On Tuesday this week, following a statement from the Club Board, the Well Society responded to the retraction of the Wild Sheep Sports investment proposal. You can read the statement here.
Whilst looking to a significant reset in the relationship between the Club Board, the Well Society Board, Society members and the Motherwell fanbase, including our focus on next steps, we expressed disappointment that the decision to withdraw came during the members ballot, which was then suspended.
We said that the democratic process in recent weeks has been fan ownership in action, boosting society membership, increasing membership engagement and empowering fans to have an input in the direction of their football club, no matter their views.
Whilst the ballot was suspended and had not concluded, we have understandably been asked regarding the vote at the time of suspension.
We have considered carefully the merits and risks of providing this information, given that the ballot had not been completed, with a renewed focus on building trust and transparency, we can today confirm turnout and members voting as follows:
- 1,531 votes were cast by Tuesday 16 July at 10am
- 56% of eligible Well Society members had voted by this point
- This ensured the turnout threshold of 35% was exceeded
- 330 Well Society members had voted to accept the proposal (21.55%)
- 1,201 Well Society members had voted to reject the proposal (78.45%)
The Well Society board recognise that this is a snapshot of the ballot at that particular stage rather than a result. We would like to thank all members who engaged with the proposals over recent weeks and those who took the time to vote. Whatever your view of the investment proposal; you have demonstrated a clear passion for our club and its future.
Attention now immediately turns to deliver on the strategy set out in our plan for the Society and Motherwell Football Club, Our Club, Our Future. We would reiterate that we are open to external investment and will continue the work already done to bring in partners who we feel can help push the club further forward in true partnership with fans.