In the club’s latest information sheet, he wrote, “Reading last season’s season ticket brochure makes me acutely aware I have made similar comments like this in the past, and how disappointed we have been at the way the subsequent season has been.

“In that sense, I can’t help but feel I have let you down personally. This makes me determined, more than ever, to succeed on your behalf.”

Despite sales being down, the chairman insists it is too early to worry.

“Sales could be better,” he continued. “But it’s difficult to gauge as we started selling them four weeks earlier than last year.

“We had a brush with relegation in season 04-05, but then we reached the Scottish Cup Final and qualified for Europe. That put people in the mood for next season.

“Season tickets for Tannadice — our early-bird scheme — are the cheapest in the SPL. We sold 5700 last season and, if you look at the statistics, we are a top-six club.

“That’s why it is not unreasonable to expect Dundee United to finish in the top six.”

Eddie has put around £4 million into the club since acquiring his 82 per cent. stake from former chairman Jim McLean, and failure to get into the top six last term cost United upwards of £500,000.

Speaking from Spain today, where he is enjoying a few days’ break, he said, “I never expected my investment to yield any dividend, but I did expect results on the pitch — and that hasn’t happened.

“Rightly or wrongly, I stood by previous managers.

“These managers brought in established players, but those players did not perform for us, for whatever reason.”

Several players, including David Fernandez, Derek McInnes, Grant Brebner and Jim McIntyre, have been told they are surplus to requirements at Tannadice, and the chairman insists they won’t be leaving with a big pay-off.

He continued, “That may have happened in the past, but I can assure supporters it won’t happen again.

“If a player’s contract is up in June 2007, then his last monthly payment will arrive in June 2007.

“We will be taking into account what the player moving out will be earning at his new club and deduct that from the wage we owe him.

“However, none of these players have said they are going to dig their heels in and try to stay.”

Meanwhile, on the current playing front, manager Craig Brewster met Inverness Caley director of football Graeme Bennett and team boss Charlie Christie.

United are keen on midfielder Ian Black and front man David Proctor, but the Tannadice club’s initial offer for the pair is believed to have been refused. United are also trailing Dunfermline striker Noel Hunt.

The manager this week is based at Largs, where he is attempting to secure his A licence coaching certificate.

“One is a defensive player and the other is a striker. The manager has also made contact with them. There is room for optimism as both expressed real interest in joining us.

“However, both players have left this weekend for two weeks’ holiday, so it will be a fortnight before any business can be done on that front.

“It’s the old scenario, of course, that nothing is concrete until they actually sign a form, but I’m pretty confident.”

Dave also revealed the Dens Park board will convene on Friday.

“There will be a number of issues discussed,” he continued.

“One of those will be the pricing of the various season ticket packages. I’m very keen to have a special package aimed at young supporters.

“They are the lifeblood of any club and I’m very keen to attract them to Dens.

“The fans I have met so far have been first class and I sense a great spirit in the community.

“We have just over 2000 season ticket holders and they are superb.

“However, over the last five years, we have lost 2000 — and one of my priorities is to attract them back.

“I tried a couple of schemes when I was at Kilmarnock and Clyde — and they met with success. Hopefully, they can work out again here.”

With the Perth club’s player-manager Owen Coyle now back from holiday, the McDiarmid Park outfit are stepping up the pace in their quest for new players.