Motherwell fans’ groups have come forward to oppose any proposals that would lead to decreased fan ownership.
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Talks over decreased fan ownership at Motherwell
Motherwell have been in talks with two foreign investors, prompting the club to ask Well Society members whether they would accept proposals for fan ownership to drop below 50 per cent. The current shareholding percentage for fan ownership groups at Motherwell is 71.
The club board are looking for external investment, which is something that has happened at fellow Scottish clubs Hibernian and Dundee United.
Joint statement by Motherwell fans' groups
Motherwell Bois, East Stand Motherwell collective and the Block E Ultras combined to produce a joint statement that said: “As a collective we believe that supporter and community ownership is in the best long-term interest of the club.
“Whilst others may challenge this narrative for the hope of short-term glory, our position is firm and unyielding.”
Motherwell fans remind ownership of administration in 2002
The fan groups alluded to the fact that Motherwell went into administration in 2002 due to a spending spree by then owner John Boyle.
The joint statement continued: “Our recent history is a stark reminder of what can happen when an individual wields too much control of a vital community asset that has a bearing impact on the lives of many.”
“Since 2011, the Well Society have taken that work to the next level ensuring that, unlike others in Scotland who have received ‘significant’ external investment, we have remained a financially stable Premiership club.
“Whilst we welcome further investment into the football club, that must come from sources that won’t tarnish our values, that will embrace our heritage, and not from those that may see our club as a short-term playground for their private investment.
“Any investment proposal should not be to the detriment of what makes Motherwell Football Club a recognised important pillar of our community; a club that promotes positive mental health, holds out a hand to those in times of need and provides a much-needed sense of belonging to fans near and far.
“Any investment should not result in us parting with our majority shareholding.
“Motherwell Football Club is more than 90 minutes on a Saturday. Through fan ownership, we can ensure that every single decision made is with the fans’ best interests at heart.
“We must protect that at all costs. we back the Well Society and the wider fan-base to come together to grow our club, and to drive us forward into the future.”
Members have until 5pm Wednesday to get their response in to our recent communication on majority shareholding.
If you are a member and haven't received the email, please let us know: [email protected] 👍 pic.twitter.com/aCajydpPVU
— The Well Society (@TheWellSociety) February 26, 2024