The Dundee United Federation of Supporters has claimed that Mark Ogren insisted relegation wouldn’t be the end of the world for the club as he backed the Tangerines to come straight back up if the dreaded scenario happens.
In an update provided by Federation, they attributed statements to Ogren from a Q&A session that read: “I find it hard to believe in all your years following Dundee United, you have never been so disheartened as you are now. I have full confidence in the players and the manager.
"The players we signed are good players. No supporters came to me in the summer unhappy. We are in a better position than we were five years ago. We are in the top league now and we weren’t five years ago. I can’t believe the doom and gloom around the club. The success we have had in my tenure has been down to Tony’s work. He is my man. It is not the end of the world if we get relegated because we will come straight back up.”
The American faced supporters in a stormy club AGM on Tuesday, where he, sporting director Tony Asghar and manager Liam Fox came under fire with the club sitting bottom of the Scottish Premiership after a 2-1 defeat to Tayside rivals St Johnstone at the weekend, which featured a Mark Birighitti howler that handed the Saints all three points after Dylan Levitt had drawn the hosts level.
Fans have been left unimpressed with performance on and off the park. Recruitment has been criticised, especially after allowing Tony Watt to join Premiership rivals St Mirren on loan without a replacement lined up on deadline day. Loick Ayena was their only January arrival - on loan from Huddersfield - and he was sent off on his debut in 1 -0 Scottish Cup defeat at home to Kilmarnock.
But Ogren leapt to Asghar's defence, insisting the club’s 'success' during his tenure was down to him, while he confirmed there were no plans to replace Fox in the dugout. The Tannadice chief couldn't understand fans’ despondency, insisting they were in a better position than they were five years ago.
But with a return to the Championship a distinct possibility, Ogren’s apparent lack of concern over potential relegation is sure to cause alarm. Especially after it took United four years to bounce back the last time, which contradicts his assertion that an immediate return would be on the cards.
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