Keith Lasley wants St Mirren to be “there for the community” and support fans in times of need.
The club’s new chief operating officer has highlighted the importance of new fans’ initiative Help A Buddie.
This project helps the most vulnerable in the Paisley community to afford match tickets. Supporters can buy a ticket for fans less fortunate, meaning they can attend the SMiSA stadium.
And former Motherwell player and assistant manager Keith says it is vital that the club has a positive influence in the town.
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“The initiative is really important to the club as it is aimed at helping the less fortunate in the community during this tough time, which everyone is experiencing.
“It is unfortunate that people are struggling financially at the moment and there is a lot of pressure on families.
“That is why - as a club - we are trying to come up with ways of helping people to still have that ability to come and support their local team.
“It really is a platform that allows fans of the club to help out fellow fans to come and support the team they love. I am delighted to be a part of this initiative to help out fans.”
Keith has been reunited with gaffer Stephen Robinson at the SMiSA Stadium following their days at The Steelmen together.
In his new role, where he has taken over from club legend Tony Fitzpatrick, he wants to see an even bigger connection with the fans.
His view is that St Mirren is about more than just football on a Saturday.
“I think I am on record already saying that, to me, St Mirren Football Club is more than just about the football on a Saturday.
“It is about that good it can do in the community, the voice that it has got and the platform it has.
“As a club, we would like to use that as much as we can.
“We certainly have a place, a prominent place, in the community to do our part and continue doing that as we move forward,” he said.
Help A Buddie kicked off on Monday and supporters have already been donating match tickets, with Keith saying the response has been “absolutely fantastic.”
He added: “People have come in and bought 20 at a time, while others have bought just a single ticket, which is absolutely fantastic as every donation helps.
“There are people and local businesses who are in a position to go a little bit further... and that is just fantastic!”
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