Paul McStay believes the Celtic Season Ticket Alliance can offer supporters something different from previous fan movements by putting season ticket holders at the centre of the project.
Speaking exclusively to CeltsAreHere, the former Celtic captain explained that one of the Alliance’s biggest strengths is that it is not limited to existing shareholders.
McStay feels that gives thousands of fans an opportunity to be represented in a way that has not previously existed.
While supporter groups have emerged at different points in Celtic’s recent history, the Alliance is positioning itself as a structured organisation focused on improving communication between supporters and the boardroom.
For McStay, that starts with recognising the role season ticket holders play in the club’s success.
McStay outlined why he believes the model is different.
He said: “I think the reason I mentioned earlier, I think it opens up to non-shareholders and the focus is on the Celtic season ticket holders who are just so crucial.
“I mean, within the stadium and within Celtic Park, their voices are heard loud and clear and help the team on the park, they help bring success to the team via those voices in the stadium.
“But for me, I think football’s changed in recent years as well.
“So to me, having that voice in the boardroom as well is very important and I think it’s deserved.
“Rather than have a voice protesting in the stadium or outside the stadium, I think it’s an opportunity to galvanise the support and again, the objective is to try and get somebody on the board.
“So it’s conversations that’s been had between supporters and the directors rather than the way it had to happen.
“I suppose over the last season, frustration came before and supporters felt they weren’t being listened to and that’s why the protests and different things happened, I think, and that’s just through frustration.
“So I think this is an opportunity to maybe make things, the communication a bit better and have somebody on the board so that there is a professional discussion taking place and there’s somebody there that’s representing the supporters to relay and convey their opinions.”
Instead, it is being sold as a route for supporters to organise, elect representatives and eventually create a formal line of communication with Celtic’s decision-makers.
For McStay, the goal is simple. Give season ticket holders a stronger voice and create a structure that allows that voice to be heard at the highest level of the club.
Supporters looking for more information on the Season Ticket Alliance Trust, including how to register and the aims of the initiative, can do so through the official website at Stat26.com, where the Trust outlines its plans for supporter representation, shareholder growth and improved communication with the club. Information and updates are also being shared across the Alliance’s social media channels.
