The former chair of Partick Thistle Football Club and two fellow ex-directors have hit back against claims of failing finances during their stewardship of the club.
Ex-chair Jacqui Low, former Scotland national team goalkeeper and current sports pundit Alan Rough and ex-director Michael Robertson issued a statement on the “damaging rumours about the competence of the previous board” which they said “cannot go unchallenged”.
The statement says: “We want fans to be clear that Thistle was not failing under the previous board’s stewardship.
“Any further claim or suggestion to the contrary, implied or otherwise, will be challenged legally.”
The statement goes on: “Last season, the previous board ensured that the club remained debt-free, generated a significant profit despite relegation, produced a strong budget for next season that is now fully funded and secured the option to access £350,000 in January 2020 should it be required for the final push.
“Off the pitch, processes and practices were put in place to be more efficient and effective, including new financial reporting, software and the introduction of an external accountancy firm, moves that were to strengthen controls rather than removing them.”
It adds: “As a club, Thistle has grown from where it was a year ago - it is strong and thriving, poised on the brink of football success again and funded to achieve that.
“The vision was being realised for a self-sustaining organisation, with a strong business focus to generate money for the club to succeed on the pitch.”
The directors thank everyone at the club, including fans, for their friendship and support.
The statement concludes: “We wish Thistle well for the future and look forward to a successful season as the club starts it with the full benefit – financial or otherwise - of all the tough decisions we made in the last year.
“We hope that the new board will continue to build on that legacy.”
