Chairman John Needham has issued a rallying call to Saints supporters to keep backing the club as they look to recover from the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Like many Scottish clubs, the Buddies are still feeling the costly after-effects of the virus, which saw them operate behind-closed-doors matches for several months as well as carry out weekly testing of their players.
Speaking in this month’s chairman’s update, Needham admitted St Mirren were struggling to return to profitability this season. But he believes the club are on the right track to return to the black the following year, with season ticket sales up on previous years, away kit sales up tenfold and commercial income well ahead of budget.
Saints fans have also bought into the new Help a Buddie scheme, which alongside improved performances on the park has helped to boost attendances at the SMiSA Stadium.
And Needham is asking the fans to keep supporting the club, explaining: “An area of challenge has been getting back to profitability following the impacts and expense of Covid-19, the economic climate, inflation and a number of one off costs, such as the recently completed upgrade of the facilities at our training ground.
“As announced at the recent SMISA members’ meeting, the board are working extremely hard with Keith [Lasley] and his team to generate more income and reduce costs.
“We are targeting a modest profit/break even in the 2023/24 season. To achieve that we need to continue the positive progress on and off the park.
“It’s no surprise that attendances are up on the equivalent fixtures last season by 16 per cent, which is really encouraging, and I think we all feel a big difference in the atmosphere, particularly in the games against Celtic and Rangers.
“The players and everyone at the club have felt the benefit of your support. As I’ve said before we are at our best when we all pull together. We’ve demonstrated that so far this season and I’m sure, like me, you all want that to continue.”
One way the Buddies are proactively looking to increase their revenue is the introduction of two new private executive boxes.
They will soon give supporters the chance to watch their side in style, with Needham feeling they will help improve the club’s overall offering to spectators.
Needham told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “The executive boxes are being constructed currently and the target is to have them in use by our first home game after the World Cup.
“One is sold out already and there is already interest in the second one too.
“It’s been a gap in our armoury, a top level hospitality offering. They’re very popular in Scotland these days for people looking for something a bit different and a bit of exclusivity.
“It’s a fast payback and I’m sure it’ll be a big success. If it is then there’s the potential to add more as well.”
READ MORE:
Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
