered employment.  Transform work with people who have not had their needs met by other services, often those with significant needs and particularly challenging behaviours.

The main aim of Transform is to assist clients to become more able to cope with the challenges they face in life.  They provide temporary accommodation with support to find appropriate secure accommodation; currently they provide 70 beds across the city at Jessie Devlin Close, Sugarhouse Wynd and Brewery Lane.  They also assist with access to training and employment.
 
Significant development of Transform’s Social Furniture project has enabled them to employ 2 long-term unemployed individuals.  This move into Social Enterprise is designed to create employment and training opportunities while at the same time generating new, unrestricted income to enable the organisation to develop services.  They have also set up a trading subsidiary company, Transform Commercial, which provides services to Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords.  Part of their portfolio includes new retail units in both Dundee and Perth which sell re-use furniture.  Transform Commercial also provide a service where they collect furniture from donors for re-use within their community.  Anyone interested in donating furniture should call 01382 225070.
 
Transform Community Development also manage FareShare Dundee, one of 17 projects working in partnership with the national food charity FareShare to reduce food poverty in the UK.  Every day, homeless and vulnerable individuals receive nutritiously balanced meals, thanks to FareShare Dundee.  The project collects surplus quality food, including fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products from suppliers and retailers, such as Bartlett’s, Baxter’s, C J Lang, Greggs, Kettle Produce and Nestlé.

The food, which would otherwise end up in landfill, is ‘fit for purpose’ but surplus due to packaging errors, over production or proximity to shelf life.  FareShare redistributes these supplies, free of charge, to community organisations providing residential and day services for disadvantaged groups of people in Dundee, Perth & Kinross and Angus.  The project also offers valuable training and volunteering opportunities to many of their service users as well as others in the community, which is done through FareShare Dundee and two  connected social enterprises, Arch Catering (an outside catering company) and the Big Apple (a fruit ‘n’ veg retailer).  To contact Arch Catering call 07517 494944.
 
Finally, Transform manages the Dundee Homefinder Service, which helps people secure good quality, affordable private rented accommodation.  The service prioritises families and single people who are homeless or otherwise in immediate need of housing but who do not have significant support needs.  Transform are a charitable organisation contracted to provide the service by Dundee City Council - which means there are no charges to tenants or landlords.  They can be contacted on 01382 322254.
 
For further information on all projects call 01382 828553 or visit the Transform Community Development website.
 
Natalie’s story
 
Natalie is 27 years of age and was a resident at Jessie Devlin Close for 3-4 months before moving into Brewery Lane in February 2006.  She had reached a stage in her life where she wanted stability and to move towards more long-term housing options.
 
Natalie says, "I'm really grateful for all the help and support I received from Transform Community Development and its staff over the past couple of years.  From day one, staff were really supportive of me.  They helped me to address my problems, sort out and manage my personal debts and encouraged me to enrol at the local college.  This really helped to build my self-confidence and I felt really proud of myself when I completed the First Steps to Business course.  My key workers attended my graduation which helped to make the day even more special for me.
 
“About 6 months ago, I was offered a tenancy.  My key workers referred me to different housing support services and to Transform Furniture Project to get me the help I needed to furnish and move into my new home.  Without that, I wouldn't be enjoying living in a house that has all of the home comforts in it - I'd probably have given the tenancy up by now and moved back into homeless accommodation.  The support team visited me regularly at home for about 3 months to make sure I was managing okay and not having any problems.
 
“For me life is great now, I am finally settled and living happily in my own home after having had an unsettled way of life for nearly 10 years".

Society Community Director Jacqui Robertson caught up with Transform Community Development Operations Manager Bryan Smith, who said “Although we are one of the largest local charities in Dundee, we are not really well known and this is a great opportunity to raise our profile and to let people know what work we do and how people can help us, not necessarily with money, but to help us achieve our aim to help the city and their community.

“We’re hoping that Dundee fans can help by supporting our work – that might be through volunteering, donating furniture or, if they know people who are in housing need, refer them to us for help, advice and support in finding accommodation.

“The main message about homelessness is that, although there are not a lot of people sleeping rough in Dundee, there is still a large homelessness problem and it's sometimes a hidden problem.  It can happen to anyone so I would urge people to look at their community and how they can help homelessness and support the charity to do so.”

