The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Loons in talks with staff over pay as club launches new lottery
Forfar chairman Ross Graham has revealed the club is in the final stages of negotiations with management, players and staff as they try to deal with a “financial tsunami”, writes Ian Roache.
As he launched the club’s new fundraising Loons Lucky Lotto, the Station Park chief lamented the loss of what would have been the club’s biggest home gate of the season against League One title challengers Falkirk last Saturday.
He also stressed how they would be seeking all the governmental help they can get during these “horrific times”.
In a positive, determined message to fans, Graham urged them to get on board with the new scheme and thanked them and the local community for rallying round Forfar during their hour of greatest need.
He said: “We are in the final stages of negotiations with management, players and ground staff on agreeing terms for the next few weeks and months.
“We are, of course, applying for every one of the generous government grants that are relevant to our club and our employees to help us get through these horrific times.
“As most of you are aware, the likelihood of any football being played this season is extremely slim but as chairman and directors of this club we have a responsibility to shareholders, supporters and the local community to ensure we still have a football club to support when the season starts up again.
“This weekend alone we have had to postpone a sold-out ladies’ dinner, along with the cancellation of our home fixture with Falkirk FC, which was likely to be our largest home crowd of the season.
“Our board, however, have been greatly encouraged by the amount of supporters who have been desperate to assist the club in our time of need.
“There isn’t a club in Scotland that is not feeling the financial tsunami of what it means to lose the last quarter of the season.”
Referring to the new lotto game that carries a top prize of £1,000, Graham added: We are delighted to launch, online, our Loons Lucky Lotto, with the first of our weekly draws to be held at seven o’clock on Thursday evening.
“To Forfar fans across the globe, I would encourage each and every one of you to support the club at our time of need... and help ensure that the club gets through what is undoubtedly one of the toughest times in our 135-year history.”