£50,000 boost... from Morton!

Dec 24 2008 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

SAINTS have banked a pre-Christmas cash windfall of £50,000 after they agreed to sell the Reid Kerr Family Stand at Love Street to Renfrewshire rivals Morton.

And, yesterday, Buddies chairman Stewart Gilmour said the sale of the stand is a “win-win situation” for all parties involved.

With St Mirren moving to their new stadium in Greenhill Road next month, the stands at Love Street will soon be surplus to requirements.

And Saints have boosted the coffers by selling the Reid Kerr Family Stand to the First Division club – as opposed to having it demolished and scrapped.

Gilmour said: “We are delighted to conclude the sale of the Reid Kerr Family Stand to Morton.

“It’s a good deal for us, a good deal for Morton and a win-win situation.”

Morton are planning a redevelopment of Cappielow and will re-assemble the Reid Kerr Family Stand at the ‘Wee Dublin End’ of their Greenock home, which is traditionally designated for the away supporters.

St Mirren’s arch-rivals are also buying two of the floodlights at Love Street before the famous old stadium is torn down.

Last night, a Morton spokesperson said: “We are pleased to finally confirm that our offer to purchase the Family Stand at Love Street has been accepted by St Mirren.

“Dismantling will start when St Mirren move to their new purpose-built stadium in the new year.

“We have had the stand surveyed three times over the last two years.

“It was originally constructed by Barr Construction and, with a bit of fabricating, will be utilised to cover the Wee Dublin End at Cappielow.

“While we have agreed a figure with St Mirren, the real costs really start from there.

“We have estimated that a further £250,000 will be required to transport and set-up the stand at Cappielow.

“However, once completed, overall costs will not exceed £100 per seat, which is only a fraction of what it would cost from new.

“Despite our rivalry, we have always had a good relationship with St Mirren.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank them publicly for all their assistance and we wish them every success in their new home.”