Fans Group Says It's Time To Back AFC

Last updated : 26 June 2012 By Stand Free Ed

Yesterday Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne announced that the Dons would be the crucial fifth vote against the admission of a 'newco' Rangers to the SPL.

This effectively killed that entity's Scottish top-league status, leading to celebrations up and down the country.

And now Aberdeen's most prominent fans group, Dons Supporters Together, is encouraging Dons fans to show their support for their club's decision by buying season tickets, filling Pittodrie every week and ensuring that AFC doesn't suffer the financial consequences that could result from Rangers' demise.

The group said in a statement: "DST applauds the brave and correct decision of the AFC board to go public with its intention to vote against any newco gaining direct entry to the top tier of Scottish Football.

"We have always understood the difficulty of company directors having to balance the conflicting interests of sporting integrity and their financial responsibilities, and are delighted that they have listened to their fans and customers, and have taken the only decision which makes long term sense for Scottish Football and for the club both as a sporting entity and as a business.

"We regret the false start a few days ago, and understand that as a result, some supporters may wish to hold off buying season tickets until after 4 July to ensure that the no to newco vote actually happens. While we empathise with that view, we feel the time has come to get behind the club, and we therefore urge all supporters to show their support  now in what will be a very hard financial environment.

"In recognition of the club's public stance, we encourage all AFC fans to buy as many season tickets for themselves and their families as they can reasonably afford, and to persuade everyone they know to do likewise, even if they have previously paid at the gate. Our target must be for the club to sell at least 1500 more season tickets than last year in order to limit the loss of income which reduced revenues will otherwise cause.

"In view of the uncertain environment during the "early bird" period, we will also try to persuade the club to re-instate the early bird deal until 7 July in recognition of the exceptional circumstances which have existed up until yesterday.

"The club now has an outstanding chance to try to regain its place at the top of Scottish Football, and qualify for Europe once more.  AFC can be great again if we all support the club financially as well as vocally from the stands."

You can make a difference as a Dons fan by joining Dons Supporters Together at the following link: click here