Livingston FC are "heading for administration"

Mar 19 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

ONE of Livingston FC’s major shareholders claims the club is heading for administration or even liquidation under the current regime.

Ged Nixon, who is also part of the Livi for Life Supporters’ Trust, admits he is fearful for the future after another week of turmoil for the First Division club.

The Lions are due back in the dock today (Thursday) as they face court action from Leader Timber Limited and Nixon claims they are one of 16 different companies to have taken the club to court.

He said: “I’m still the largest shareholder in the Lionheart Consortium outwith the Italian owners and there is no question about it in my mind that the club is heading for administration or liquidation.

“I was party to the purchase agreement and know what the sale liability was and there is no question things are worse now.

“I’m amazed it has lasted so long, as the situation is critical. One of these creditors will go the whole hog soon as the club have broken too many agreements and promises.”

But Livingston chairman Angelo Massone has angrily hit back at the claims and slammed the stories of financial problems of the club.

He said: “I came from Italy to save the club and I want Livingston to survive, become a fantastic club with a future in the SPL.

“I hate to see this kind of speculation about the club and these people don’t want to do anything for this club.

“We are a family club and matters are private and not public and any problems are ours.

“Dunfermline, St Johnstone and Clyde all have debt much greater than ours.”

The Livingston first team players were paid this month but it has been claimed that the coaching staff and others have yet to be paid in full.

It has also been claimed that they received part payments in cash taken from the turnstiles at recent home games.

And with a three week break now until their next home game Nixon wonders how the staff will get the rest.