THE action group calling for major changes at Dundee United will try to mobilise backing for their campaign at a supporters' rally in the city on Sunday - and admit they need it to sustain their momentum.
United for Change unveiled their plans yesterday, when a group of prominent businessmen and personalities, headed by Lord Watson of Invergowrie, the former Labour MP Mike Watson, faced the media.
The six men, who are all committed United fans, believe that the time has come for the club to take a new way forward after being involved in the relegation battle for the third time in four years.
They are fronting the group and insist that there are others waiting in the wings with considerable financial backing, although they refuse to name those involved. They outlined their major concerns as the 12,000 unissued shares in the club, the fact that they believe new directors should be appointed, and that the club's public relations need to be dramatically improved.
Lord Watson said: ''We may be embarking on a long, hard road and all of us involved in this could be doing other things with our time.
''However, as United fans we believe things must change at the club. We believe that the club should be open to offers of help, however, the board has dismissed such moves out of hand.
''There should be an open door, but instead it has remained
firmly shut.
''There have been accusations from within the board of publicity seeking and mischief-making when calls for change have been made, but our interest is genuine.
''Performances over a period of months have been totally unacceptable and some of the players who have been signed are not up to standard.
''There is a very real danger that the struggle against relegation will become the norm for Dundee United.
''We have had encouragement from supporters of the club and we will be looking for their backing when we hold a rally on Sunday.
''Supporters have an emotional investment in the club and we are looking to build on that with a financial investment.''
The group made it clear they would not be looking for fans to boycott any United games, but they do believe that the club could find themselves in trouble if money does not flow in from the sale of season tickets.
United chairman Jim McLean reacted last night by repeating the stance made earlier this week that they have no intention of launching a share issue.
He said: ''The board has made a decision on that and the decision will not be changed.''
Asked about adding directors to the board, he said: ''We are actively involved in bringing other people on to the board, but we are not issuing details.''
The group's complaint against the Public Relations approach of the club homed in on journalists being banned when their opinions varied with those of the chairman.
McLean said: ''I agree there is room for an improvement in that area, but it is inaccurate to say that anyone has been banned through being at odds with me, because I do not normally get involved with the media.''
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