St Mirren fans’ buy-out held over until SPL finances clear

THE fans’ takeover of St Mirren has been postponed amid the uncertainty over Scottish Premier League finances following the rejection of newco Rangers into the top flight.

The 10000Hours group announced three weeks ago they had reached their target for support of their bid.

The Buddies were one of the SPL sides to vote against newco Rangers’ application on Wednesday and a statement from 10000Hours backed the decision and urged fans of the club to purchase season-tickets now the outcome was certain.

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The statement read: “We would like to add our support to the board of St Mirren Football Club and the rest of the SPL clubs for making a decision on the entry of the newco into the SPL based on sporting integrity rather than self-preservation.

“We hope that any fans who have held back from buying season-tickets will now support the club in its hour of need. The money from these sales is essential to keep the club in funds until the sponsorship money is received from the SPL for the coming season.”

Despite agreeing with the club’s stance on Rangers, the statement also claimed that financial support will be offered but that the purchase of St Mirren is not currently feasible.

“There is still concern over how much money the club will receive from the SPL and when,” the statement continued. “The large majority of our members would want us to assist the club in ensuring that it continues to run on an even keel with little or no risk of redundancies, fire sale of players or, in a worst-case scenario, administration.

“Until we know the level of sponsorship money the club will receive this year, it is not possible, nor sensible, for us to conclude our purchase of the majority shareholding of the club.

“It is also difficult to gauge what level of financial support the club may need but rest assured that we, with your support and instruction, are willing to do everything in our power to assist the club in dealing with any potential threat to its future.”

Club chairman Stewart Gilmore also issued a statement in which he rallied the supporters to back the team.

His statement read: “It will now be left for the SFA and SFL collectively to decide where the Rangers Newco will play its football next season.

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“Those organisations will make their decision in due course without any pressure from the SPL or its member clubs and we will fully respect whatever decision they make.

“We now hope that the St Mirren support will get fully behind the club and team as we prepare for the new season and start once again to focus on football matters.”

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