TIMES are tough for many Scottish football clubs right now.
And that certainly applies to Dundee United, even though the Tannadice men currently sit just three points behind Raith Rovers in the Championship as they bid to recapture their top flight spot.
3
3
The Arabs’ financial results for June 2023 were announced yesterday – and the grim headline number was a loss of £2.4m before notional interest costs.
Total wage costs increased by 18% to £6.9m in a year which saw the Tannadice side part company with TWO managers.
That’s approximately 85% of the club’s £8.1m turnover.
Costs have been reduced in the Championship to match a drop in turnover forecast which is estimated at around £2-£3m.
Read More Football Stories
Chairman Mark Ogren remains convinced that the club are “on course”.
He said: “Quite clearly the 2022/23 season was a difficult one for the club.
“What started as a vision to continue progress and challenge within the top six of the Premiership once again, ended with the ultimate disappointment of relegation.
“Turnover remained high at over £8 million and a significant factor to this was the continued loyalty of the fanbase with over 5,800 season tickets sold.
“Our appreciation for the fanbase is unequivocal.
“Unfortunately, as wage costs increased significantly following investment in the playing squad at the beginning of the campaign, prize money, crowd receipts, and other income fell as the club’s fortunes on the park weakened.
“The required changes were made across the football department including the change of management teams and these costs are reflected in these accounts.
“In the summer, Jim Goodwin was confirmed as first-team Manager, and the board remains convinced that he and his staff will lead the club to future success.
“The club remain on course with the short-term ambition of a return to the Premiership following a positive first half of the league campaign and that has been assisted by superb backing from our loyal fans; we have no doubt that will continue as we head towards a conclusion to the league campaign.
“A full review was conducted in the summer across the club. Dropping down to the Championship is extremely challenging financially for the business.
“The board estimate a £2-3 million drop in turnover. To overcome this, there have been fundamental changes within the club during the summer of 2023 which are detailed in the Strategic Report.
“These changes include greater cost control, cohesion, and communication across the club.
“We are already seeing the positivity in these changes. Our total costs from July to December in season 2023/24 are more than £2 million less than at a similar stage in the 2022/23 season.
“We have continued our ongoing commitment to the Dundee United Academy and our Elite CAS status has been maintained.
“This, alongside the state-of-the-art Foundation Park facility, will continue to allow the Academy to flourish and continue to produce more graduates into our first team.
“The board appreciate the funding and support from the Dundee United Supporters Foundation towards the Foundation Park project and ‘bricks and mortar’ projects and hopes this relationship continues as we look to maintain and improve Tannadice Park moving forward.
3
“The board remain fiercely proud of the work done in the community by DUCT, our community trust.
“The tremendous efforts of staff have overseen £1.8 million worth of action in the local community over five years.
“Supporting DUCT remains an integral part of core ambitions within the business.
“The Dundee United Women’s team continue to compete in the top league of the SWPL and this achievement should not be underestimated, praise must go to the players and staff for representing our club in such a manner.”
“Finally, the board are confident that despite the difficulties of 2022/23, we remain on course to achieve the long-term aim of being a sustainable and leading competitor within the Scottish Professional Football League.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank all employees, players, supporters, sponsors, and partners for all their continued support.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page