FANS CAN HELP KEEP US ALIVE

COWDENBEATH have sounded a rallying cry to fans in a bid to prevent the 137-year-old club folding.

A public meeting has been called for next Thursday, three days after their shareholders’ extraordinary general meeting.

The club, who average crowds of just 320 and are cut adrift at the bottom of League Two, have warned the Blue Brazil’s fate lies in the hands of the supporters.

Cowdenbeath cited the lack of income from stock car racing at their Central Park stadium, transfer fees and attendances as major factors – and admit they rely on directors’ contributions as they don’t have any bank overdraft facilities.

Club 135 was launched last April with the aim of raising £135,000 but the board, including chairman Donald Finlay, concede they need the help of their supporters more than ever.

The theme of next week’s meeting will be “honour the past, ensure a future”.

And a club statement read: “We’ve effectively been in a ‘Save Cowdenbeath FC mode’ since 2010 when the fans took charge of the club’s operations.

“Many options and possibilities have been explored in that time, such as new investors, a new ground, council assistance, joint ventures – but it must be concluded there is no white knight on the horizon.

“That leaves matters still in the hands of all those who are fans, the local community and those with an affinity for the club or town. They (we) are collectively the custodians and guardians of this club which has spent much of its long life defying the odds.

“Its future thus does really lie in your hands – and now is time to look to the future.

“We need to build that future, be it Lowland League or League Two, the club can only prevail with the tangible backing of the community and fans.

“Cowdenbeath has brought honour and national prominence to the town of Cowdenbeath for over 135 years.

“And if you want that to continue then get along and answer the call – Honour the Past, Ensure a Future.”