Ballantyne slams rumours of imminent sale as ‘rubbish’

Ann Marie (left) says Wotherpoon is not on the brink of selling his stake in the Diamonds

Airdrieonians chiefs have slammed rumours of a takeover and say they are 100 per cent focused on the new season.

Club secretary Ann Marie Ballantyne stated that any claims of a takeover bid were “rubbish” and that everyone at the club was focused on getting the New Broomfield side ready for the next League One campaign.

Rumours have been circulating that chairman Tom Wotherspoon could be looking to sell his shares in the club — however this has now been categorically denied by the Diamonds hierarchy.

Head coach Mark Wilson and director of football Gordon Dalziel will have their players returning in the middle of June ahead of the first game of the season in the Betfred Cup on July 15.

A full pre-season fixture list will be revealed in the coming days, following the group stage cup draw.

Club Secretary Ballantyne told the Advertiser: “The rumours are complete rubbish.

“People have been talking online but you can’t believe everything you read on these websites.

“There is nothing happening in that regard.

“We are just looking forward to the new season and will hopefully have some pre-season fixtures to announce in the next few weeks.

“The squad are on holiday just now, as are the management team — and players who were on a oneyear contract will see their deals expire this week.

“Everyone will then return in the middle of June and, for now we are just looking forward to the cup draw. I don’t mean to be facetious, but unless an offer in the millions comes in to the club, nothing will be happening.

“Everyone at the club is focused on the season ahead.”

A spokesperson for the Airdrieonians Supporters Trust admitted that there had been concerns about the ownership of the club — and called for more open communication from the Diamonds board.

“We are aware of rumours around the ownership of the club,” the spokesperson continued.

“These type of rumours tend to persist when there is a lack of communication.

“We’ve been trying to secure a meeting with Mr Wotherspoon for a number of weeks to discuss our ongoing partnership and investment in the club.

“Until we meet, it would not be helpful for us to add to the speculation.”