Board Update | 11/06/26
As we move into June, with pre-season training fast approaching and the squad returning next week, we would like to thank the nearly 600 supporters who have already renewed their season tickets. Your backing is invaluable, and that early commitment provides the club with important stability as preparations continue for the new campaign.
With last season now behind us, our focus has fully shifted to the season ahead. The management team has been working tirelessly on squad planning and has already secured several key additions, alongside several important re-signings from last season’s squad. The early support shown through season ticket sales has played a significant role in making this possible. Every season ticket sold helps strengthen Ian’s budget for the coming season and increases our ability to further strengthen the squad.
As a club, we believe in being open and honest with our supporters about the challenges we face. With Dalrada significantly reducing their contribution, there has inevitably been an impact on the playing budget available for the season ahead. At the same time, the market across League One and the Championship continues to become increasingly competitive, with many clubs operating on substantially larger full-time budgets.
As a community-owned club, sustainability must remain at the heart of every decision we make. We do not have a benefactor behind the scenes, while that presents challenges; it also makes the support and unity surrounding the club even more important.
We recently noted comments from St Mirren chairman John Needham regarding the growing financial pressures facing fan-owned clubs across Scottish football. Rising player wages, increasing operational costs and wider economic pressures are challenges being felt throughout the game, and many of his observations strongly reflect the environment in which we are currently operating. In these circumstances, the continued backing of supporters, volunteers, sponsors and the wider local community will be vital to our success.
There is a renewed sense of belief and determination throughout the club. The management team, board and staff are fully committed to building a competitive squad and creating a team that supporters can get behind throughout the season. We would also like to place on record our appreciation for the hard work being carried out behind the scenes by so many people. We firmly believe we have the right management team in place to maximise the resources available and deliver the strongest possible squad within our means.
Away from the pitch, hard work is ongoing to expand our commercial revenue, and we have been delighted to recently welcome new partners such as McPake Truck and Trailer Services, as well as extending partnerships with existing sponsors such as Wet Wall Works and AGM Group. There are further opportunities available, and as always, we would be delighted to hear from any businesses who would be interested in coming on board.
This is an opportunity to reset, regroup and continue moving the club forward in a sustainable and responsible manner, while strengthening our connection with supporters and the wider community. It feels like a line in the sand – a chance for everyone associated with the club to move forward together with positivity and purpose.
Although Dalrada are stepping back, we would also like to place on record our sincere thanks for their significant contribution to the football club in recent years. Their support has been greatly appreciated, and we remain grateful that they will continue to contribute a substantial sum to the club during the coming season.
As we said following the Airdrie match at the end of last season, standards must improve. A reduced budget means every decision, every effort and every contribution becomes even more important. Our ambition remains unchanged: to build a football club that supporters and the local community can be proud of. The journey ahead is one we approach with optimism, determination and a shared belief in what this club can become.
As MCT recently updated its members, discussions regarding the Estrella deal continue to progress, and club officials are looking forward to meeting with representatives at Cappielow this week. It is important to stress that, should the deal be completed, any investment from Estrella is not intended to be directed straight into the playing budget in the same way that Dalrada’s contributions have been. The investment received will be considered carefully and used in a way that delivers a lasting and meaningful impact on the football club.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you back to Cappielow very soon.
