It’s now or never for St Mirren takeover

Jun 15 2012 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

IT’S now or never for Richard Atkinson’s 10000Hours Community Interest Company as the deadline to stump up the cash to take over St Mirren arrives today.

Current chairman Stewart Gilmour has already gone on record saying the current selling consortium won’t hang around forever – and they will look to sell to an overseas consortium if the Atkinson bid falls through.

As a result, the fans on Buddie Banter have been tweeting like mad in a bid to drum up additional support and get the 10000Hours bid over the finishing line.

Even former players like Junior Mendes have been on to try to encourage fans to dig deep for their local club.

Junior wants Twitter users to retweet details of the 10000Hours account so that as many people as possible have the chance to pledge their support.

He left this message: “Please retweet @10000hourslive. Deadline is Friday for the fans to control our beloved St Mirren. Thanks.”

And the guys at 10000Hours also sent out an appeal for additional pledges.

10000HOURS (@10000hourslive) posted this message: “Please consider supporting our St Mirren fan co-operative.”

The support kept coming and another former player, midfielder Ricky Gillies, made an appeal of his own to St Mirren fans.

He tweeted: “St Mirren should be the hub of the community. Would love to see a fresh start and the fans having their say!”

Saints fan Jean McIntyre (@JeanMcIntyre1) had this to say: “Come on all you Saints fans. Sign up and be part of our beloved St Mirren. Let’s show other teams the way ahead. We can do it!”

Sean Carroll (@seanc87) tweeted: “St Mirren fans are buying a majority share in the club as a consortium. Fans will own it. It’s a positive story for a change!”

There are, however, some questions remaining with some sceptics who are not totally convinced of the merits of a fans’ buyout.

Douglas McNeil (@DouglasMcNeil) said this: “I’m still unsure of the St Mirren fans takeover. What happens if business/fans pull out?

“Who makes footballing decisions on managers etc?”

Stuart Gillespie (@SMTID) is also unconvinced.

He left this message: “I take it anyone who believes this St Mirren ‘fans’ takeover also believes in Santa Claus, the tooth fairy and Charles Green’s backers?”

And tricia (@trixipie) posted: “If the St Mirren fan bid is successful, who will vote on whether new Rangers can be parachuted in to SPL? Old or new owners?”

Ultimately, there will be risks attached but some fans organisations feel that the club being sold to the supporters means it cannot be damaged by prospectors looking to make a fast buck.

Black & White Army (@bawarmy): “The risk to St Mirren is if the fans deal does not proceed then the 52 per cent will be sold to someone else, and THAT is the risk.”

If you have something to say about Saints, log on to Buddie Banter online at http:// forums. paisleydailyexpress.co.uk and click on the Buddie Banter message board.Those using the service for the first time will have to register but it only takes a few moments.Even if you don’t have access to the internet, you can send your comments to Buddie Banter, One Central Quay, Glasgow G3 8DA.Alternatively, you can e-mail the sports desk direct at paul.behan@trinitymirror.com or follow us on Twitter by searching @PDESportsco.uk and click on the Buddie Banter message board.

Those using the service for the first time will have to register but it only takes a few moments.

Even if you don’t have access to the internet, you can send your comments to Buddie Banter, One Central Quay, Glasgow G3 8DA.

Alternatively, you can e-mail the sports desk direct at paul.behan@trinitymirror.com or follow us on Twitter by searching @PDESports