SMISA

[SGG]

It is with deep regret I must announce that I have resigned from the SMISA Board, this is very much against my wishes, however the regulations attached to being a SMISA Director do not allow me to express my own opinion publicly.

Therefore, I have done so within the confines of the Board and as such those objections are in the minutes.

My decision concerns the great change in the SMISA Funding model that is about to take place should the Members approve the new Build the Buds policy going forward.

I should highlight there are many good things about the Build the Buds, however the capping of the Reserve Fund at ONLY £500,000 is something I must speak out about.

This was a figure voted on, by no doubt well-meaning individuals, most of whom have absolutely no experience of downsizing either a company or indeed a football club with a £5 million plus turnover.

This figure represents a mere 10 per cent of St Mirren Football Club’s annual turnover and does not even match ONE MONTH of our current outgoings.

The Club could, and in all probability will, face difficult decisions in future should our fortunes fade, and history bears out that they will.

Dealing with this is a very difficult and costly operation to carry out. Employees do not just walk away; you cannot get out of contracts.

You should be aware that another club of similar size, Motherwell FC have a fund of £1 million, by coincidence exactly the figure I believe should be our minimum at this point. And one that should be subject to review in five years.

There unfortunately is a belief among some sections of our support that we shall never hit hard times, possibly caused by relegation to the Championship. I assure you clubs of our size have their wonderful times, but unfortunately also times when it is tough. Very tough. I have been there.

History tells us this happens to clubs of our size.

The Membership numbers of SMISA rose dramatically when we had the opportunity to buy the majority shares in the club, of which we are still the majority shareholder.

This was an investment made by around 1,200 supporters, many of us bought into this process with the view that the club was better in the hands of St Mirren people rather than overseas investors!

However, this football club we all love is an asset we must protect. We simply must!

If we do not protect it with forward thinking and no short-termism, allowing for our experienced reality of Saints’ capacity and capabilities then we could lose it.

The proposed figure of £500,000 is far from what would be required in an emergency. It is simply not enough to ensure that we could ride out that initial hard period, should the worst, or perhaps the inevitable happen.

This would be a disaster for all the Members who have invested their hard-earned money into SMISA in the belief that SMISA would have a war chest able to cope.

To me this proposal is the equivalent of your house burning down and not having insurance: the Reserve Fund IS OUR INSURANCE, and it requires to be at a level that will ensure Saints can survive a problem cash period.

This argument for me comes from the heart (and the head). This is about our club always being here, it is about our Grandchildren following in our footsteps.

To succeed and survive you must have an adequate plan. I respectfully warn that this proposal in inadequate and should be reassessed.

I do hope fellow Members will see that we do need a much larger reserve to protect our investment in St Mirren Football Club.

[faraway saint]

FWIW I personally think it's a shame it's come to this as your efforts over the years are, overall, to be commended. 

Unfortunately your stubbornness in accepting our current board are doing, overall, an excellent job has tarnished your reputation. 

 

[bazil85]

I fully agree with SG on this, regarding the safety net only being £500k is too low. 
 

But I do have to wonder why this couldn’t have been better resolved without the need to resign. I am not saying that’s the fault of SG, far from it.

Could there not have been a members amendment or something similar regarding the pot? If it was saving it to £500k, £1,000,000 or even beyond, I certainly would be voting for the higher amount. 
 

Saying that, surely as a club we are still in a better position than most to ride hard times. SMISA pots should not be the only safety net, has the club got funding contingency? 
 

Thanks for sharing Stewart, if you are able to give a bit more background on how we got there, I think it would help for stimulating a conversation with SMISA on the decision around the plan. 

[faraway saint]

58 minutes ago, bazil85 said:

I fully agree with SG on this, regarding the safety net only being £500k is too low. 
 

But I do have to wonder why this couldn’t have been better resolved without the need to resign. I am not saying that’s the fault of SG, far from it.

Could there not have been a members amendment or something similar regarding the pot? If it was saving it to £500k, £1,000,000 or even beyond, I certainly would be voting for the higher amount. 
 

Saying that, surely as a club we are still in a better position than most to ride hard times. SMISA pots should not be the only safety net, has the club got funding contingency? 
 

Thanks for sharing Stewart, if you are able to give a bit more background on how we got there, I think it would help for stimulating a conversation with SMISA on the decision around the plan. 

Nip over the P&B, you'll get plenty of information there to explain why the £500k is sufficient. 

[bazil85]

1 hour ago, faraway saint said:

Nip over the P&B, you'll get plenty of information there to explain why the £500k is sufficient. 

