| Not for the first time, recent months have seen millionaire Bennett consider switching his allegiance from tangerine to dark blue and, late yesterday, United confirmed his departure as director there.
While the exact timing was unexpected, that he has quit came as no great surprise.
Insiders at Tannadice have stressed to “The Tele” there has been no fallout, but he had become a marginalised figure there.
After stepping down as senior partner of the enormously successful Dundee-based property firm J&E Shepherd towards the end of last year, he had indicated a desire to increase his role and financial stake in United.
That, though, did not fit in with the majority-shareholding Thompson family’s plans and, once that became clear, an eventual parting of the ways was inevitable.
His desire to “have a go” at running a football club himself has remained strong and that has increased the chances of his moving in at Dens.
Once again, today, Dundee chairman Bob Brannan refused to comment — “I have nothing to say at all about this” — was how he put it.
However, we can confirm in-depth talks have been held.
The matter now seems to rest on whether or not Bennett wants to take the plunge and pledge as much as seven figures of his personal fortune to a football club.
He has gone so far as seeking independent advice and, while that suggests a deal could be close, it is understood some of those close to him have urged him to find other ways of enjoying his retirement.
Just the fact Brannan has refused to deny a change of ownership could be on the cards will fuel speculation that change is afoot at Dens.
The chairman’s absence from a number of games this season has also led to whispers that a new owner was being lined up, though, when he joined the board, Brannan stressed other commitments would also take up his time.
While Bennett’s money would be more than welcome, his tangerine tint would leave him with something to prove to some Dark Blue fans.
Despite that, in business circles he has long been known as a keen supporter of sport in general, rather than one single club and, in the past, has put his hand in his pocket to help numerous local organisations.
Not one to court personal publicity, it’s believed he was originally an Aberdeen fan, but has long since switched his allegiance to the City of Discovery. |
