They say that ‘No news, is good news’….but during a soccer-less summer, there`s nothing worse if you are a football supporter.
(Written by Anonymous)
They say that “No news, is good news”….but during a soccer-less summer, there`s nothing worse if you are a football supporter.
It might be different if you support one of the larger clubs, because every sunrise brings with it a new story – like the latest transfer speculation, the exclusive news on who`s on their way in, or who`s on their way out.
However, speaking as a Dundee United supporter, most of my summer is spent scouring the newspapers for that odd 20-word update on where a 1st team players is spending his r summer holidays, or the latest news on the latest player who isn`t coming to Tannadice.
There never seems to be any exciting news about Dundee United during the summer, except which club will be our opponents for the start of the new season.
The anticipation of a new campaign kicking-off is about the only thing to look forward to, because apart from the occasional snippet of information in the local press, Dundee United don`t seem to make any big name signings during the summer months anymore.
Some clubs use the attraction of a new big name signing to sell season tickets, but Dundee United don`t have the money to do that anymore.
The Barcelona match is an exciting alternative, but how is a kick about against Barca going to get Dundee United through another season in the SPL?
When talented players like David Weatherston are turning down a move to Tannadice, because they feel they could be more successful with 1st division Saint Johnstone, then – I don`t know about you – but I start to worry about the season ahead.
I think the main problem is that the national press have given up on clubs like Dundee United.
They can`t see the point about updating non-Old Firm supporters on the summer news, because they are spending all their man hours inventing stories and making up transfer speculation.
Oldham recently complained about a Scottish club trying to sign one of their players, but I read more about Oldham`s views on Chris Porter moving to Dundee United, than anything from a United perspective.
The only thing even linking Porter to Tannadice is a 19 word quote from Chairman Eddie Thompson, which doesn`t even tell you anything.
‘We’re definitely interested in the player, but we are staying within the rule book and matters should progress soon,’ is what Thompson told the BBC last week.
So what?
I`m sure Dundee United are interested in many other players and have approached other clubs about several players – Craig Levein has already admitted he wants to bring in a few new faces during June and July.
But, where are the stories about these players?
Why do we have to read about a reserve team Rangers player or an unwanted Celtic player on their way out?
Why is the biggest news story on Dundee United, actually about Barcelona signing Henry from Arsenal and the slim chance he might make an appearance in the friendly in July?
Dundee United FC seem to be the only source of news at the moment, but they cant report speculation and aren`t interested in naming their transfer targets, they only give you the actual facts – but why should we be relying on the club to tell us what`s happening…..isn`t that the job of the tabloids?
