Part-time an option for Airdrie

Ballantyne wants financial help for the club

Airdrie United chairman Jim Ballantyne has warned that the Second Division club could have to go part-time.

In a letter to supporters, he admitted that, due to a lack of outside investment and falling attendances, more cash is required from supporters.

And Ballantyne is urging fans to back the club by buying season tickets for next year to strengthen finances.

"Unfortunately, full-time football is unsustainable on crowds as low as 600- 700," he said.

The United board will take a decision in the summer on the future of the club, he added, regardless of whether promotion is achieved via the forthcoming play-offs.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Can Airdrie stay full-time?

"In the dark days of 2002, there were pledges of support from over 1600 people as a boost to give us the backing to save the club," said Ballantyne ahead of Tuesday's 4-0 win over Cowdenbeath.

"As a result of this, the Ballantyne family were there for ordinary Airdrie fans when nobody else was willing to save the club and therefore we are now asking the Airdrie fans for that same level of support in return.

"We were open from the beginning that we would welcome new investment.

"However, six years on and nobody has come forward. Therefore it is only the supporters who can support the club financially going forward."