Roll Up for Stadium Tours!

The Dundee FC Supporters’ Society, in conjunction with Dundee FC are delighted to offer guided Stadium Tours to Dundee fans.  See behind the scenes at Dens Park, from the changing rooms to the Boardroom, through the lounges, view all of the memorabilia and memories of our Club’s proud history!  There are many ideal photo opportunities and memories to treasure.  For more information or to book your tour and guide, please contact Dave Forbes on 07767 214520 or via email at daveforbes_@hotmail.com.

Ronnie and Jim Enjoy Legendary Day

It was a busy day on Boxing Day, aside from the Community Guests and Dragoon Guards, Society Directors Scott Glenday and Maurice Kidd also welcomed their own guests into the Boardroom for a bit of matchday hospitality.

Joining Scott was weel-kent Dundee fan Ronnie McIntosh and his mate Jim Douglas.  Ronnie needs no introduction – a double amputee and transplant recipient who has race-walked around Dens, took part in a tug-of-war and represented Organ Donation, Tayside Kidney Patients Association and Revival Tayside, Ronnie was awarded the Dundee Disabled Sports Person of the Year 2011.  In October he entered the British amputee 5km race walk, “just for something to do” – not only was he the first double amputee to finish the race in 30 years, he is now the British Record Holder.  To round off a great year, Ronnie attended the Sunday Mail Sports Awards in Glasgow on the 1st December.  He is now the very proud winner of the Sport Scotland Disability Sports Award for 2011.

Ever the gentleman, Ronnie told us “very many thanks for your very generous, kind invitation to the boardroom, for a great once in a lifetime experience which I will always remember.  It was also a super experience for me to meet up with my all time hero, “the Great Alan Gilzean".  We had a great chat, "The Great Gilzean" said that he was highly delighted to meet ME, when it was actually the other way round!  I felt 10 feet tall!!  I really have to thank you immensely for giving me a chance to share a great day with Scott and so many other great people in attendance.  To meet up with so many legends of Dundee Football Club, as well as ex-players, staff and current players, is something that most people only dream about, but never actually experience themselves.

“I also met Craig McKeown, Jake Hyde, Nicky Riley and Ryan Conroy in Sainsbury’s one night the other week, and each and every one of them immediately came over and shook hands with me.  Little would I ever imagine that happening?  I have had far more success since losing my legs than I have ever done before!  And yet, when I was running, I was running consistently, 5 minute per mile pace.

It is really odd, and creepy in a way, that way back in 1961, when I was only 11 years young, I would be standing on the Dens Park terracing in the days long before seating regulations came in after the Hillsborough Disaster, and go through the marvellous experience of actually witnessing the beautiful football that the Superb League Championship side would play, week in, week out.  And then, 50 years down life’s great path, I find myself continuing my life with a major organ, donated by a 40-year-old man who died so tragically prematurely; for myself and another 7 extremely fortunate individuals, the supreme gift of a second chance at this great life – as well as being a double below knee amputee.

“What makes it even better for me, personally, is the fact that I am led to believe that I was one of the oldest recipients to receive the ultimate gift of a donor organ at the age of 59, in 2009, and have went on to make the biggest success out of the 8 recipients.  I had very little option anyway, due to the fact that if I did not go through with the 2 amputations, then the gangrene would have killed me in any case.  It’s great to be alive and I thank God for the gift of organ donation.  What better a way to polish off the year, 2011, the best year of my 61 years and 11 months of existence on this planet, than to have a photograph taken along with the most famous Dens Park legend of them all, the one and only great Alan Gilzean.  One of the players of, probably, one of the greatest teams ever to grace any football pitch.  Great stuff and many, many thanks again for a marvellous day.”

Scott responded simply by saying “there is only one word I can find to describe Ronnie McIntosh and that is ‘Inspirational’……..to have come through the challenges he has faced in life with the attitude he has is a lesson for us all.”

Privilege to Welcome "Gillie" Back

During a number of games this season, Former Players and Legends of the Club have taken a bow in front of the fans – on Boxing Day we were in for a real treat as Alan Gilzean returned to Dens for the game v Morton.  “Gillie” was home for a few days, accompanied by his son (and also ex-Dundee player) Ian and grandson Cameron (10), and met up with close friend and ex-Dundee Director Bob Hynd and his son Bobby to take in the game.

