| Gossip has ranged from the Dark Blues going part-time at Christmas to the even more fantastic claim that, in an unlikely marriage of convenience, former manager Ivano Bonetti and ex-director Giovanni di Stefano were on the verge of announcing a buyout.
There has also been talk of season ticket revenue being diverted away from Dens and the doors there being closed if the team remains in the First Division at the end of the season. While none of the talk has been particularly damaging, there is now a feeling that enough is enough.
Owner Peter Marr and manger Alan Kernaghan have rubbished the part-time football story, a move that would have to involve every player being given the option of a free transfer.
And, today, a club spokesman has gathered the gossip together and rubbished it all in one fell swoop. “Over the summer, a business plan was put in place to cope with relegation to the First Division. That business plan is still in place and nothing has changed,” he said.
“That has not stopped these rumours, but there is not a grain of truth in any of them. Some of them are just plain ridiculous, but in a way we can understand them because we are not where we want to be in the league and that makes for fertile ground for rumours. What it does not make them is true — because they are not — and everyone at Dens Park is continuing to work with one purpose in mind.”
For Alan Kernaghan, the focus remains on improving the league position and bringing in fresh faces, on full-time contracts, when the transfer window opens in January.
While there is still work to be done, he has already targeted specific players he would like to get and is waiting to hear from several managers and agents concerning possible moves for others.
“It is still at a tentative stage, but we are working towards bringing some in and moving others on. One thing I certainly have not discussed is part-time football and, as far as I am concerned, it is not even on the agenda,” said Alan.
“So far as new players are concerned, I think it is going to be a case of the work taking into January to complete, but I am hopeful of getting it done.”
While money is tight, his hand has been strengthened somewhat by the recent departures of Joel Kitamirike and Keiran Keane, while agreement is close to being reached on a deal that would see summer signing Jacinto head home to Spain.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed keeper Derek Soutar needs a cartilage operation on his damaged left knee. Surgery takes place on Saturday morning and will see Soutar sidelined for up to five weeks.
Away from the first team, it has been confirmed trust Dee 4 Life are to fund the U/17 and U/19 teams until at least the end of the season. That will see around another £30,000 of money raised by fans for the club go towards the development of young players and, as a result, the teams shall wear the Dee 4 Life logo on their shirts.
“We are delighted that the combination of our hard work and the continued generosity of the fans allows us to be in a position to make such a move,” said Trust secretary Scott Glenday.
On Saturday at 11 am, Dee 4 Life’s AGM takes place in the Penman Lounge at Dens. |
