Glasgow Clan have announced their plans for a possible new season in 2021/22 have been placed on hold for the time being.
The announcement by the club comes amid uncertainty over the possible ownership of their home venue, Braehead Arena, due to an ongoing and protracted negotiation.
It means the recruitment of a new coach to replace Zack Fitzgerald, who left in April 2020 as well as season tickets packages and the signing of players have been shelved for now.
The news will be devastating to the Clan faithful, who were hoping to return to the arena after not being able to see their team since the end of February 2020 due to the pandemic.
The club released a statement outlining the current situation as rumours started to grow about the possibility they may not be ready for action later this year.
And they revealed they are seeking the chance to run and operate the arena, which they say would be a “game changing” opportunity.
Clan’s Purple Army haven’t visited the arena since the end of February 2020 (PHOTO: Martin Watterston)
“Following the collapse of intu Braehead Leisure, trading as Broadway Retail Leisure Ltd & operators of Braehead Arena, back in November 2020, we have been in negotiations with Global Mutual, the new owners of Braehead Shopping Centre,” it said.
“Frustratingly, we have had to put our plans for a 2021/22 season, launching season tickets, the appointment of a new head coach and recruitment of players on hold until we have a clear understanding surrounding the future of our home at Braehead Arena.
“We have made it very evident that our immediate priority is to become the new operating company of Braehead Arena, having been approached with the opportunity.
“As the anchor tenant in the venue during the past 11 years and with our ownership being a customer for over 20 years, we strongly believe we are the best option for further progressing Scotland’s premier ice venue during its third decade.
“With a long term commitment to maintaining and growing ice sports at Braehead Arena, in addition to our ambitious and substantial infrastructure plans for the venue, we are extremely excited at the prospect of being able to further expand opportunities for all current and new ice user groups.
“Becoming the operator of our own home would secure our future in Renfrewshire while also creating a ‘game changing’ opportunity for the Clan.
“This would not only allow us to progress our plans to become one of the UK’s premier professional ice hockey clubs, which competes for major silverware every season, but also puts us on the European map.”
