Livingston stave off crisis with payout

LIVINGSTON have paid West Lothian Council £10,000 to avoid the immediate threat of administration but must pay the local authority around £280,000 by 30 June or face eviction from Almondvale Stadium, writes NIGEL SOUTHWORTH.

Councillors have run out of patience with the club owners after allowing them to run up the debt in the hope they can fund a purchase agreement and pay off unpaid rent.

Last week Scottish Power cut the electricity supply to the stadium after a £32,000 payment was not forthcoming.

Chairman Angelo Massone, however, insists the club is in good shape. "The financial position now is better than when we took control last summer and the debt is under control," he said.

Massone has been in talks with former Dumbarton owner Neil Rankine to inject funds. Massone added: "We need a Scottish entity and I think we can save this club together."

Meanwhile, St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes, who has been mentioned as a possible replacement to Tony Mowbray as West Brom manager, has confirmed he has made an inquiry for Livingston striker Leigh Griffiths.