Cheers, I’ll jump over… if I can remember my password. 

[glen]

There is a fuller and far more sensible and informed debate currently on Stewart's Facebook page. Given all his numerous previous posts I cannot agree with faraway saint - about anything.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008414192982

 

Edited October 17 by glen

[faraway saint]

14 minutes ago, glen said:

There is a fuller and far more sensible and informed debate currently on Stewart's Facebook page. Given all his numerous previous posts I cannot agree with faraway saint - about anything.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008414192982

 

😂😂😂

I'm sure there is, wall to wall cronies. 

Facebook is well known for it's almost limitless levels of nonsense. 

Oh, there is little/no debate unless you count pandering from a small amount of followers. 

Edited October 17 by faraway saint

[beyond our ken]

11 hours ago, faraway saint said:

FWIW I personally think it's a shame it's come to this as your efforts over the years are, overall, to be commended. 

Unfortunately your stubbornness in accepting our current board are doing, overall, an excellent job has tarnished your reputation. 

 

Would that include the efforts made when while chairman he liked your most disgusting ever post, which is saying something, and had to stop on the way to a game at Dingwall to call and apologise to me  

[faraway saint]

5 minutes ago, beyond our ken said:

Would that include the efforts made when while chairman he liked your most disgusting ever post, which is saying something, and had to stop on the way to a game at Dingwall to call and apologise to me  

Bore off. 🙄

🔔🔚

Edited October 17 by faraway saint

[W6er]

14 hours ago, faraway saint said:

😂😂😂

I'm sure there is, wall to wall cronies. 

Facebook is well known for it's almost limitless levels of nonsense. 

Oh, there is little/no debate unless you count pandering from a small amount of followers. 

And P&B isn't?  

[faraway saint]

47 minutes ago, W6er said:

And P&B isn't?  

First, directing people to Gilmours OWN Facebook page for "sensible and informed debate" takes some brass neck. 

As I said, Facebook pages, on the whole, attract some level of wallopers. 

As for P&B, oh it's not perfect but there's no comparison. 

Maybe you should take a deep breath and come to some sort of decision all by yourself. 🙄

[W6er]

15 minutes ago, faraway saint said:

First, directing people to Gilmours OWN Facebook page for "sensible and informed debate" takes some brass neck. 

As I said, Facebook pages, on the whole, attract some level of wallopers. 

As for P&B, oh it's not perfect but there's no comparison. 

Maybe you should take a deep breath and come to some sort of decision all by yourself. 🙄

I will do. I don't need the people on P&B to do my thinking for me... 

[faraway saint]

46 minutes ago, W6er said:

I will do. I don't need the people on P&B to do my thinking for me... 

I don't recall suggesting anything even close. 

Maybe you've misunderstood the post below? 

19 hours ago, faraway saint said:

Nip over the P&B, you'll get plenty of information there to explain why the £500k is sufficient. 

 

[W6er]

47 minutes ago, faraway saint said:

I don't recall suggesting anything even close. 

Maybe you've misunderstood the post below? 

 

Fair enough. What's your opinion regarding the point that Mr Gilmour is making?

'I should highlight there are many good things about the Build the Buds, however the capping of the Reserve Fund at ONLY £500,000 is something I must speak out about.

This was a figure voted on, by no doubt well-meaning individuals, most of whom have absolutely no experience of downsizing either a company or indeed a football club with a £5 million plus turnover.

This figure represents a mere 10 per cent of St Mirren Football Club’s annual turnover and does not even match ONE MONTH of our current outgoings.

The Club could, and in all probability will, face difficult decisions in future should our fortunes fade, and history bears out that they will.

Dealing with this is a very difficult and costly operation to carry out. Employees do not just walk away; you cannot get out of contracts.

You should be aware that another club of similar size, Motherwell FC have a fund of £1 million, by coincidence exactly the figure I believe should be our minimum at this point. And one that should be subject to review in five years.'

[faraway saint]

20 minutes ago, W6er said:

Fair enough. What's your opinion regarding the point that Mr Gilmour is making?

'I should highlight there are many good things about the Build the Buds, however the capping of the Reserve Fund at ONLY £500,000 is something I must speak out about.

This was a figure voted on, by no doubt well-meaning individuals, most of whom have absolutely no experience of downsizing either a company or indeed a football club with a £5 million plus turnover.

This figure represents a mere 10 per cent of St Mirren Football Club’s annual turnover and does not even match ONE MONTH of our current outgoings.

The Club could, and in all probability will, face difficult decisions in future should our fortunes fade, and history bears out that they will.

