| While confident the Dark Blues will survive the crisis that saw them plunged into administration with the loss of 15 players back in November, Marr has admitted only continued fans’ support will secure a long-term future.
Answering questions on the club’s official website, he has left supporters in no doubt exactly how vital their backing will be in the months and years to come.
A business plan that should see the process of coming out of administration started by the end of this month, and a potentially fatal 10-point SPL penalty avoided, is now in place.
However, it can only succeed if there is an encouraging response to the season ticket package for next season, details of that will be announced later this week.
“We need to sell season tickets to survive,” was the plain and simple message from the Dens supremo today. “The money we take from tickets pays for the Dundee team you watch on the park. If fans don’t buy seasons or pay at the gate, we won’t have a team or a club to worry about.”
And he has confirmed prices will have to rise, though it is understood they will remain roughly on a par with what other provincial outfits are charging.
“Next season, Dundee fans will get the team they pay for. As a club, we have had to learn the hard way that you cannot spend more than you earn. We’re finalising the season ticket package for next year with the administrator, and hope to publish details soon. But every Dundee fan should be aware prices will need to rise to meet the costs of our players’ wages,” he added.
In answer to another question, it emerged consideration is being given to having an appeal to raise the £150,000-plus that is need for undersoil heating to be installed over the summer.
Clubs without it next term will be open to sanction and, while exactly what the penalty will be has not yet been determined, Marr is on record as being unwilling to risk it being only a token slap on the wrists.
“Undersoil heating is a must if we are to survive in the SPL next season. We’re looking at launching a specific appeal to raise the funds for this, and all help supporters can give us will be vital. We’ll publicise details of this very soon.”
Meanwhile, talks with several new prospective board members are continuing, as are discussions with fans’ trust Dee 4 Life over their future involvement and investment at Dens. It is understood new appointments may not be far away.
On the playing side, both Celtic and Rangers continue to be strongly linked with top scorer Nacho Novo, though, so far, neither half of the Old Firm has tabled any offer for the Spaniard’s services.
Regarding moves in the other direction, Dundonian Bobby Mann’s name has again been mentioned with a move from Inverness Caley Thistle to Dens.
The lifelong Dundee fan’s chances of such a switch could hinge on whether or not the likes of Lee Mair, Dave Mackay and skipper Barry Smith sign new deals. |
