I know what you're all thinking - this site needs a bit of football chat today. So here we go...
It has been confirmed that Stevie Campbell has resigned his post as Head of Youth Development at Tannadice. To say Stevie was instrumental in the success of the United youth system is an understatement and he is a massive loss to the club. However I don't think anyone can blame him for going after all that's happened. By all accounts he'll be taking United to a tribunal so we'll see what comes of that.
As I mentioned the other day, United are currently undergoing a mini-preseason during the international break. This is quite the change from the week holiday the players used to get and it's good to see Mixu addressing the fitness problems at the club.
At training this week are two trialists. Information about them is sketchy or indeed non-existent - I have no idea who they are. We are of course still awaiting Kawashima's work permit application. As long as Murdo McLeod is nowhere near it then it should be fine.
The chairman did an interview the other day where he blamed everything on Jackie. Basically he was assured that we had the players to cover for the loss of Armstrong and GMS which we clearly did not have. Not entirely unexpected but at least he's showing his face again. Speaking of Jackie, he's led York to defeat so far in his short reign. Shame.
Mon the Terrors
DUFC News
posted on 12/11/15
To be fair he was never ever going to get the full amount. Which manager does these days?
The Chairman claims that McNamara said he had the players to get us through if they both left. He may well have said that. My issue is with the fact that he was taking this advice off someone who stood to profit from those sales (and this is the first time I've ever been concerned that Jackie's financial gain impaired his judgement).
posted on 12/11/15
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 12/11/15
As I say Curly, I think the chairman took his eye off the ball with his Australian adventure and it's backfired spectacularly.
To be fair to McNamara, it was widely said at the time that he was gutted to be losing the players and wanted to keep them so I'm taking the chairman's words with a pinch of salt. He's obviously trying to get the fans back onside.
posted on 12/11/15
I'm fairly sure they'll settle the Stevie Campbell thing before it gets to the tribunal. I think there's plenty mud to be flung about on all sides so it might be the best thing for all parties (apart from us of course, we want to know!!)
Apparently one of the trialists is a centre forward, supposedly huge. I don't know any more than that. Actually it's such a useless bit of info it hardly seems worth typing now... Ah well.
posted on 12/11/15
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 12/11/15
Jon Daly
He's going to be a youth coach at Hearts once his contract at Raith finishes.
I'm not sure a striker is what we need but Mixu knows best. Actually....would Gunning not be the other trialist?
As for Campbell, it might be that Stevie wants to take it to the tribunal. Apparently he's raging about the way he's been treated. Maybe time will calm him down, along with employment elsewhere.
Celtic still have a youth head coach vacancy I believe....
posted on 12/11/15
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 12/11/15
Club Statement
November 12, 2015
Following the statement issued on behalf of Stephen Campbell on Sunday 8th November, the Board of Dundee United Football Club can confirm that it has accepted his resignation. The Board is disappointed that Mr Campbell chose to resign with immediate effect rather than attend an internal meeting to consider the Club’s concerns scheduled for yesterday morning (Wednesday 11th November).
The Board note the suggestion that Mr Campbell may raise proceedings against the Club in an Employment Tribunal. His allegations are entirely rejected and the Club will robustly defend any claim if required to do so.
posted on 12/11/15
I think it reflects more poorly on Campbell that he chose to resign immediately rather than attend the meeting. Even if he thinks he hasn't done a thing wrong, it's probably better to defend yourself internally first rather than going to the tribunal. Would probably have given him more ammunition if the club's claims were spurious.
posted on 12/11/15
I can't see a way for it to end well to be honest. A settlement would probably involve a confidentiality clause which is fine on the face of it but doesn't really give him a chance to "clear his name" as it were. so unless the confidentiality bit actually suits him... Who knows.