Lottery winner offers to buy Partick Thistle
Lottery winner Colin Weir has bankrolled a "multi-million pound'' takeover bid which could bring Partick Thistle under fan ownership.
A statement from Thistle For Ever fans' group announced it had made an offer to buy out the club's majority shareholding.
The takeover bid will rival an offer from Barnsley owner Chien Lee's NewCity Capital group, which is being scrutinised by the Scottish Football Association to see whether it complies with rules around dual interest.
A statement read: "Partick Thistle fans group Thistle For Ever has today made an offer to buy out the Glasgow club's majority shareholding to make it a supporters' owned club, after securing multi-million pound backing to do so.
"This will enable a Community Investment Company, or similar vehicle, to be set up and allow Thistle to be run for the benefit of the community.
"Colin Weir, who previously invested significantly in Thistle and its academy, will fund TfE's proposal to buy the shares in full. Mr Weir's support comes without conditions and he will play no part in the running of Partick Thistle after the community takeover is complete.
"In addition, Mr Weir will fund TfE's plan to purchase the assets held by Firhill Developments, the south terrace area and the main stand, thus putting the whole club and its assets in to fans' hands for the first time ever.''
Weir has put several millions of pounds into Thistle and the club's youth academy since a ÂŁ161million EuroMillions win in 2011.
He recently withdrew his backing after a boardroom coup, citing uncertainty over plans from the potential new owners.
David Beattie, who returned to the chairman's role in the summer along with several allies in a bid to progress the Lee takeover, promised on Monday to consider any proposal for fan ownership.
Paul Goodwin of the Scottish Football Supporters Association has organised the Thistle For Ever proposal.
Goodwin said: "With our fully-funded offer, we have ensured that the current board has an option, that is in the best interests of the club, one that ensures the future of Partick Thistle here at Firhill for decades to come.
"It must be considered as a viable alternative to handing over control of our club to people with no affinity and no understanding of Partick Thistle."