JAMES ANDERSON
FRASER WILSON
sport@dailyrecord.co.uk or specific reconstruction, relegations or specific clubs.
“He is just keen that his money goes to help clubs so they don’t disappear from our communities and can form some sort of Covid response and relief for them.
“We have to recognise this is a game changer, particularly for the lower league clubs.
“One of the parameters with this money is that it has to be used to help with Covid relief and also have a community benefit.
“Whether that’s bio-security at stadiums or testing, if we can help with these entirely unforeseen things then that will help to ensure a swifter return to football and community activities.
“It’s hugely important and if this can go some way to helping keep those 42 clubs alive and kicking then that can’t be a bad thing.
“Clubs will be given a legally binding document that sets out the parameters of what they can and can’t do with the cash.
“They will be required to tell us what they want to spend the money on, what the community benefits are, how they plan to evidence it. If they don’t evidence it then we will have measures in place to allow us to take action.”
Anderson has yet to detail how he plans to deliver future funding. However the £625,000 Gift Aid attached to this donation will be used to establish and administer a restricted fund, the Anderson Fund, which will be targeted to new projects that demonstrate a positive impact on health, attainment, or inclusion, in addition to any general related support during the coronavirus crisis.
The 60-year-old said: “When Covid-19 struck, I realised what a significant loss it would be for towns across the country if their local SPFL club’s very survival was threatened.
“This isn’t just about the passion on the pitch, which is why we love the game, but it’s about the responsibility our clubs take in communities across Scotland.
“I’m also committing my ongoing