Bob explained, “Alan originally declined to go on to the pitch at half-time.  However, I pointed out that it would be an opportunity to have three generations of the Gilzean family on the pitch at one time, and although he was still reluctant, he appreciated that it was a fairly unique opportunity.

“As Alan and I are both from Coupar Angus, I speak to him fairly regularly and he still has a great fondness for the area.

“Alan is a very private individual; however at Dens on Boxing Day, it took him over twenty minutes to leave due to the number of supporters who approached him asking either for autographs or to have photographs taken with him.  He is quite uncomfortable with this but realises it means so much to his many fans.

“Although I have known him for some time, I still consider it a privilege to attend matches at Dens with him when he returns to the area visiting family and friends.  He still avidly follows the fortunes of the club and contacted me last season asking if I would pass on his congratulations to Barry Smith and the team when they achieved a record number of games undefeated.”

Having had other members of that great 1962 Championship Winning Side return to Dens, it was an honour and a privilege once again to be in the same ground as one of Dundee’s true greats – with 190 appearances and 169 goals, a real Legend.

Penman Lounge Open Post-Match

Fans are reminded that due to the early kick-off tomorrow, the Andy Penman lounge will not be open pre-match.

However, it will be open to members and non-members after the game until around 4.30pm.

Introducing to Our Newest Directors...

As you will know, since the Society AGM on 10th December, we’ve co-opted three new Directors to the Society Board.  They've had a few weeks to settle in, but for those who may not know them, here's a quick "who's who?" to introduce them to the fans...

Some of you may remember John Knight, a past Secretary of the Trust in 2007 – we welcome John back on Board as Financial Director.  John – born and raised in “The Ferry” on tales of Billy Steel, Doug Cowie, Bill Brown and the 1952 & 1953 League Cup wins – attended his first Dundee game during the Championship season, witnessed that magical European Cup run, and became a regular traveller on the Junior Supporters' Club bus in the late 1960's, later serving as a Junior SC committee member, and playing for the Supporters Club team in 1969 & 1970.

John’s first job was as a CA apprentice with Miller, McIntyre & Gellatly, where players & managers appeared on a daily basis, and all new signing rumours began!  He has since spent 30 years as an accountant with Shell E&P in Aberdeen, Norway, Netherlands & Ireland in a variety of Planning, Management Accounting, Systems Projects & Standards/Procedures roles.  He is now semi-retired, but still keeps his hand in with a small business providing Joint Venture Audit services in the Oil & Gas Industry.  A member of the Aberdeen Dark Blues, John was part of the Finance Volunteers Group during 2011.

We also welcome on Board Eddie Devlin, a Dundee FC supporter for over 55 years.  Professionally, Eddie spent 6 years with NCR in Production Control before having a 31-year career as Senior Sales Management with Mars Confectionery.  He retired in 2001 at age 54, then joined the Commercial Department at Dundee Football Club where he stayed until unfortunately becoming a victim of Administration in 2003.  He has also served as a volunteer General Advisor for the Citizens Advice Bureau for 3 years.

As well as a being a dyed-in-the-wool Dee, Eddie is Vice Captain of Caird Park Golf Club (although describes himself as a “happy hacker”) and he is currently learning to play the guitar.

Our third new recruit is Steve Ayre.  Steve, 46, is another die hard Dee, who attended his first game in 1970, a Scottish Cup Quarter Final v East Fife, which Dundee won 1-0.  He lists his high point as a Dee as the 1973 League Cup win and joint low points as relegation on goal difference in 1976 and “that night in Stranraer” as the Dees tumbled to a 3-1 defeat.

Steve has spent 25 years in Commercial Banking with Bank of Scotland, working in Aberdeen in Asset Finance for 13 years, followed by Commercial Portfolio Management in Dundee and Angus for businesses in the £0.5million to £5million turnover bracket.  He brings heaps of enthusiasm, corporate experience, financial realism and some key contacts which he hopes can be utilised to the benefit of both Society and Club.

Welcome aboard!

More Boxing Day Guests - Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

A few days ago we posted the follow up from the visit of Action Duchenne and Arryn Widd to Dens Park, who of course were the Society’s special guests as part of our continuing Community initiatives at our home game on Boxing Day.

