Administration not true, says Massone

Published on Friday 15 May 2009 23:11

LIVINGSTON owner Angelo Massone has denied that the club face entering administration.

Livingston currently owe West Lothian council around 130,000 in rent arrears and face a demand for 150,000 for their latest rental agreement, due to be paid this month.

One report claimed that the club could be wound up before 30 June if finances are found not to be acceptable.

But Massone, who heads the Italian consortium that took control last summer, says he is still in talks with the council to buy the ground.

He said "It is not true. (30 June] is the day the option to buy the stadium expires. People are trying to cause problems.

"You are wasting your time on stories of Livingston FC. I have the option to buy the stadium by 30 June. It is in the hands of my lawyer and he is speaking to the council lawyers."

Livi for Life Trust is waiting in the wings should the club go into administration and is hopeful of taking control should the present regime go to the wall.

Trust spokesman Ged Nixon said: "The current downward spiral of the club causes us grave concern.

"We are monitoring the situation and are ready to offer the club a lifeline if required. We have spoken to Supporters Direct, who advise supporters trusts and taken advice from them on the matter."

A council source said: "We would look kindly on the football trust move for the club. We would be willing to reassess the cost of the stadium. We would look favourably on it."

Livingston have survived administration once before, having been plunged into financial difficulties in February 2004 when they had combined debts totalling around 10million under former chairman Dominic Keane, who left his position in early 2004.