Published: Thursday, 5th November, 2009 12:00pm
AYR UNITED UP FOR SALE
by Stewart McConnellCHAIRMAN Lachlan Cameron has put his majority shareholding in Ayr United up for sale, saying he can't take the club any further.
Cameron, in his fifth season at the helm admitted more investment was needed in the club following a recent meeting with the Board of Directors but admitted he would remain if asked.
Cameron said in his weekly blog on the Ayr United FC website: "Ayr United is a wonderful club, it has been part of my life for over 20 years. I have been happy here doing the best that I can for the club during that time. I tihis therefore with a bit of sadness that I announce that after meeting with the Board of Directors to discuss the way forward for the club I am putting my majority shareholding up for sale to potential buyers.
"The club needs to move to a new stadium or at the very least purchase the lands over at Heathfield to progress and secure the future. There is a fantastic opportunity for development over there on the 20 acers that can't be done on the five acres we have here To do that funding needs to be released and in our current format, that funding looks unlikely. A new investor would bring that funding in or be able to get that funding from the development and be able to progress the club to the next level.
"The second erason is more of a personal one, but basically I need to get a job. I have been living here without a paycheck for the last five years. I have a family and it is time to start earning one. When I first came here, the intention was to have a stadium up and running with two and a half years with lettable office space and the indoor training facility to provide added revenue streams to help fund the football club. I would be able to stay here by opening a new CATZ facility and earn my income that way at the same time as paying rent to the club for the privilege. Win-win for everybody.
"Unfortunately that has not worked out so far and it is now time to look for new investment."
The chairman, however says he would be willing to stay on if asked by any potential investor.
"I am still working on various angles to bring the development to fruition, and if that happens, I am planning on stayng but it we can progress further by bringing in outside investment, I am willing to stand aside or potentially remain if I am asked."
The chairman also says crowds must increase if they want to have a chance of making any new signings.
He said: "We need the town to get behind the team now more than ever. We don't want to go back to the Second Division for next season and if we are going to bring any more players in during the (January) transfer window, we need a significant increase in crowds."
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