Season 2009-10 was a very difficult season both on and off the pitch for Airdrie United.
The death of John Ballantyne, continuing health concerns of Jim Ballantyne, numerous postponed games, poor performances on the park, dwindling attendances and an abysmal play-off campaign were just some of the factors that threatened the very survival of the Club.
It has never been hidden that the Club is hugely undercapitalised and under resourced and we have always made it clear that we would welcome fresh investment and logistical support and, after last season, this is needed more than ever. In fairness, the Club was very lucky to survive last season and would certainly not survive a similar one under the current set up.
In times of difficulty a number of Clubs have appealed for fundraising, donations etc and there is no doubt that the Club needs fresh capital to underpin its future existence. The Directors however, feel that, rather than the donation route, those wishing to help the Club should be acknowledged with something tangible and therefore the Directors have agreed to make shares openly available to supporters and businessmen alike in order to protect our Club’s future. These will be at a number of price points to ensure availability to almost all who are concerned about the future of the Club and wish to contribute. The shares will be in batches as follows:
£20000 20000 shares
£10000 8500 shares
£5000 4000 shares
£2000 1500 shares
£500 350 shares
Any individual wishing to invest more than £20 000 will be dealt with on a one to one basis and would also be offered a Directorship as part of the package.
All the money raised will provide much needed working capital for the Club and will provide resources to help the Club develop. It is intended to strengthen the commercial aspects of the Club and, depending on the success of the shares, it is an aim to formally set up an Academy structure to provide a clear pathway for the development of our own young players, which is crucial to the future growth of the Club.
The funds raised are clearly to protect the long term status of the Club which is ultimately the goal of supporters and investors alike. The Club has never paid a dividend to shareholders and it is the stated policy of the Directors that this will remain the same for the foreseeable future.
Those purchasing shares should be clear that they are buying shares in a football club which is widely regarded as a high risk investment and in reality, any return will simply be a sense of belonging and a sense of pride in being one of the people who stepped up to the plate to secure the future of the Club.
Your Club needs you now, more than ever so the door is open to all. Anybody wishing to participate should, in the first instance, notify their interest and contact the club with their details and then share documents can be drawn up accordingly.
JIM BALLANTYNE AIRDRIE UNITED FC 60 ST. ENOCH SQUARE GLASGOW G1 4AG
There is no requirement to send any money at this stage |