St Mirren to co-operate fully in alleged 'financial irregularities' probe

St Mirren have drafted in forensic accountants and say they will co-operate fully with any investigations into club finances ahead of a change of ownership.
Financial experts will review the club's operations. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)Financial experts will review the club's operations. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
Financial experts will review the club's operations. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

The Buddies are poised to become fan-owned with an agreement lined up to see a partnership of fans and nearby charity and social enterprise company Kibble, take over at Greenhill Road.

However an audit has uncovered “several historic issues” leading the club’s board to contact several authorities. According to The Herald these included HMRC and Police Scotland.

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Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick, a former player and manager, said that the club will co-operate “to the fullest extent with any investigations”.

He said the Paisley club moved swiftly to bring in financial experts after “certain issues” were discovered during the annual audit.

In a further club statement he added: “The club has taken these steps to ensure that we continue to operate on a sound and compliant financial basis. I would like to put on record our appreciation of the invaluable work, continued commitment and support of club accountant Alan Gallacher in this matter.

“Fans can be confident that all actions taken are in the best interest of St Mirren to ensure it continues to be a club of which our supporters can be proud.”

The Buddies also moved to re-assure fans the club was operating “strongly in the current pandemic climate” with “healthy and robust” finances.

St Mirren are due to become a fan-owned club in a takeover by the club’s supporters’ trust and Kibble next year. This season New St Mirren Park has been dedicated to the St Mirren Independent Supporters’ Trust and known as the SMISA Stadium.

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