AMERICAN OWNERS #3: 🗣️ "I got the asset-stripping accusations... but I left Ayr in an improved state"

Lachlan Cameron, the first foreign owner of a Scottish club, explains how the Old Firm stranglehold inhibits our game... but beneficial US investment and expertise will still continue to arrive

Welcome to part III of award-winning sportswriter Stephen McGowan’s investigation series into the impact of American ownership on Scottish clubs.

On Wednesday, we heard from Jon Pritchett, who was Tennessee truck tycoon Bill Miller’s advisor when he tried to buy the assets of oldco Rangers in May 2012. Jon wonders if Rangers missed a trick back then.

Yesterday, we heard from relegated St Johnstone owner Adam Webb and promoted Livingston owner Calvin Ford on their motivations for getting involved and their plans for the future at their respective clubs.

In today’s final part, Lachlan Cameron speaks about his at times challenging tenure at Ayr United, and how we haven’t seen the last of American investment in the Scottish game, despite the Old Firm’s stranglehold.

Parts two and three are for paid subscribers.

By Stephen McGowan

“US investment is a clear and present danger to the pyramid and fabric of the game. They just don’t get it and think differently. They also don’t stop till they get what they want.”

Gary Neville’s views on American owners reflect the lingering suspicion that some, at heart, are ruthless hedge fund types hellbent on bleeding every penny from the game, staging matches in Cleveland, establishing a Super League and ripping the heart and soul from the national sport.

Chelsea’s billionaire proprietor Todd Boehly is regarded as the unacceptable face of football’s Wall Street makeover. A charmless Ted Lasso on the boardroom scene.

He met Ruud Gullit, a Chelsea legend, and had no idea who he was. His proposals for an American-style All-Star game in England drew derision. The ultras group of French club Strasbourg, who finished seventh in Ligue One, accuse Boehly’s BlueCo ownership group of treating them like the Stamford Bridge B team. Chelsea, meanwhile, are in talks with UEFA over concerns that a vast £550million splurge on new players breaches Financial Fair Play rules.