Fellow 1877 Club members
You will no doubt be aware that I have been banned by the St.Mirren board of directors from attending the stadium, so I believe this would be the right juncture to hand things over to a committee of 1877 club members to take the club forward.
I am also aware of a board plan to take away the kids zone in the 1877 club and replace it with a sensory room.
Personally, I think a sensory room at the stadium is a great idea but I think the area designated is wholly inappropriate due to the close proximity to a noisy and fun supporters club.
I have suggested a much better location would be the area I was working on for executive boxes in the corner between the family stand and the west stand which already has planning permission and could provide an excellent sensory room with dedicated access and fantastic views.
However, I also think this is getting personal and I believe this is the start of the dismantling of the 1877 club to be eventually replaced by corporate hospitality and the club moved to an out door fans zone.
If this course of action unfolds I would hate it to be because of me, so I will end my roles as 1877 club host and membership manager as soon as a committee can be formed.
Our club Chairman, John Needham, at very short notice requested I pass on all your data to him as football club Chairman which I chose not to action. Your personal information was supplied to the 1877 Club and requires your permission to be given to another organisation, albeit closely linked. The 1877 Club rents the premises via subscription fee’s and guests fees. The 1877 club is an independent supporters club, therefore the football club has no right to your personal information without your consent. If you wish me to pass your data to Mr Needham as St.Mirren Chairman please e mail me with your consent and I will pass it on in due course.
It’s a sad state of affairs and if you wish your voice heard I would encourage you to contact the club Chairman at john.needham@smisa.com.
(Happier times with Saints legend Frank McGarvey.)
I will not be attending the last game of the season but will pass on the trophies I have purchased to the new committee for presentation to the players. I also have new membership cards available to be collected.
This e mail also gives me the opportunity to share some secrets with you that only a few close friends know. All the financing of POTY trophies, framing shirts, buying memorabilia for display, buying Christmas gifts for the junior members, buying drinks as a thank you for your support during Covid and providing the Buddy Bus service for free have all been at my own expense.
Life has been good to me and I try to give it back to the people I care most about, you, my fellow buddies. Hope to see you at some away games in the future.
Best wishes
Alan Wardrop