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Most clubs operate that way. i.e. loans rather than investments. It's not every club that can rely on dodgy financing from Russia or the Middle East. If it wasn't for Les, there might not even be a club. He loaned us that money at zero interest and has continuously written off large chunks of it. Part of the deal was that he restructured the business operations of the club into a more professional and fiscally responsible outfit. Something that has reaped benefits in the short term and put us in good standing for the long term. He also added the incentive to boost the Well Society membership which, again, has made the club more sustainable. Many clubs operate on bank loans or loans from investors, and the investors are either paid back from income and transfer revenue at preferential rates (like Dundee Utd) or the the loan is converted into shares at some point (like Rangers). Banks wouldn't touch us after our administration, so loans were the only way we could survive. JB could have called in his entire loan and screwed us. Or worse, just sold Fir Park to Morrisons. The fact that he wrote off a huge chunk he was owed has also benefited the club. So feel free to the tell the society what you like, but it sounds like you misunderstand how JB and, in particular Les, kept the club afloat and helped put us in the position of relative strength we are now.

You are still confusing the sums of any money they invested versus the sums of money they loaned the club. Until you understand that basic concept, the rest of the deal will remain a mystery. The loans were very much contracted to be repaid, and the terms that were in the contract are incredibly favourable to us.

That's a really strong entry into any "extreme opinon on a topic you don't understand" competition. Daily Mail reader...absolutely nailed on.

Fully agree - do both. 5 shares in the club gives you exactly the same benefits as 500 shares. You will be able to attend the AGM and view the accounts in full. You'll also own a little piece of the club. 5 shares might cost you about £50. As for the Society- join as its a no brainer. Pay a little up front if you wish. What has it done? Well its kept our club alive and has allowed us to put a team on the field every week. If it wasn't for the Society and members' donations, the likes of David Turnbull would be plying his trade elsewhere. As Ropy says though only spend what you can afford.

The recently released set of Club Accounts (year ending 31 May) shows that Les Hutchison was owed £994,00 (£1,469,000 last year) and John Boyle £210,00 (£280,000 last year). Since then we've had Kipre's transfer fee and Les will be writing off more of his debt through his Double Your Money offer. Taking everything into account, I'd guess that we will owe them somewhere in the region of £800k by the end of next month. So, progress is being made.

Would also be good to know what the running total is now in regards how much we still owe.

Not even close...

True. But in general, if you spend the most money across the board, the odd duffer doesn't affect the fact you'll be winning titles and trophies. It's the teams that end up 3rd or 4th on those lists that probably have the worst business model, laying out all that cash for a comparatively modest return on honours. In the EPL it makes some sense, as the financial rewards from TV and European qualification can be significant, but not so much in other leagues.