The bid to save Dunfermline Athletic could be about to be boosted from the Middle East.
Millionaire businessman Ronnie Weymes from Fife, who is now based in Dubai, has entered into talks with Pars United with a view to backing its attempt to help the East End Park side out of administration.
Weymes, 59, is the managing director of multinational Multi-Valve Technology and is a former director with the Pars.
A lifelong fan, he was back at Dunfermline for a game towards the end of last season and is keen to play a part to help steer them out of administration.
He resigned from the board in 2010 due to the pressure of business commitments.
Multi-Valve Technology has offices in Dubai, Nigeria and London, as well asDunfermline. The business supplies valves to clients in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, Malaysia, Singapore and China.
Weymes confirmed to The Courier: “I and several other individuals (independently) are in discussions with Pars United to see if we can help in any way. These discussions are very informal and no agreements have been made.”
Last week Pars United a supporters’ organisation launched a campaign to raise £500,000.
If they reach their target by July, the capital will be used to buy the club, assuming administrator Bryan Jackson can persuade creditors to accept a CVA. They have already raised half that amount.
Meanwhile, former Pars and Scotland international Jackie McNamara has added his weight to the Buy The Pars campaign.
The Dundee United boss believes the campaign presents “a fantastic chance for the fans to buy the club”.
He said: “It was disappointing to see how things have developed there this year off the park.I think it’s very important fans have a say in the running of their club. Football is about supporters and without them, there isn’t a club”.
McNamara started his career at East End Park and has fond memories of his four years there.
He added: “It’s a great family club. It’s massive to the community and it’s a great place. The numbers have dropped of late but hopefully the whole community can galvanise together and take the club forward.”
McNamara is one of several former players who have gone on to manage at the top level, following in the footsteps of the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes.