Dunfermline Athletic to be acquired by German investment group

Dunfermline Athletic have announced that a 30% stake in the club has been acquired by a German investment group, who have the option to increase their stake to 75.1% by summer 2022 at the latest.

Many may see this as a setback for the cause of supporter ownership; but in truth, while those like us who believe passionately in supporter ownership as the ideal structure for our football clubs will be disappointed to read this news, we must recognise the progress that has been made at East End Park. The Masterton/Yorkston regime, which ran up massive debts and almost eviscerated a 128 year old community institution, was replaced by a broad representative body which blended the democratic principles of the supporters trust with a number of wealthy local individuals, who together steered the club into calmer waters. The supporters trust’s stake was enough to ensure no takeover could progress without their approval, and they have been fully engaged in the discussions and due diligence activities over the last year which have culminated in today’s deal. Their stake in Pars United, and their hard work over many years, gave them a seat at the table when this deal was struck and ensured that the fans had a voice in this major development.

The incoming investors must surely be encouraged by the fine work done by Pars United over the last 7 years, and the incredible fundraising efforts that have sustained the club over the last 5 months. This should prove to DAFC Fussball GmbH that the club’s supporters are one of their most valuable assets, and should remain at the heart of the club regardless of their shareholding.

Read more about the deal on our website.

SD Scotland join BeGambleAware as a partner for Safer Gambling

Supporters Direct Scotland is pleased to announce its new partnership with BeGambleAware for their Safer Gambling campaign "Bet Regret".

Bet Regret is the sinking feeling you get the minute you make a bet without thinking it through, often when drunk, bored or chasing losses. Safer Gambling is just about avoiding those impulsive bets you kick yourself for as soon as you’ve made them! So BeGambleAware and SD Scotland want you to remember to Think Twice Or You’ll Bet Regret It. A reminder to pause and think before making those bets you really know you shouldn’t.

There are a number of tips and tools available on the Bet Regret landing page, ranging from setting limits on time and money and reminding all of us of the importance of taking a break. Watch this space for more news about the partnership, and check out the latest Bet Regret work here.

SD Scotland Board Elections

Nominations are now being sought in the election to the Board of Directors of Supporters Direct Scotland.

Our rules currently describe our board composition as:

1. Up to eight Directors elected by and from the Society’s members; (provided that no Member shall be represented by more than one Director)
2. Up to three Directors elected annually by and from the Society's Associates
3. Up to one Director nominated by the Association of Tartan Army Clubs (ATAC)

Nominations forms have been sent to our Members and Associates this week.

Club Development Scotland - building clubs that win for everyone

Although Covid-19 may have put a temporary stop to playing football, our Club Development Scotland work has continued throughout the lock down period. CDS, the consultancy arm of SD Scotland, develops resources and provides a range of services for community sports clubs of all shapes and sizes.

During the lockdown, we’ve been continuing to advise clubs on a range of matters including financial support available to them while their activities (and potentially income) are on hold - you can access this advice here. We’ve also been pleased to support the roll out of Our Club Lotto, a fundraising lottery that can be tailor suited to your club to help raise vital funds during this difficult time.

We’ve also been making the most of the lockdown to support clubs with a range of services including assisting and advising on club constitutions, legal structures, gift aid and charitable status. If you’d like to find out more how we could help you grow a winning club, get in touch or subscribe to our newsletter at http://www.clubdevelopment.scot/about/newsletters.

And finally...

Articles, podcasts and videos from the archive

As part of our objective to better connect fans, share best practice within Scottish sport, to promote supporter dialogue and promote sport clubs through which positive societal change can occur, here we share some relevant stories from recent months.

1. Forget The Lack Of Goals Let’s Praise Premiership Defending
2. Scottish Football Has To Hammer Home Guidelines To Clubs And Players!
3. We Need To Keep Vandals Away From Our Football Clubs
4. Let’s Ignore The Opinions Of Those That Never Watch Scottish Football
5. Scotland’s Israel Tie Could Be Ideal Way To Bring Fans Back
6. Getting Excited About Scottish Football Again
7. Tartan Army Should Welcome Lyndon Dykes If He Chooses Scotland
8. It’s Time Scottish Football Embraced The Rooney Rule

You can also check out our back catalogue of podcast episodes and subscribe to Behind The Goals using your favoured ‘podcatcher’ here.

With Covid-19 taking hold of Scottish football, fans can step up and help the most vulnerable clubs. This short video has some ideas about you can help.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more!

Supporters Direct Scotland are committed to helping football supporters enjoy responsible gambling; for many this is an integral part of their match day experience.

We have selected GamCare as our recommended support service for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. GamCare operate the National Gambling Helpline (whose advisers are available on 0808 8020 133 or via web chat at www.gamcare.org), provide treatment for problem gamblers and their families, create awareness about responsible gambling and treatment, and encourage an effective approach to responsible gambling within the gambling industry.