Fans of Stirling Albion FC have had a substantial offer to buy their football club rejected. The offer, from the Stirling Albion Supporters' Trust, which met the sale price placed on the club by current owner Peter McKenzie, has been rejected. Fans now fear for the immediate and long term future of their club. The Stirling Albion Supporters' Trust, which launched its 'BuyStirlingAlbion.org.uk' campaign two months ago, met the sale price requested by club chairman Peter McKenzie but following further consideration the offer was then rejected and a new, higher price was placed on the club.

The Stirling Albion Supporters' Trust, which is aiming for Stirling Albion FC to be the first UK league club to be 100% owned by football fans, has secured support from Soccerade and FIFA World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo, tennis superstar Andy Murray and 1970 World Cup winning captain Carlos Alberto.

Paul Goodwin from BuyStirlingAlbion.org.uk said: "A substantial offer was made for the club at the full asking price placed by the Chairman. For reasons unknown that was rejected and a new, increased price was placed on the club. Given the hard work put in by Stirling Albion fans and support from football fans across the world we are extremely disappointed with this decision. We have serious concerns about the future of the club as we are aware of significant creditors looking for settlement of existing debts. The size of the offer was made in good faith and in recognition of the financial support Mr McKenzie has given the club over the years but the fact remains the club has no assets and has massive debts. We firmly believe that this very generous offer is an exceptional sum of money for a business that has little or no value. The figures now being quoted are simply not reflective of a club that has spiraling debt and no commercial plan. The BuyStirlingAlbion campaign has been extremely successful in generating support from football fans across the world and in generating commercial interest in the club too which has put us in a strong position to open negotiations with the Chairman. Also, the backing of a benefactor, who has offered to provide additional financial support in the form of a flexible interest free loan, has further enhanced the BuyStirlingAlbion campaign. With all of these factors in place the Stirling Albion Supporters' Trust's vision for the future of the club is now a reality. We would urge Mr McKenzie to reconsider our offer which would allow the Stirling Albion Supporters' Trust to start implementing its plans before the potential commercial partners decide to walk away and the club dips further into difficulty."

Stirling Albion FC has been for sale for several years and, with no serious bids forthcoming, is at risk of going out of business with spiralling costs and little sign of any investment. Formed in 1945, Stirling Albion finished in 5th position in Scotland's Second Division last season. The 'BuyStirlingAlbion' campaign is offering football fans across the world the chance to become part of the first ever 100% fans' owned football league club in the UK for just £40 with a guarantee that if the bid fails they will get £35 returned to them.

For full details on the campaign to create the first 100% fans owned Scottish league club please visit www.BuyStirlingAlbion.org.uk.