DON’T EXPECT CASH WINDFALL

Twice at Tannadice last Saturday, Eddie Thompson appeared in the East Stand clutching Dundee United goodie bags for young fans who had taken a dunt in the head from wayward shots — such are the dangers of sitting in sparsely occupied stands.

Noble deeds by the chairman, ones for which he sought no publicity, and, hard-nosed businessman that he is, you can be sure he won’t thank us for highlighting the compassionate side of his nature.

Metaphorically-speaking, this is not the first time he has turned up at his club bearing goodie bags.

He’s done it a few times over the last couple of years and, it’s probably fair to say, that’s partly why the Tangerines have been spared the alarm and pain of the kind of financial crisis suffered by others over the last year or so.

Some, whose only soft spot for Eddie is a peat bog in the highlands, would no doubt argue that at least part of the reason he’s had to put his hand into his own pocket was down to an overspend in his early days in charge.

Whether or not that’s the case, what cannot be argued is that, in United’s long history, in terms of hard cash at least, few if any have ploughed more in than he.

And, now that he is raking in an estimated £30 million from the sale of his successful convenience store chain Morning Noon and Night, there are those who will expect a further sizeable cash injection to follow within a few days of his cheque from buyers Scotmid clearing.

Not only shouldn’t they be holding their breaths they should not start complaining when Eddie’s new millions are not forthcoming.

For a start, it is safe to assume that nothing like ‘thirty big ones’ will be dropping into his hipper.

As well as this emperor of the grocery trade has done, his Rome had to be built on something, and there are bound to be investors who will have to be paid off.

For both personal and professional reasons, there is no need for him to feel he should have to divert some of whatever does end up in the Thompson bank account towards Tannadice.

Eddie is now in his mid-60s, has had a health scare and is, therefore, more than entitled to enjoy the nest egg he has worked hard for in the way he pleases.

In a business sense, the harsh fact is that, even if he had the desire and ability to throw several more million at his beloved club, it would have little effect.

When it comes to competing against the Old Firm, to their cost others have thrown much greater sums at trying to compete — only to fail.

And, in the long term, clubs like Dundee United are only going to survive by living within their means.

That means operating to strict budgets based on your regular income, not living on a wing and a prayer and hoping for some sugar daddy to turn up and dump a wad of cash on the doorstep every few seasons.

Thompson himself has already said as much and, while it may not be what fans — or football writers for that matter — want to hear, it is the truth.

As Touchline returns for a new season, it would be remiss not to have a quick look at what lies ahead.

To keep things succinct, expect the same top three as last year, while the best advice to fans of my beloved City of Discovery clubs is probably “wait and see.”

Predictions:

Aberdeen v. Rangers — away.

Dundee v. Hearts — away.

Dunfermline v. Dundee Utd. — draw.

Hibs v. Kilmarnock — home.

Livingston v. ICT — home.

Celtic v. Motherwell — home.