DUMBARTON and the Vale’s MSP Jackie Baillie says too many questions remain unanswered despite a public statement from a Dumbarton FC director on the club’s ultimate ownership and offshore links, write Adam Thomas and Kyle Crawford.

Ian Wilson represents Brabco, which owns 75 per cent of the Sons and is ultimately owned by Belize-based company Granada Enterprises Ltd, and last week pledged to shut down the offshore entity after concerns were raised over a lack of transparency from the club over a proposed £13.5m stadium move.

Due to tax laws in Belize nobody knows who ultimately owns the club, and, therefore, who is set to profit from the proposed move to a 4,000 capacity stadium at Young’s Farm, Renton Road with plans set to be submitted to West Dunbartonshire Council in June.

But while Ms Baillie welcomed the intention to close the Belize entity, she insisted there was still much work to be done to gain the trust of the community and the fans.

She told the Reporter: “I very much dislike businesses which are registered offshore for tax or privacy reasons so I welcome the intention to close down the offshore vehicle and this must be completed as soon as possible.

“However Dumbarton fans are still in the dark on a number of important issues, not least the identity of some of the other partners behind Brabco and the ownership of the new stadium.

“The statement from the owners is only a first step in addressing the concerns which have been raised but we need much more transparency and better communication with the fans, including the opportunity to hold the directors to account at an AGM.

“There are far too many unanswered questions and there is still a long way to go before fans and the local community will consider backing the plans.”

Mr Wilson was found to be a member of an “aggressive” tax avoidance scheme following a Reporter investigation last year.

And the 66-year-old indicated in last week’s statement the company’s Belize ownership was determined as the most viable option as it “eliminated a possible tax charge for the club”.

Mr Wilson also said the club would start holding annual general meetings, which it hasn’t done to this point, “as and when it feels necessary”.

Simon Barrow, communications and projects officer for the Sonstrust, backed Ms Baillie’s comments.

He said: “Like Jackie Baillie MSP and many others, we continue to want the best possible deal for the club, whether that involves a stadium relocation or redevelopment on the current site.

“At present we are discussing with the majority shareholders a reasonable arrangement around commercial confidentiality which would enable trust representatives and the non-Brabco directors of Dumbarton FC to engage constructively with concrete, testable business proposals.

“However, we have made it clear that such an arrangement must not be unnecessarily restrictive or seek to stop us commenting responsibly on the future of the club.

“Appropriate transparency is essential to public confidence, community involvement and good business practice.

“The Reporter has continued to put questions that fans are asking, and we think it would benefit the club’s owners to respond positively to questioning in order to build the trust needed for them to move ahead with support rather than suspicion.

“In the meantime we remain hopeful for a positive way forward that benefits the club, the fans and the community, as well as the investors.”

Mr Wilson has replied via the club's website to respond to further questions from The Reporter:

What is your reaction to Ms Baillie's statement?

Mr Wilson said: "I met Jackie during the public consultation and again at her offices in December last year. My next meeting with Jackie is later this month, where I will give her the latest position on our plans. I welcome her involvement. I will continue to liaise directly with Jackie.

"'We would also like to take the opportunity to ask who exactly is involved in Brabco?'*

In response to his changed question he said: "Chris Stainton and Callum Hosie are currently the only two directors of Brabco. I am the largest individual shareholder. Callum, Chris and myself own the lion's share of the business and exercise control."

*What in fact we asked Mr Wilson was: 

We would also like to take the opportunity to ask you again who exactly is involved in Brabco? We know of yourself Callum Hosie and Christopher Stainton. Who else?"

Who exactly is involved in Granada Enterprises (Brabco’s holding company)?

"Chris Stainton and Callum Hosie are directors of Granada Enterprises.

"This company is almost closed leaving Brabco as the majority owner of DFC.

"When Granada and Brabco were set up other private investors were interested to be involved, and wish for their privacy to be maintained, a position we will respect."