Dealing with this is a very difficult and costly operation to carry out. Employees do not just walk away; you cannot get out of contracts.

You should be aware that another club of similar size, Motherwell FC have a fund of £1 million, by coincidence exactly the figure I believe should be our minimum at this point. And one that should be subject to review in five years.'

Gilmour have the neck to question SMISA having no experience is taking his ego trip to new levels. 

The highlighted part is typical scaremongering tactics by Gilmour and his small, but shouty, gang.

The club has reserves and if we drop in league position, or a league, adjustments would be made. 

Anyone questing our current board, or SMISA, when we've increased income considerably over the last few years to a level the previous "bowling club mentality" board had no aspirations to reach really needs to take their head out of the sand. 

Oh, here we are again, you asking questions and seemingly incapable of coming to any conclusion all by yourself. 😂😂😂

[Mr Optimistic]

18 hours ago, glen said:

There is a fuller and far more sensible and informed debate currently on Stewart's Facebook page. Given all his numerous previous posts I cannot agree with faraway saint - about anything.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008414192982

 

Glen. The idea you can come on here and have a sensible and informed debate died a long time ago. The village sado and a couple of others turned what used to be a great forum into something that became all about them. People realised any topic, any discussion, any debate would soon be turned into something personal and nasty. The result is that the forum in the main involves one person just talking to himself. 

If you want sensible debate and chat mate you are in the wrong place.

[faraway saint]

12 minutes ago, Mr Optimistic said:

Glen. The idea you can come on here and have a sensible and informed debate died a long time ago. The village sado and a couple of others turned what used to be a great forum into something that became all about them. People realised any topic, any discussion, any debate would soon be turned into something personal and nasty. The result is that the forum in the main involves one person just talking to himself. 

If you want sensible debate and chat mate you are in the wrong place.

Another repetitive post. 

We'll done, you're consistent if nothing else. 

[portmahomack saint]

On 10/18/2025 at 9:14 AM, faraway saint said:

Gilmour have the neck to question SMISA having no experience is taking his ego trip to new levels. 

The highlighted part is typical scaremongering tactics by Gilmour and his small, but shouty, gang.

The club has reserves and if we drop in league position, or a league, adjustments would be made. 

Anyone questing our current board, or SMISA, when we've increased income considerably over the last few years to a level the previous "bowling club mentality" board had no aspirations to reach really needs to take their head out of the sand. 

Oh, here we are again, you asking questions and seemingly incapable of coming to any conclusion all by yourself. 😂😂😂

Totally agree Mr Faraway, If the Football Club is being managed properly that is how you avoid the doomsday scenario not planning for it, Since the takeover the club has been run with the right amount of caution and ambition long may that continue.   We haven't forgot that negativity coupled with a total lack of ambition for many years took us to the brink of the Abyss in 2016. 

[faraway saint]

On 10/19/2025 at 1:53 PM, portmahomack saint said:

Totally agree Mr Faraway, If the Football Club is being managed properly that is how you avoid the doomsday scenario not planning for it, Since the takeover the club has been run with the right amount of caution and ambition long may that continue.   We haven't forgot that negativity coupled with a total lack of ambition for many years took us to the brink of the Abyss in 2016. 

It's hoped, after the last two SMISA meetings, Monday & Tuesday night, the vast majority will stay with the current set up. 

I'm confident that will be the case. 

There's been 20 new memberships taken out recently with 5 resignations. 

That's a good sign and a direct result of all the shouting from an angry minority. 

Keep it up. 

[faraway saint]

📣Hello @everyone. Today at 12, the key elements of the Way Forward proposal will be sent out to all SMiSA members for consideration.

Over the past week, there’s been some discussions shared on various social media platforms, so I wanted to take a moment to highlight the key facts that were presented during both our online and in-person Q&A sessions.

If successful, this proposal would allow us to support the Club with vital infrastructure projects. Some of the projects currently being explored include:

 • 💡 Upgrading our stadium floodlights – our current setup is not European compliant, so this would be an important step forward.

 • 🌱 Installing a hybrid pitch surface – dramatically improving quality and durability, especially through the winter months.

 • 🏟️ Introducing safe standing – a project the Club is actively considering to enhance the matchday experience.

Importantly, if passed, the Build the Buds fund won’t be limited to Club use. It will also be open to any associated Supporters’ groups to back longer-term initiatives such as:

 • Pre-match facilities for all supporters to enjoy

 • Stadium infrastructure improvements

 • Other community or supporter-led projects – the possibilities are endless.

ANY potential projects will be put to full membership for approval before funds are handed over.

