ST MIRREN have announced they'll retain three stands for home supporters for the visit of Rangers and Celtic this season.

The Paisley club confirmed fans voted in favour of keeping the Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand for home fans instead of offering to away supporters of the Glasgow clubs.

St Mirren chiefs had warned the decision to reduce the away allocation for the matches could cost up to £100,000 in lost ticket revenue.

But after overwhelming demand from supporters, the club will only offer the away stand to Celtic and Rangers fans from this season.

It means from next season all season tickets will include every home game including the Rangers and Celtic matches for Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand seated supporters.

However, this season fans who wish to attend the matches have been asked to top up their season ticket with a one-off £30 for adults or £15 for concessions payment.

The club revealed "strong support" for the Help a Buddie scheme also allowed the decision to be made over allocations for Rangers and Celtic matches.

Part of the announcement, read: "There was strong support for the 'Help a Buddie' and voluntary £30 contribution schemes which has given the club the confidence to take this step.

"These initiatives are fundamental in helping sustain the current levels of income which, in turn, will allow us to retain three stands for our home support from now on.

"We will provide information on how to contribute to these in the days that follow."

St Mirren chairman John Needham commented: "We’ve listened carefully to our fans and today’s announcement is a huge vote of confidence in our supporters. They have made it very clear that they want increased numbers of St Mirren fans in attendance for all home matches.

"The decision to retain all three stands for St Mirren supporters for all home league matches is ultimately driven by our fans and that’s what’s allowed the Board to make this decision.

"Our supporters have been incredible in recent times, and as a fan-owned club their views are hugely important to us.

"We want to take this opportunity to thank our supporters for their loyalty and we look forward to working with the local community to encourage and welcome new fans as we set out to engage the next generation of St Mirren supporters."