Mike Barile is DUFC Associate Director (ArabTRUST). ArabTRUST is a supporters trust established by fans and run by fans…if you haven't already, United-Mad heartily endorses joining and helping ArabTRUST continue the great work they do.
What initially brought about ArabTRUST being set up?
The need to give the rank and file supporter the opportunity to be a formal recognised part of the Club and to have a real influence in the affairs of the Club. We wanted a democratic, organisation of supporters, committed to strengthening the voice for fans in the decision making of the Club by means of share ownership leading to representation on the DUFC Board of Directors. We aimed to strengthen the strong links between the Club and the community it serves. In other words .... "to get Wee Jim to share his power with us the fans".
Is membership still growing?
Yes we've recruited over 30 new members in last few months including a guy from United MAD called Buddah but we need to be more efficient at collecting annual subscriptions from members to maintain our high level. Payments can now be easily made online via PayPal or in cash at one of our Trading Posts…or even better if folk can complete a Standing Order.
How can existing Trust members do more to help the Trust and the Club?
We still require assistance in running the Trust and raising funds. If anyone has any particular skills, which can help or has a fund raising idea, please contact Kevin Payne our Secretary. Of course we rely heavily on members attending events and buying merchandise. Note tickets for our Centenary Party on Sat 23rd May in Gennas Function Suite,
Who's responsible for the rather snazzy assortment of merchandising?
El Breeko aka Alastair Brodie is the merchandise mastermind. I've just started to proudly wear "The Ralphie" scarf - dead smart especially at away games!
Does Franny Sandaza pay for his ArabTRUST gloves or are they a freebie?
No. We've done a special deal for next season. He'll throw the pair he's wearing into the Stand at end of each game especially when he's scored and we'll replace them free of charge.
What are the long-term ambitions/aspirations of ArabTRUST?
I'd like to get more than 50% of all United fans signed up as ArabTRUST members, about 10,000 Arabs given the number that attend Cup Finals. This would undoubtedly enable us to have more representation on DUFC Board.
What's your personal favourite United memory?
Going to Gothenburg for the UEFA Final. A wonderful week of memories included an amazingly cheap 4star cruise/hotel deal because my squad booked up before 2nd leg semi result. The atmosphere in the city for a couple of days before the game was exceptional as thousands of fans arrived by boat, bus and plane. I remember persuading BBC News reporter Rob Bunnett to buy the whole pub 2 rounds of drinks so they could film us singing as we couldn't afford steep prices. Although we actually lost the match everyone was so confident we'd go on and win the Cup. We sang and partied all night long. The saunas were not too bad either.
United heroes over the years?
Every player who wears the shirt is a hero but special mention to Davie Narey the best player I've ever seen at Tannadice, Jim McLean the best Manager in our 100 year history and Eddie Thompson RIP the best Chairman who fully supported and embraced the ArabTRUST concept.
Do we need the derbies or is it more fun to watch them stuck in the Fizzy Pop league?
I miss the derbies, the banter and the 12 points immensely but I don't see them ever returning to the SPL. I cannot wait to play them asap in a cup-tie.
Did you press the flesh with the right-honourable Finn Dossing at the recent Legends dinner?
Of course. Total ecstasy meeting and greeting with them. These are very emotional nights and I am proud that ArabTRUST have sponsored both Legends Dinners. They have simply been the best ever.
If ArabTRUST was a United player (past or present) who would it be and why?
I suppose it would be Gary Kenneth as although he's very young he seems to have been around for ages and he has achieved so much in a short space of time. He is also the most passionate of the present squad and I am certain that he will improve over the forthcoming years and develop into another Legendary figure.
What's your hopes for United in the next couple of seasons?
That we keep Craig Levein as Manager and don't let him go anywhere until we win another trophy or split the Old Firm and gain entry to the Champions League. By then he will not want to leave such a talented team. In Sir Craig we TRUST.