Celtic and Rangers to be given one stand at St Mirren as fans vote for increased home seats

Celtic and Rangers fans will be given just one stand when they visit St Mirren next season after Buddies supporters voted against them getting any more.

A large section of the Paisley club’s followers were up in arms last season at the Glasgow giants travelling legions getting the Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand.

That means season ticket holders in that particular section had to be relocated when the Old Firm were in town.

St Mirren put together a survey to gauge the feeling of fans and it included proposed initiatives to try to ensure no income would be lost by locking out Celtic and Rangers fans.

And the Buddies board have now announced the strong support for these has given the club the confidence to take the step.

St Mirren chairman John Needham said: "We’ve listened carefully to our fans and today’s announcement is a huge vote of confidence in our supporters.

"They have made it very clear that they want increased numbers of St Mirren fans in attendance for all home matches.

"The decision to retain all three stands for St Mirren supporters for all home league matches is ultimately driven by our fans and that’s what’s allowed the Board to make this decision.

"Our supporters have been incredible in recent times, and as a fan-owned club their views are hugely important to us.

"We want to take this opportunity to thank our supporters for their loyalty and we look forward to working with the local community to encourage and welcome new fans as we set out to engage the next generation of St Mirren supporters."