THE future of a Johnstone football club is under threat after it was targeted by thieves.

Players from Corseford-based amateur team Fordbank Star were left gutted when they discovered their home and away kits, which cost more than £1,000, had been pinched.

More than 30 football strips were being stored in a cupboard at a common close in Kilbarchan Road but one of the coaches was horrified to discover they had gone missing.

READ MORE: Riders shine in time trial event

Club officials fear the team will fold unless enough cash can be raised to pay for replacement kits. 

Jack Loughlin, club secretary, said: “We are a community club and haven’t got savings in the bank.

“We can’t afford to replace these kits unless we get some help – and the likelihood is we will fold if we cannot get our strips back.

“We charge minimal fees and all of that gets spent on referees and training and other things we need to pay for to stage matches. It is getting harder and harder to find sponsors as well.

“The kits cost well over £1,000, so I’m angry they were taken. I can’t turn around to the boys who play for us, including many who are unemployed, and say they’ve got to chip in for new kits. It’s a struggle from week to week as it is.

“We are a club which helps lads from the age of 17 to around 40, helping them to keep active and giving them something to do.

“I’ve got no idea why anyone would want to steal our strips.”
Fordbank Star was established in 1996 and competes in the Greater Glasgow league.

READ MORE: New kit sponsors give Thorn Athletic YFC 2006 an extra spark

Another local club has offered to lend some of its kits to allow Fordbank to continue to play its matches.

And, in another boost, cleaning service Reem Gleam Cleaning, based in Port Glasgow, has set up a JustGiving page to support the club.

Jack said: “We have had a brilliant response from local clubs and others and I’d like to thank everyone who has offered their support.”