Several groups of Motherwell fans have come together to oppose any proposals which would lead to the club slipping out of the control of supporters.
Well Society members have been asked whether they would consider proposals which reduce their stake below 50 per cent amid talks with two interested foreign investors.
Both potential deals would ultimately take the fan ownership group’s shareholding from 71 per cent to below half.
The club board sought investment after increasing spending in recent years and in response to external investment at the likes of Hibernian and Dundee United.
A joint statement from Motherwell Bois, East Stand Motherwell collective and the Block E ultras group read: “As a collective we believe that supporter and community ownership is in the best long-term interest of the club.
“Whilst others may challenge this narrative for the hope of short-term glory, our position is firm and unyielding.”
The groups pointed out that Motherwell had gone into administration in 2002 after then owner John Boyle launched an ambitious spending spree.
“Our recent history is a stark reminder of what can happen when an individual wields too much control of a vital community asset that has a bearing impact on the lives of many,” they added.
“Since 2011, the Well Society have taken that work to the next level ensuring that, unlike others in Scotland who have received ‘significant’ external investment, we have remained a financially stable Premiership club.
“Whilst we welcome further investment into the football club, that must come from sources that won’t tarnish our values, that will embrace our heritage, and not from those that may see our club as a short-term playground for their private investment.
“Any investment proposal should not be to the detriment of what makes Motherwell Football Club a recognised important pillar of our community; a club that promotes positive mental health, holds out a hand to those in times of need and provides a much-needed sense of belonging to fans near and far.
“Any investment should not result in us parting with our majority shareholding.
“Motherwell Football Club is more than 90 minutes on a Saturday. Through fan ownership, we can ensure that every single decision made is with the fans’ best interests at heart.
“We must protect that at all costs. we back the Well Society and the wider fan-base to come together to grow our club, and to drive us forward into the future.”
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