The Federation of Dundee United Supporters Clubs

The Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs, ArabTRUST and the Dundee United Business Club have joined forces to allow all Arabs to question directly the man responsible for making recommendations to reform Scottish football and some of those responsible for forming opinion and reporting on Scottish football at both local and national level.

Former First Minister Henry McLeish, Darryl Broadfoot (Head of Communications, SFA), Tom Duthie (Evening Telegraph) and Jim Spence (BBC) have agreed to take part in a wide ranging question and answer session exclusively for Dundee United fans on Friday 17 February in the Levein Lounge. Topics expected to be covered include the current state and future of Scottish football, together with the way it is reported in the media. The spotlight will also be on how specific matters relating to our own club are reported on by both the local and national media organisations.

Henry McLeish’s report made 103 recommendations to reform Scottish football – including a 10 team SPL – and he has recently said he is satisfied with “significant progress” in the reform. This is your chance to question that and to hear about the reasons behind the recommendations and the view that progress is being made. Mr McLeish is equally keen to hear what United fans have to say and to take these views on board as reforms move forward.

Darryl Broadfoot (formerly of The Herald) is responsible for all media matters at the SFA, including those relating to the national team, and is ideally suited to explain the relationship (both positive and negative at times) with the media on policy, national team and club specific matters.

Tom Duthie is well known to Arabs and has reported on both city teams for many years. Whilst he would be the first to admit that he enjoys a ‘love/hate’ relationship with some United fans, it is perhaps a testament to his reputation for fairness that he appears to upset some Dundee fans in equal measures as well! Tom readily agreed to answer questions on and explain the position of DC Thomson when it comes to reporting on the city’s two teams, with specific emphasis, of course, on United.

Jim Spence never fails to hide the fact that he’s a dyed in the wool Arab and can therefore provide a unique perspective on how the national broadcaster views our tangerine tinted world. Jim will also chair the meeting.

The session kicks off at 7.30pm sharp, with doors – and the bar! – open prior to that at 6.30pm.

Admission is free with a raffle and donations in aid of the purchase of essential equipment for the Dundee United youth development .