24/3/08 - 
Online Q&A with D4L Chairman George Knight
Thanks to all who have submitted questions. If deemed worthwhile it is certainly something we can look to do on a regular basis.
1) Name: James Dunn
Is it possible for the club to be a bit more understanding of out of town fans when it comes to selling match tickets. They always seem to be forgotten about when it comes to ticket arrangements. We seem to have situations where fans from Glasgow, Edinburgh etc can travel to Dens on Saturday for a game, then ticket sales for cup games (that need vouchers from season ticket books) begin on the Sunday. A bit of common sense is needed in this area as with travel costs being so high these days this seems to be an area where more thought is needed.
GK - There has been raised by several fan’s who have experienced difficulties recently and has been discussed at both Trust and Board level. We will be looking to put in a new procedure for ‘out of town fans’ from next season.
2) Name: Scott Roberts
Has the Trust considered asking the Club to open the lounges for the Scottish Cup Final so that Dees can watch the Fruits get humped together? Nice little earner for the Club/Trust. Maybe a disco etc
GK - Although the game in question has now passed, I can confirm that the Club is always evaluating possible additional revenue streams. We do however have to look to strike a balance in establishing expected numbers and prospective income. Various events have actually struggled with numbers. In addition we must take into consideration what channels these games are on as we currently don’t have Sky or Setanta.
3) Name: James
I am wondering if George has seen the following topic on the official website forum http://www.thedees.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=21503 about free entry to the match's for kids i.e filling the Bob Shankly with kids tickets that have been handed out in schools which could hopefully bring in some money from programme and food sales and hopefully these young kids hopefully asking to come along again. Maybe a voucher being handed out at the game entitling them to come to the next home game for £1.
At the moment we've got about 4,000 average crowds so at least 6,000 seat's lying empty. We should move the away fans to the main stand and fill the Bob Shankly with kids and there parents. Give out more than enough tickets and ask the fans to turn up early to guarantee entry then you have the kids in for 3 hours spending a lot of money even having stalls from dee4life and the club shop might earn some money.
My question is has George see this and will anything be done about it by the club and also could he ask the board there thoughts on it? As somebody who started coming to match's in the 90's thanks to a similar scheme run at the time when I got tickets from my school I and several other people I know now attend regularly.
GK - Without wishing to appear negative, the Club have tried various schemes over the last few years; ‘two for a tenner,’ ‘kids for a quid’ and also when we had a community initiative with the Sunday Boys Leagues, the BB and other associations. None have been rewarded with significant numbers and additional revenues. The first initiative was actually when we were in administration and was done after a direct request from Dee 4 Life. The administrator only agreed if the Trust underwrote a guarantee against a minimum expected income and we actually had to write a cheque after the game to make up the shortfall as the numbers were much lower than expected.
As the run-in to the end of the season continues however it is something that we may look at again. We are not averse to looking at any idea or initiative and will assess each on its own merits.
4) Name: dave-webster
Many fans, myself included, get frustrated when we hear very little from yourself. You were put on the board by D4L to represent them as an association of fans.
It is understandable that a lot of items on the agenda at board meetings are of a sensitive nature that cannot be widely discussed. But surely a regular general update as to how things are going can be given on the D4L website for all fans to read.
Comments please, George?
GK - What exactly is it that you’re looking for? A general update on what? You are correct that a lot of topics/ discussions etc must remain within the confines of the boardroom as with any other business, but I think the communications and transparency that the Board have demonstrated over the last couple of years has been excellent. There have been numerous open meetings, e.g. Friary, Main Stand, Dundee Social Club, Dens and also the Board attending the last two Dee 4 Life AGM’s. As another example, the financial restructuring, although very sensitive was also communicated via various means to ensure the fans knew exactly what was going on. I would also say however that as the elected Board Representative there must be a degree of trust that the fans’ are being represented in the best way possible. Not being dismissive in any way re the question but would genuinely like to understand the specific areas where you feel communications can be enhanced?
5) Name: dave-webster
As the representative of the fans on the board there have been issues among the fans that you must be aware of. e.g. the banning of one long time fan for an incident that took place away from a football ground in Hamilton. In this case the fan requested a hearing at Dens and was not given one.
The banning of a flag being flown by DB62 at Livingstone which still hasn't satisfactorily been explained.
As the fans rep surely we have the right to expect you to either try to resolve them or explain to us why such decisions were taken and your own feelings on the matters. You must have input at board meetings and as such must surely have a say in such decisions. Yes or no? Thanks in advance.
GK - Fully aware of the issues and of course I have input at Board meetings.
The fan who requested a hearing was given one and I was in attendance at the meeting and the issue has been dealt with privately between the club and the individual concerned. I was in regular contact with the individual throughout the whole process and I think he feels he was represented satisfactorily?
The flag at Livingston has been satisfactorily explained; Dundee FC had no input to Livingston FC or West Lothian Police on the matter.
What I will add however is that I was only aware of both issues because I read the websites. Neither issue was formally raised to Dee 4 Life to act upon. If representation is required on any topic or issue then we must be informed of it. Issues may not always get resolved in the manner that fans would like but I can assure you that if I or Dee 4 Life are requested to provide input or raise something then it will be done.
6) Name: Richard Waghorn
What options are the board currently considering with relation to a new stand along the south end of Dens Park? Is there a timescale in place and will the views of fans be taken into consideration?
GK - The Board are considering all options at present and continue to be pro-active on it. A local company has been acting as our representatives and has been assessing all applications and proposals. There are no set timescales placed on this but it is safe to assume that it will not be done overnight, it will take a long time. The fans views, via Dee 4 Life would of course be considered should the plans get to that stage.
7) Name: COLIN REID
With the season looking to go to the final game, we hope! Does the board have plans in place, for SPL and SFL football next season?
What’s the latest news on individuals being able to buy shares in the club (again!)
Thanks
Colin
GK - Yes, the Board have plans for both SPL and SFL football next season, let’s hope it’s the former though!.
Individuals can purchase shares in the Club. Following the financial restructuring these shares are now in Dundee Football Club and not, as pervious, in Dundee FC Holdings plc. The minimum investment is £1000 although this can be paid up via a direct debit scheme.
8) Name: Robert Johnson
Can you enter into discussions with Tayside Police to see if anything can be done to help supporters crossing Dens Road at the bottom of Provost Road after matches. Tayside Police used to stop the traffic to allow supporters to cross safely but this seems to have stopped. I feel if no solution is found a serious accident is not too far away.
GK - I will raise the issue with Jim Thomson, our Stadium & Operations Manager, to discuss with the Police.
George