The same day, the Society and Club were very honoured to welcome, as guests in the Andy Penman Lounge, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.  Those of you who were at Dens may recall Arryn’s entrance, as he was carried from the tunnel down to the pitch by members of the regiment, who also gave the teams a guard of honour as they took to the field.

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards are Scotland’s only heavy tank regiment.  They are one of the proudest and most honoured regiments in the British army and they recruit from all over Scotland.  The regiment was formed by combining the Scots Grays and the Carabineers.  The regiment proudly wear the Imperial Eagle they took from Napoleon's forces at Waterloo on their regimental crest and cap.  Latterly they formed part of the 7th Armoured Division: The Desert Rats and they wear the desert rat on their shoulder with pride.

The regiment are now based in Fallinbostel in northern Germany near Bremen although they may be scheduled to return to the UK in a few years.  Recently they have completed three tours of duty in Iraq and two in Afghanistan, and they returned from their latest tour in Afghanistan in November after the sad loss of an attached member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and several serious injuries including one trooper who lost both lower limbs and a hand to an improvised explosive device.

At half time, the regiment joined Society Chairman Scott Glenday on the pitch to exchange  gifts – Scott was presented with a Regimental Crest to commemorate their visit, in return Scott presented the regiment with a signed Dundee FC Shirt and match ball.  Pictured with Scott are (left to right); Corporal Grant Jarret, Lance Corporal Antony Grieve, Lance Corporal Steve Barrett, Corporal Al Chalmers, Lance Corporal Stevie McKellican, Sergeant Frankie Kyle and Sergeant Kenny Imrie.  Lance Corporal Mark Keith is presenting the regimental crest to Scott.

We caught up with a couple of the soldiers, who told us that, to a man, the regiment were very impressed with the hospitality they received from everyone at Dens and in particular the regulars of the Penman lounge including Dave Webster.  They would also like to thank Neil Matthew for all of the assistance he gave them on the day.

Lance Corporal Antony Grieve told Community Director Jacqui Robertson how good it was to be home for Christmas, “it’s good to be back with our families obviously. We got six weeks off straight after Afghan, went back to Germany for a bit more training and now we are back over the Christmas period.  My brother is still out in Afghan just now so it’s still quite hard on my Mum.”

Asked how difficult it is for his family, he replied “I’ve been in the Army 6 years and my brother 7 years.  It doesn’t make it any easier the longer you do it but I suppose people do adapt, and we have both been away over Christmas at some point.”

So what made you join up?  “My brother joined the year before me and I thought ‘Well if he can do it, I can do it’ and that was it.”

And on being asked along as a guest “I wasn’t expecting all this to be honest with you, I just thought it would be tickets to the game, then Mark told us about the lunch and the interviews and I was quite excited.  I’ve been really looking forward to it.  We have been treated so well and will definitely be back if we get the opportunity to come back again – shame about the result.”

His colleague Sergeant Frankie Kyle explained what brought them to Dens “We were asked by Mark to come and show face and get a bit of support from the Dundee fans and the Board.  It’s great and we’ve had the same support all over Scotland when we came back home from Afghan.  To be welcomed today, enjoy the hospitality and the reception we got and watch the football was good because we’re all football fans.

“It has been brilliant apart from the result.  I really wanted Dundee to go on and win after Morton scored.”

The signed football and home top will be framed and take pride of place in the sports lounges of the Sergeants and Corporals mess bars.

Action Duchenne Follow Up

As part of the co-ordinated "Score4Duchenne" Campaign and the continuation of our own Community Initiative, Dundee FC Supporters' Society were delighted to welcome Action Duchenne to Dens Park on Boxing Day.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a disease which affects mainly young males; symptoms tend to appear at a young age, and it is a disease that affects every muscle in the body, starting generally in the legs, but inevitably, the heart and lungs.  Sufferers of Duchenne generally do not live beyond their early twenties.

Arriving at Dens on Boxing Day was Action Duchenne development officer Dean Widd, and while it would be a big day raising awareness for his charity, it would also be a day to remember for his son Arryn, a sufferer of Duchenne, who was taking part as one of the mascots.

