Gordon Scott hopes to complete St Mirren takeover before start of the new season

Businessman Gordon Scott hopes to be confirmed as the new St Mirren chairman by the time the Buddies kick off the new season.

The property developer is fronting a fan-backed takeover bid alongside the St Mirren Independent Supporters Association (SMISA).

A deal for a controlling stake in the Paisley club - which Clyde Sport understands to be worth "£1million - has been agreed with current chairman Stewart Gilmour and his team of co-shareholders.

The model is similar to the one used by Ann Budge at the Foundation of Hearts, with Scott set to put up the lump share of the cash , which will then be repaid by the Saints support over a 10-year period.

But for the deal to go through, SMISA need to sign up 1,000 members paying at least #12 per month to a subscription scheme.

Since launching their bid in April, more than 830 Saints fans have pledged their support but Scott is confident they will reach their target by Sunday's deadline.

If things go smoothly, Scott will be in charge come St Mirren's first game of the new season against Betfred Cup opponents Livingston on July 16.

He said: "We are literally just a couple of minor points away from getting the heads of terms agreed. We are very, very close on that.

"From there we still need to get to 1,000 members but I'm confident the fans will get behind us this week and we will get over that threshold.

"Once we get that target, we will pay #100,000 to get exclusivity, which gives us a month to carry out the due diligence.

"All being well we will have they keys by July 15. We'very much on the verge of taking over."

And Scott hopes the takeover will breath fresh life into a club that was relegated from the Premiership in 2015.

"Hopefully the fans will see not only a difference on the pitch but around the whole place too," he said.

"The selling consortium put the club on the market in 2009 and have been trying to get a deal done for a while. That affects everybody.

"If you're in a job but think someone else could come in and take over and put me out of my job tomorrow, that will worry you.

"But the fact we're coming in will settle everybody down and start pushing forward. The benefit the fans will see on the pitch is they will have a team who know their place is safe and do not have to worry about someone else coming in and changing things.

"I want to take the club forward and then in 10 years time hand it over to the fans."

SMISA chairman George Adam MSP reckons Scott is the right man to lead the club forward.

He said: "In the past year we have had lots of challenges and lots of doors closed in our faces. We thought it might be the end of the line.

"But working with Gordon I've found we have someone who is always able to find a solution to a problem.

"hat is a major talent when you are dealing with a club like St Mirren. It's not just about finding someone with passion for the job, but finding someone able to overcome the hurdles in our way.

"That is a key for any St Mirren chairman and thankfully Gordon ticks those boxes."