Deal saves club 'in nick of time'

Mr Khan, second right, said it would be a "privilege" to help the club

A partnership deal to save Stranraer FC has been given the go ahead.

Club members at the Scottish second division side have given their board permission to enter into talks with Loreburn Housing Association.

Debts at the Stair Park side have been estimated at �250,000 and their chances of survival earlier this year were rated by their chairman as "50/50".

Manager Keith Knox said the proposals had come "in the nick of time" and would let the team plan for the future.

Stranraer FC members voted in favour of the move after hearing the proposals outlined by the housing association.

It would be a tragedy for this area if the football club went out of existence Ahsan Khan Loreburn Housing Association

It is hoped the new community business partnership can be up and running by the end of the season.

The deal would see the club join Loreburn's group structure, enabling the housing association to make loans to the football club.

In addition, Loreburn would have an ongoing involvement in the club's financial and administrative affairs.

Stranraer FC spokesman John Taylor said it was the best way to guarantee a future for the side.

"Our financial troubles have been well documented and I'd been appointed with others to find a way to allow this great club to continue," he said.

"This was quite an onerous responsibility given we're talking about saving 140 years of history.

"When Loreburn heard the bleak assessment of our future they asked to meet with us."

He said the housing association had the "financial track record, vision and professionalism" the club needed.

'Community pride'

Manager Keith Knox also welcomed the announcement.

"This proposal has come in the nick of time," he said.

"We're at the stage in the year when I've got to be thinking about players for next season.

"No-one was going to want to come and play here with the threat of the football club going out of business any day."

Loreburn's chief executive, Ahsan Khan, said it would be a "privilege" to be involved with the club which he described as a "great community business".

"It provides employment, brings money into the area, and gives the town unrivalled free publicity," he said.

"Above all it gives local people enjoyment and a sense of community pride.

"It would be a tragedy for this area if the football club went out of existence."

Stranraer currently sit bottom of the Scottish second division.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version