'Turn up or Old Firm may get third stand', St Johnstone fans warned

More St Johnstone fans must attend matches against Celtic and Rangers to convince their club not to give the Old Firm three stands at McDiarmid Park next season, says chief executive Frank Smith.

This term, the Glasgow clubs will receive ticket allocations for both ends of the Perth ground but they could also be offered the east stand next season as St Johnstone look to boost revenue.

Smith says the club have held talks with the supporters and understand that many choose not to attend games against the Old Firm "because some of them don't like the environment".

However, he explained that money generated by selling more away tickets could be invested back into the squad.

"That could bring in extra revenue of around £300,000 per year," Smith said. "If you put that into playing terms its about three players for this club.

"It is possible but we still have a couple of games this season for the supporters to come out and support St Johnstone and show us they can come out for those games which negates the need for us to do that.

"Its up to the fans. It is important to me that our fans have their voice so we will continue to engage with the fans before we make any final decisions."

The new American owners of St Johnstone have also been exploring the potential of selling alcohol within the grounds of McDiarmid Park.

The club have been holding talks with both the Scottish Government and the Scottish FA, however so far they have been unsuccessful in their quest.

They have not given up hope that they can find some common ground to help them achieve their goal, though.

"There are other areas we could look to licence within the ground," Smith said. "We own 22 acres here. We are working with a a lawyer and a company at the moment.

"Could we licence the concourses because they don't look onto the pitch? Could they have a beer where they get their pie and then go and sit in the stand?

"These are things we are looking at. Its all about the fan engagement and trying to make that one city, one club, one community come to life."