'Well inching closer to fan ownership

Billionaire philanthropist Hutchison is leaving his Fir Park role, having acquired a majority stake in Motherwell FC in January 2015 after giving the club an interest free loan.

But the deal has stalled recently as both parties try to reach a suitable settlement.

“Les is looking for something that is going to repay his loan,” said Craig Hughes of the Well Society.

“We’ve got to satisfy that side of things and the Well Society are looking for something that’s going to make sure it’s not putting the club in jeopardy.”

At time of going to press, there were 1873 Well Society members, just 127 short of the initial target estimated for facilitating Hutchison’s sale.

The club’s recent AGM revealed that this was bringing in a monthly income of £10,500.

“About 500 of the members are juniors,” Craig said.

“But we want to get as many of the adult members onto active pledges – or at least renewing – as we can.

“Our target number of members has always been 2000 paying £10 a month.

“It’s not imperitive on the deal but it would definitely give us a good solid bit of income. Over £10,000 a month is a good amount for fans to be contributing.

“It needs to increase but we have not set an exact timescale until things settle down a wee bit.

“The hard work for us starts when the deal goes through and it all gets agreed, it’s our job to sell our vision for the club and fans to buy into it.”