stumigoo

I'm really looking forward to a trip to Somerset on Friday but I will make no predictions given our dreadful performances against Ayr this season. Neilson sounded confident of having maybe one new signing in place this week so he will have a decent squad to choose from. The big decision from him will revolve around the central midfield and who to play. Hopefully we take a decent support despite it being on TV.

I'm pleased with the draw partly because it should give us a good test without us being totally outclassed (I'd be seriously worried playing a team like Hibs or Aberdeen at the moment). Think we can be quietly confident going in to the game but also have no expectations of anything. I'm also delighted it wasn't someone like Rangers despite some fans on social media "desperate" to get them. We don't need the media frenzy or the pressure at the moment. The league is the only priority.

Agreed. The structure at the club has been terrible pretty much since Levein left and then Thompson just gave McNamara the power to do what he wanted and it was a disaster. By having a proper structure we can build the club from the inside and have clarity about the roles and responsibilities each person has. Thankfully, with Ogren buying us, he has come from a culture of sport where everything is incredibly professional and well organised. Neilson at the meeting the other night said that Scottish football is behind on that front and that he’s delighted we are moving on to this structure. He said “gone are the days of local butcher come good and it’s just two or three guys running a football club”.

I was under the impression there was a connection there but maybe it was more of a “knew of him”. It is however encouraging that Neilson and Asghar know each other, that might be important moving forward in terms of decision making.

He knows Neilson and was keen to come back to Scotland after spending a lot of time in Canada. He is well known in the Scottish coaching circuit as he has contributed to the Largs SFA stuff and has taken talks on the UEFA Pro Youth Licence. I genuinely don't think there is much more to it than that (and apparently other clubs has asked about him too).

Harkes now confirmed by the club.

This year though? That was until May 2018. I'd imagine May 18-May 19 they will do pretty well given their form and increased revenue. I don't know the ins and outs, just what the finance guy said last night.

There is a budget in place for next season if we don't get promoted. The owners have committed to the club regardless of what league we are in next year or beyond. The money making bit won't happen unless we are in the top flight.

Better quality food and a bit more fan engagement I suppose but the reality is that a win on the pitch is the only thing that matters. Another issue at United is the 'walk up' fan and the hassle to get a ticket, which has been improved slightly recently. A ticketless or card system would help as would the ability to get a QR code if you buy your ticket online. The club are looking at things like this. Basically the Managing Director thought the experience he had in the George Fox was pretty depressing and he wants to see if we can make a little better.

Everyone at the club will be looked at but Ogren and he Managing Director obviously didn't give any names. I'd imagine he will be away.

They see genuine money making within a few years and that Scottish football is better financially than some suggest. The finance guy that was there last night said that every team in the top flight is currently making money or breaking even apart from Rangers. Tannadice can and will be improved over time and the match day experience will need to be looked at as the Managing Director sat amongst the fans on Saturday and said it needs overhauled. Money is available but Neilson said that moving players on is the hardest thing to do in football but that we are bringing more in. A group of unwanted are training at Gussie every day away from the first team. Gussie Park will be bought back within the next twelve months and the last loan, which is the security over Tannadice will also be paid. Ogren and his son will only be over every 6-8 weeks and the running of the club will be over to them. Asghar will be purely football and Brannigan business. Neilson and Asghar have known each other for a few years. Youth development and scouting need to be overhauled. Fans groups are going to more involved and the club will be more open. The sports bar should be open by the start of next season. Ticketing, merchandise and catering is all out sourced at the moment but will be brought back in-house as soon as possible. Also similar sound bites to the interviews today about history and future potential. No merger, no groundshare. Any questions about anything that people were interested in (that I might have forgotten about) just ask.

We wouldn’t own our own ground and that could limit our financial freedom depending on the terms of the lease agreement.

I’m only after the comps and the freebies anyway.

All I’ll say is that amongst other things they are keen to bring the catering deal back to the club, so they are here to fix the pies!

Everyone at the meeting was told to keep things under wraps until their press day tomorrow to give them a chance to say things directly so glad to see that lasted long! What I will say is that the meeting was indeed very positive and the entire new regime was there including Sporting Director, Managing Director and Neilson. If anything that was said tonight gets missed tomorrow at the press conference I can fill in the blanks.