About the St Johnstone FC Business Club
The St Johnstone FC business club was formed by a group of local business people in conjunction with the football club to help develop stronger links between the business community, supporters and St Johnstone FC. This has evolved year on year and now boasts an expanding membership despite the economic climate and offers members a unique opportunity to have close links with like minded people, many of whom are owners, directors or senior managers of Perthshire based businesses. The club boasts a close contact with directors and the management team at St Johnstone. Players and staff regularly attend business club events and there is usually one of the directors at the committee meetings . Many of the events sell out to members only but the aim of the club is to be inclusive rather than exclusive and there are regular opportunities to bring guests.
The club does not run any business events and there is no formality to being a member. There is a full calendar of events and typically there is something happening every month. 2011 events include “Football......Now we’re Talking!!!” which is a new event introduced this year (March 25th) where Derek McInnes and Jody Morris will take centre stage. A late lunch sets the tone for the afternoon where there will be no script and our host Gordon Bannerman is tasked with teasing out all their best kept secrets. Initially this will be a members and guests only event before tickets go on sale to the wider community.
June (24th) sees our annual golf day return to Craigie Hill where our current champions Aberdein Considine will attempt to defend their trophy. Don’t worry it’s not too serious and in addition to the main event there are lots of prizes to be won throughout the day.
Our flagship event is our annual dinner being held this year again at The Lovat on 2nd September. There have been some classic speakers over the last few years. 2010 saw John Rowbotham out of costume to bring some honesty and integrity back to the refereeing world but merely succeeded in bringing some closely guarded secrets to the public domain. Frank Robb brought some music to the party and fear into anyone that thought about making a dash to the toilets. 2009 was particularly memorable when the sell out crowd witnessed an off the ball special featuring Stuart Cosgrove and Tam Cowan ably supported by Frank McAvennie. Really there is nothing more to be said about the evening. You were either there or you weren’t. Not easily forgotten!! 2011..... you will just have to wait and see.
There are regular events to attend. Last year saw a summer trip for members and partners to the new Casino in Dundee for a meal and a nights entertainment. We go to some away games in the only way the business club can. Typically a light lunch, door to door travel, post game food and entertainment. We also have our annual comedy night in November. This typically sells out to members and those who have been understand why. We have been guests at the Clydesdale Bank sponsored SPL roadshow and have had a voice at the league reconstruction meetings. This list is by no means exhaustive.
The committee is made up of hard working volunteers who bring so much to the members. There has been increasing pressure on costs and we have had no alternative but to increase the membership fee slightly to £110 to reflect this. This does however offer exceptional value as it includes full match day hospitality at one game (from selected games) at McDiarmid Park. You can also add an advertising banner on the business club site for a further £40 and this gives a link to your own web site. Typically our site receives about 2000+ visits a month.
It is often a side issue that strong business relationships have developed within the club. If you are interested in joining please feel free to contact any of the committee or complete a membership application. Membership is subject to committee approval and we are looking for active members who are prepared to be part of this unique club. The club does raise some funds during events but this is not its sole aim and most events are intended to break even. Any surplus funds are put to good use at the football club where the business club has proudly funded refurbishment of the public changing facilities, bought a new tannoy system and a tractor. This year we are donating £9000 for a very worthwhile cause.