With an information stand in the Bobby Cox concourse, and leaflets being handed out to fans throughout the stadium, Dean took time out on the day to explain what the charity did.  "Action Duchenne contacted football clubs to see if they could support our Score4Duchenne appeal on Boxing Day in any way.  Dundee FC replied, and put me in touch with Jacqui Robertson.  Jacqui explained to me about the Community Initiatives here at Dens, and we were delighted to accept an invitation and come along to highlight the work our charity does.

"Obviously that was fantastic, but to then offer Arryn the chance to be a mascot, that was something we never even thought was possible, but with the help of the club, the two Billy’s (Shepherd and Naismith) and the Dragoon Guards, who kindly carried him in his wheelchair allowing him to be pitchside, it seems as though Arryn is having a great time.  He has been looking forward to this for weeks.

"Score4Duchenne is involved with Dundee here today, and also at Bradford City; other clubs are also involved in supporting us, but have no home game today, so we will be involved in fixtures around New Year.  The Score4Duchenne appeal is fairly straightforward, we look to raise awareness, but also some much needed funds through a text donation line, a simple text can make all the difference in fighting this disease.

"This is my first time here at Dens, and I have to say, it’s a fantastic place; the supporters coming in have been very receptive, and with the help of people like these Dundee fans, we aim to fund research to find an effective treatment, or even a cure for Duchenne Mucsular Dystrophy and to be honest, until recently, it was not a well known condition, but the condition was recently highlighted on the X Factor.  There were three lads with Duchenne featured, and that along with days like this can only help raise awareness of the condition.

"I didn’t really know what to expect when I arrived today, but thanks to the help of Jacqui and her team of volunteers, in particular Nicola (Ironside), we have been able to get a load of leaflets handed out, and I have still had a bit of time to go and watch my son fulfil his mascot duties.  The day has been a great success, and I cannot thank these people enough for all they have done to welcome both Action Duchenne, and Arryn."

The Dundee FC Supporters' Society were delighted to extend this invitation to Action Duchenne, and to see the delight on Arryn's face as he carried out his mascot duties made the day even more special or everyone involved.  Dean and Arryn also found out what we already know, that Jacqui Robertson, John Keith and the small band of volunteers who turn up every week do a fantastic job ensuring these visits go smoothly, and Society would once again like to thank them for their efforts.

Special thanks must also go to referee John Beaton, for agreeing to the coin toss being moved to the tunnel rather than in the centre circle, allowing Arryn to be more involved in proceedings.

Community Director Jacqui Robertson said "We loved having Arryn as our guest and as suggested by his Dad Dean, he seemed a bit overwhelmed by the day.  What we hope to have done is create a lot of wonderful memories for Arryn - from being a mascot, to carrying out the coin toss at the tunnel, to being carried by the Royal Dragoon Guards down the tunnel, to meeting his favourite player Gavin Rae.  I'm told he and his grandad were over the moon with how they were looked after and that our players were incredibly welcoming, a point which doesn't surprise me at all.

"I personally want to thank all of the volunteers and John Keith for handing out the Duchenne leaflets, Nicola Ironside for helping the charity to do this, Grant Cook for looking after everyone as well as he always does and to Billy Shepherd and Billy Naismith for making sure Arryn's day as mascot went smoothly.

"I would also like to say a big thank you to the club for all their help in putting this day together, particularly Jim Thomson, Laura Hayes and Steve Martin who could not have been more helpful.  This was truly a club effort and one to be proud of."

For those who didn't get a chance on the day you can still donate much needed money to fund research into making life better for those with Duchenne, details of which are below.  It costs just £3 to make a difference to children whose lives are cut tragically short."

To donate easily and quickly using your mobile phone Text “ACTION S4DD” to 70003 to give £3 to help fund research and make hope a reality for everyone living with Duchenne.  You can also visit Score4Duchenne - Dundee online for more details.

Happy New Year!

The Dundee FC Supporters' Society wish everyone at Dens, all Dundee fans and their families a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.  This time last year, the outlook may not have looked good, but together, the fans, players, club staff and Directors all did their bit to ensure that we survived off the park, and a record-breaking run ensured we'd survive on the park too.

We've come a long way in a short period of time, and we'd like to thank everyone for their efforts and support, both for the Club and for the Society in 2011, and we wish you all the very best for 2012!

Keep It Dark Blue!