Dundee FC has been thrown into turmoil amid claims a player has been having an affair with a member of staff.
An internal investigation is underway at Dundee FC and club secretary Laura Hayes has been suspended from her post after being caught in the crossfire of the allegations.
The probe, ordered by the club’s hierarchy, was initially expected to last two weeks and centres on five specific complaints levelled at Hayes.
A club insider revealed: “The situation is a mess. Hayes was called into the office and told by chief executive Scot Gardiner and John Nelms that she was being suspended. Staff at Dens were informed of the decision and asked to keep it quiet.
“Lawyers acting on Hayes’ behalf have been trying to establish exactly what she has been accused of.
“One of the allegations is believed to involve a member of the squad and his relationship with a member of the Dens Park staff. In particular that Hayes passed comment on what was going on.
“The player and the female member of staff are said to have been furious about what was said. But, other complaints have also been levelled against Hayes.
“She’s been with the club for 19 years and has been left shattered by what’s happened.”
News of Hayes’ suspension emerged as American investor Tim Keyes arrived in Scotland to take in Dundee’s clash with Morton yesterday.
The Texan financier and close associate John Nelms, who is Dundee’s head of football operations, are in the process of securing control of the club.
Our insider continued: “A player apparently being involved in an inappropriate relationship with another member of staff is a distraction.
“The situation is compounded further by Hayes being suspended.
“The new investors will want to get their house in order as quickly as possible and it’s bound to have consequences.”
American investment in Dundee was initially met with sceptisim given the club’s turbulent recent history.
However, backing from new chairman Bill Colvin and Scot Gardiner saw the deal over the finishing line.
Hayes appeared on Sky football show Soccer AM in March and broke down in tears the day after manager and close friend Barry Smith was sacked.
At the time she explained: “It was the day after Barry was fired. I’d been crying about what had happened.”
Former board member Dave Forbes, who represents the Dundee Football Club Supporters Society, said: “I’m saddened this situation has leaked into the public domain. It has allowed wild speculation to run free.
“I sincerely hope and expect Laura Hayes will be cleared of any wrongdoing in the fullness of time.”
Gardiner insisted the club would not be commenting on the situation.
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe