Johnstone Burgh have hit back at doubts over the club's finances.
The seventh-tier side recently secured the signings of Graham Dorrans and Kyle Lafferty.
Both ex-Rangers midfielders have joined on two years deals, as the club aims to build and earn promotion through the leagues.
They're currently in the West of Scotland First Division and will be the favourites to clinch the title on their way to the Premier League, where they would come up against the likes of Auchinleck, Darvel, Pollok, and Beith.
Club Statement 🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/VhDIPPuCk6
— Johnstone Burgh Football Club (@johnstone_burgh) July 16, 2023
Now, the club has hit back at critics who have questioned the legitimacy of the funding behind the project.
A section of their statement reads: "Johnstone Burgh is and always will be a club for all members of the community regardless of age, race, religion of gender.
"If people want to use previous clubs of our marquee signings as a reason to stay away from the club then that's up to them.
"These were the players that were identified who were available and we negotiated and struck deals with.
"They have over 100 international caps between them and played at the highest level in both Scotland and England and abroad. You cannot put a price on that experience.
"We intend to bring the glory years back to the club and give the town a successful club to be proud of which it has sorely missed for many years.
"The negativity we received, and the lies posted on social media - based on gossip- only makes us more determined to build this club to be a proper community club where everyone is welcome, regardless of what colours they may wear or may have worn."
The Rangers Review team is taking the hugely-popular morning briefing LIVE at New Edmiston House on July 28. And, we're delighted to announce that none other than Barry Ferguson will join our top team of Jonny McFarlane, Joshua Barrie, Stevie Clifford and Derek Clark. The doors will open at 6.30pm giving you time to grab a beer or soft drink before we head into an hour of debate and chat ahead of the new season; expect new signing assessments, tactical analysis, predictions and the usual banter. Then, Derek will host an exclusive chat with Barry, gaining insight into his two trophy-laden spells at the club and his take on Michael Beale's rebuild. Tickets start at just £21.50 and can be purchased HERE
