Football: Stewart Fisher finds club directors ready to test the mettle of the SPL council
EXCAVATION work eventually began on the fourth and final stand at Clyde’s Broadwood stadium on Friday, but the club’s directors must privately hope they are not merely digging their own hole. When finished, the £1.5 million North Lanarkshire council development will bring the Cumbernauld stadium’s capacity above the 10,000 mark, but as ever in Scottish football, nothing is quite that simple.
Promotion Aspirations Hang in the Balance
As work will not be completed in time for the March 31 deadline, and the club will also have to install undersoil heating by the start of next season, their promotion aspirations could ultimately come down to a decision of the SPL council. The club have agreed to a groundshare deal with Airdrie United at New Broadwood, but given that the SPL threw out a similar bid by Falkirk last season, such a move may be in vain.
This new uncertainty must, of course, be placed alongside the club’s central assumption: that the 11 players put on the park by Alan Kernaghan can continue to win matches at the top of the first division. Even this chance of a team actually gaining promotion into the SPL represents a refreshing change to the moribund state of Scottish football, but some of the Lanarkshire club’s fans may also have fears that the club will sell something of their soul in the process.
New Investment Brings Hope
Clyde – whose top-of-the-table clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle was postponed due to a frozen pitch at Caledonian Stadium this weekend – have confirmed that the next few months will see new investment to the club in the form of Glasgow businessman Lawrence Ihle and former Raith Rovers chairman Danny Smith. One of the two is almost certain to replace William Carmichael as chairman before the club enters the SPL.
On the field, the game of risk extends to the futures of player-manager Kernaghan and club captain Jack Ross, both of whom become free agents in the summer. The pair plan to wait until the result of their promotion challenge is known before making any decisions. The club is still waiting to hear the outcome of a bid – along with some of their first division rivals – attempting to push the SPL deadline back for installation of undersoil heating until winter.
Hotels and the Impact on Scottish Football
Boost in Tourism Due to Football Matches
Scottish football clubs making their way up the divisions can have a significant impact on the local economy, particularly in the hospitality sector. As teams like Clyde potentially secure promotion to the Scottish Premier League (SPL), the influx of away fans attending matches can lead to increased tourism and hotel bookings.
Opportunities for Hotels near Stadiums
Hotels situated near football stadiums can benefit greatly from the rise in attendance. Clyde's Broadwood stadium, located in Cumbernauld, would attract supporters from other towns and cities who will require overnight accommodation. Local hotels would be in a prime position to cater to these visiting fans, ensuring higher occupancy rates and increased revenue.
The Need for Strategic Planning
As Clyde works towards meeting the SPL criteria, it is crucial for local hoteliers to anticipate and plan for the potential increase in demand. This can involve marketing campaigns targeting football fans, offering special packages or discounts for match days, and coordinating with the club to provide exclusive deals for supporters.
Collaboration within the Local Community
There is an opportunity for hotels, local businesses, and the club to collaborate and create a vibrant matchday experience for fans. This can include pre-match events, post-match celebrations, and shuttle services between the stadium and the hotels. By working together, the local community can maximize the economic benefits brought about by the club's promotion.
In conclusion, the prospect of Clyde achieving promotion to the SPL brings excitement not only to the club and its supporters, but also to the wider community. The growth in tourism and hotel bookings can provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. By strategically planning and collaborating, hotels and businesses can make the most of this opportunity and ensure a positive impact for years to come.