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St Mirren are set to become Scotland's latest fan-owned club by 2021.

The supporters group behind the proposed takeover have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a deal which will increase its stake in the club to 51 per cent.

St Mirren Independent Supporters Association (SMISA) will link up with Paisley-based charity Kibble, which will buy a 27.5 per cent stake from current owner Gordon Scott.

Scott will continue as the Premiership side's chairman at the deal's conclusion, believed to be the first of its kind.

Saints will become the first UK league club to part-owned and operated in partnership with a major UK charity.

SMISA chair and Paisley’s MSP George Adam said: “This is a historic and proud day not just for our club but for everyone in Paisley.

“We started the journey towards fan ownership four years ago because we knew there could be no better people to safeguard St Mirren forever than the ones who will care for it most…the fans.

“This deal agreed today not only delivers that ahead of schedule but it strengthens it – our partners Kibble will help the club grow, as a business and as a force for good in the Paisley community.

“The overwhelming nature of the vote shows the extent to which SMISA’S members have bought into what this partnership will create – and we are excited by the possibilities for St Mirren.”

And chairman Scott added: "When I took over as chairman four years it was always with the aim of passing the shares to the fans when the time was right.

“That day will arrive much sooner than we initially planned – but I believe this the right model, with the right partner, to build on the good work the current board has already done, and take St Mirren to the next level on and off the park.

“The new expertise Kibble will bring will allow us to find new ways to bring income into the club, and I and others on the board can’t wait to get started on working with them to do that.”

Jim Goodwin's team are scheduled to host Hearts later on Friday but the crucial relegation fixture is under threat by the weather.