Scottish Premiership club Kilmarnock sponsor QTS warned the company "could withdraw backing" of Kilmarnock unless former Chair Michael Johnston resigns from the board, according to the PA. Almost "1,500 Killie fans have signed a petition for the company secretary to sever his ties with the club," while Russel Smith has also resigned as a director following unrest over Johnston’s continuing role at Rugby Park. Johnston, who bought into the club in '05 for the sum of just £1, has reportedly rejected an offer of £1.9M ($2.32M) to sell his 40% holding. QTS Managing Dir Alan McLeish said in a statement that "change was needed" to move Scotland’s oldest professional club forward. McLeish: "The ongoing pressures in the club boardroom are concerning for us, as our partnership with the club is in place to ensure that the team have the best possible resources to perform and focus on the main concern, their football. As a sponsor, we don’t like to get involved in the disputes, but the current arrangement is creating a very disturbing atmosphere that we feel is detrimental to the team’s success." McLeish added, "QTS would seriously be considering its sponsorship position if Michael stayed in place on the board. We feel the only person who can take the club forward at this moment in time is Billy Bowie" (PA, 10/26).