We also understand there have been concerns raised about Club reserves. The Chairman has confirmed that the Club plans for worst-case scenarios and maintains a substantial contingency fund which is reviewed monthly.

Additionally, SMISA has full visibility of the Club’s finances, meaning we are well-positioned to monitor revenue and, if necessary, act quickly to ensure funds are redirected appropriately to protect the Club’s financial stability. We also want to drive the fact that if we do ever go through financial difficulties,we would be in a much stronger position to support the club with a larger membership than we have today.

The alternative, of course, is to vote against the proposal , but doing so would make it extremely difficult to achieve any of the projects mentioned above.

And to clarify one final point: under the current structure, it would take over six years for SMISA to build a £1 million safety net, as has been suggested elsewhere.

Let’s make sure decisions are based on facts, not speculation. This is an opportunity to build the future together , for the Club, for the supporters, and for the community. 💪 COYS 🐼

[GeordieBuddie]

1 hour ago, faraway saint said:

📣Hello @everyone. Today at 12, the key elements of the Way Forward proposal will be sent out to all SMiSA members for consideration.

Over the past week, there’s been some discussions shared on various social media platforms, so I wanted to take a moment to highlight the key facts that were presented during both our online and in-person Q&A sessions.

If successful, this proposal would allow us to support the Club with vital infrastructure projects. Some of the projects currently being explored include:

 • 💡 Upgrading our stadium floodlights – our current setup is not European compliant, so this would be an important step forward.

 • 🌱 Installing a hybrid pitch surface – dramatically improving quality and durability, especially through the winter months.

 • 🏟️ Introducing safe standing – a project the Club is actively considering to enhance the matchday experience.

Importantly, if passed, the Build the Buds fund won’t be limited to Club use. It will also be open to any associated Supporters’ groups to back longer-term initiatives such as:

 • Pre-match facilities for all supporters to enjoy

 • Stadium infrastructure improvements

 • Other community or supporter-led projects – the possibilities are endless.

ANY potential projects will be put to full membership for approval before funds are handed over.

We also understand there have been concerns raised about Club reserves. The Chairman has confirmed that the Club plans for worst-case scenarios and maintains a substantial contingency fund which is reviewed monthly.

Additionally, SMISA has full visibility of the Club’s finances, meaning we are well-positioned to monitor revenue and, if necessary, act quickly to ensure funds are redirected appropriately to protect the Club’s financial stability. We also want to drive the fact that if we do ever go through financial difficulties,we would be in a much stronger position to support the club with a larger membership than we have today.

The alternative, of course, is to vote against the proposal , but doing so would make it extremely difficult to achieve any of the projects mentioned above.

And to clarify one final point: under the current structure, it would take over six years for SMISA to build a £1 million safety net, as has been suggested elsewhere.

Let’s make sure decisions are based on facts, not speculation. This is an opportunity to build the future together , for the Club, for the supporters, and for the community. 💪 COYS 🐼

Some good key points covered, do you have a list of the key objections raised by members also and the boards respones so decisons can be made by facts and no speculation 😁

 

[faraway saint]

7 minutes ago, GeordieBuddie said:

Some good key points covered, do you have a list of the key objections raised by members also and the boards respones so decisons can be made by facts and no speculation 😁

 

SMISA members had the option to view/listen to the meetings either in person or online. 

To save me selecting certain posts you'd be better to join this group, it's a closed group or I'd give you the link, where the majority of issues raised have been "discussed". 👍

[faraway saint]

31 minutes ago, GeordieBuddie said:

Some good key points covered, do you have a list of the key objections raised by members also and the boards respones so decisons can be made by facts and no speculation 😁

 

This reply from a SMISA member addresses the scaremongering attempts by Gilmour IMO. 

The club has a relegation budget that is audited every year. Our outgoings would be reduced due to clauses in players' contracts, which are our biggest expenditure.  

The club also has money in the bank in addition to the 500k.  SMiSA alone couldn't save the club from relegation financial difficulties; this would need to be a combination of actions.  This is one piece of a plan that would come into play.  

However, if we had more members, we could consider establishing a larger emergency fund.  This is why we are trying to "Build the buds".

Also this figure of £1m would take between 5-10 years to achieve. 

[GeordieBuddie]

Thanks for the offer but I am not on FB, was busy Monday and couldn't make the online meeting.

Onwards and upwards hopefully 

COYS

[faraway saint]

7 minutes ago, GeordieBuddie said:

Thanks for the offer but I am not on FB, was busy Monday and couldn't make the online meeting.

Onwards and upwards hopefully 

COYS

Cheers. 👍