Rallying call to fans in bid to keep club alive

Supporters warned that Blue Brazil’s fate lies in their hands

Cowdenbeath have issued a rallying cry to supporters in a bid to prevent the 137-year-old club from folding.

A public meeting entitled “Honour the Past, Ensure a Future”, has been called for next Thursday, three days following an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders.

The Central Park club, which only averages crowds of 320 and is cut adrift at the bottom of League Two, has warned that the Blue Brazil’s fate lies in the hands of the fans.

Cowden have cited the lack of income from stock car racing at their Central Park stadium, transfer fees and attendances as major factors, and admitted that they have been reliant on directors’ contributions due to having no bank overdraft facilities.

Club 135 was launched last April with the aim of raising £135,000 but the board, including chairman Donald Findlay, concede that they need the supporters’ assistance more than ever.

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

“Many, many options and possibilities have been explored in that time, such as new investors, new ground, council assistance, joint ventures, etc, 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 2, the club can only prevail with the tangible backing of the community and fans.

“Cowdenbeath Football Club 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.”

Meanwhile the Blue Brazil’s search for increased firepower in their bid to stay in senior football has seen boss Gary Bollan turn to former Queen of the South attacker Dean Brotherston, who has just returned from a spell in Australia.

The 20-year-old free agent will join up with the Blue Brazil for training tonight, if the weather permits, after a move to Bulgarian football fell through.

Brotherston said: “I came back from Australia towards the end of last year after a spell with Sunshine George Cross.

“I was given the chance to stay on and join Melbourne Victory but the offer was made the day before my flight home so I could not take it up.”

“I came home and my agent had fixed up a club in Bulgaria. However, that never happened so I am just looking to get playing again.”

Bollan added: “We will have a look at Dean and take things from there.”

My agent had fixed upaclubin Bulgaria. But that never happened soIamjust looking to get playing again. DEAN BROTHERSTON

Picture: SNS Group. Central Park, home to Cowdenbeath FC, also plays host to stock car racing.