Kilmarnock chairman claims season ticket boost amid SPL uncertainty

Michael Johnston says he's encouraged by the season ticket news.SNS Group

Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston says season ticket sales at the club are up 5% from this time last year despite continued uncertainty in Scottish football.

A vote on July 4 will decide whether Charles Green’s new company can take Rangers’ place to play in the SPL.

The Ayrshire side have been drawn to play Club 12 at Rugby Park in their opening league fixture.

Johnston has gone on record expressing caution against handing any further punishment to the Ibrox side.

And in a statement claiming the rise in season ticket sales, Johnston called on fans to renew regardless of who provides the opposition on August 4.

He said: "There is no doubt that events in Glasgow are having an impact on all SPL clubs but I firmly believe that the success and prosperity of our club will always come first with our supporters.

“It's frustrating that, due to circumstances outwith our control, we are being hampered in our preparations for next season.”

Expressing his frustration at the effect the continued uncertainty was having on the club, he added: "However, the uncertainty over Rangers' participation in the SPL, and the potential consequences of that for the level of gate receipts and TV revenues received via the SPL, has meant that we have not been able to press ahead with our plans.

"The news on season ticket sales offers encouragement and, hopefully, we'll be able to continue to report positive news as we proceed through the renewal process.

"It's a sobering thought, however, that we'd need around 1,000 additional adult season ticket sales to make up for the loss of two home fixtures against Rangers next season - but if that becomes a necessity, then that's what we'll aim to do.

"So, we're looking for the wider issues to be resolved quickly, which will allow us and the rest of the SPL clubs to finalise budgets and pre-season plans and get back to playing football.

"Now, perhaps more than ever before, we need our true supporters to back the club - regardless of who "Club 12" turns out to be."

The Killie chairman believes retaining manager Kenny Shiels and key players Manuel Pascali, Garry Hay and James Fowler on new contracts should encourage fans.

Johnston added: “It is our intention to add to the core of last season's squad by bringing in quality players in key positions and also to give further opportunities to the talented young players who are pushing for inclusion in the first team.”

Meanwhile Dutch defender Jeroen Tesselaar has moved a step closer to completing his move to Kenny Shiels’ side.

The former St Mirren player underwent his medical on Wednesday and will now await the results before being able to put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

If all goes well the player could meet up with his new team-mates when they return to pre-season training on Monday.

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