BY RYAN KYLE

CLYDE FC’S PROPOSED MOVE TO EAST KILBRIDE

Good memories at Broadwood

Over the years, the Bully Wee have enjoyed both good and bad times at Broadwood. However, the empty stands have given it a reputation as a life-less, unatmospheric ground, which has been part of the reason the club is looking to relocate to a smaller stadium in East Kilbride.

In addition to that, Clyde’s poor relationship with North Lanarkshire Council, the club’s landlords, has been very well documented. But despite that, there are a lot of fans who will miss seeing goals, such as the one shown on the right, hit the Broadwood net.

The young Cumbernauld-based support

One of the main concerns about moving to East Kilbride is that the club could potentially lose a number of its fans.

Having spent 19 years in Cumbernauld, Clyde has build up a decent support in the community. Youngsters going along to the game and creating an atmosphere, such as those pictured, may find it difficult to get across to East Kilbrude.

When I asked them if they would still go to games, 50% of them said yes, as is shown in the pie chart:

Financial implications and strains

Cost of staying at Cost of staying at BroadwoodBroadwood

Cost of moving to East Cost of moving to East KilbrideKilbride

Rent payments to Rent payments to NLC/NLL every month.NLC/NLL every month.

Initial payment for construction of stadium.

Receive no money from Receive no money from refreshments sold.refreshments sold.

Be able to raise their own money in the ground.

Big capacity means a big Big capacity means a big cup draw would bring in cup draw would bring in

more money.more money.Possibility of the club going

into debt.

Possibility of losing Possibility of losing some of the fan base.some of the fan base.

Less money from hospitality and no executive boxes.

The future for Clyde FC

Whether the move to East Kilbride goes ahead or not, one thing is for certain. Clyde must be careful. Previous mistakes have seen the club struggle financially and drop down the Scottish divisions.Despite the risks, there is a sense of optimism that the Bully Wee can put years of hassle and tension with NLC behind them and control their own destiny.

Clyde are known for their frequent ground relocations. They're called the Gypsy Army for that very reason, but whether or not this is a move too far, the fans are likely to stand by them as they've done in the past.