A KEY stage in the move towards fan ownership of Cowdenbeath FC has taken place. 

Last week a significant shareholding was handed over to the Cowdenbeath Independent Supporters Society (CISS). 

At the AGM at Central Park, CISS director Ross Cameron was presented with a share certificate by the club's chairman and principal shareholder, Donald Findlay KC, which amounts to a transfer of 10 per cent of the shares to the CISS.

The initial investment of £15,000 shows what a small but loyal fanbase can achieve – a committed effort of everyone who has joined the society over the past few months.

Mr Cameron said: “We are delighted to receive the first tranche of shares in Cowdenbeath FC and all members can rightfully call ourselves significant part-owners of the football club.

“We view this as the beginning of a new era at Central Park – the first milestone passed in a prospective transition process which will see the ownership of Cowdenbeath FC, in time, transferred to a point where, ultimately, it is envisaged that the football club will be majority owned by the fans."

He added: “We intend to make further investments in Cowdenbeath FC during this season and on into the future - initially with the intention of securing the transfer of a further 10 per cent of the shares in the club to the CISS.

“Any investments we make will assist the club in further improving the playing squad and to improve the fan experience at Central Park.

"As a result of our investment, the CISS has been offered two places on the main Cowdenbeath FC board of directors. We will therefore be able to strive to make sure that the fans’ views are represented on the board."

He added: “There has never been a better time to become a member of the CISS and we would encourage all fans who have the interests of Cowdenbeath FC at heart to become members.

“This transfer of shares shows that the CISS can make a real difference to the governance of the club and going forward in the near to reclaim a place in the SPFL with success on the park.”