Jackie McNamara ‘cashed in’ over player sales

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

It is understood that McNamara and other management staff are entitled to a percentage of fees generated from player sales – information that has angered the United support.

Alleged evidence of the deal has been circulating among supporters’ groups.

The Arab Trust and the Federation of Dundee United Supporters said in a statement they were “shocked” that £500,000 had been handed over from the sales of Armstrong and Mackay-Steven to Celtic as commission for McNamara.

Thompson hit out at the figure, calling it “fictitious”, but he refused to discuss McNamara’s contract.

“I can’t confirm or deny anything about Jackie’s contract,” he said. “That’s confidential.”

The fans’ groups are expected to issue a statement late next week on the matter.

Thompson, in comments to the Daily Record, has accused the fans’ groups of being disruptive, and pointed to the club’s success at maintaining a top-six position in the Scottish Premiership, paying down debt and reaching cup finals.