Council plays down Lions eviction fears

Published on Saturday 16 May 2009 11:31

LIVINGSTON FC are not facing eviction from the Almondvale Stadium despite owing more than £200,000 in rent, their landlords said today.

West Lothian Council have not lost patience with the debt-ridden club and are committed to working with Livingston chairman Angelo Massone to resolve the financial situation.

New repayment terms were agreed this year and, although the club was late paying one instalment, councillors are happy with the current arrangements.

A spokesman said: "To say we are ready to evict Livingston is way off the mark. We are working with the club to find a way forward. To have a senior football club in West Lothian is great for the town.

"Discussions with Livingston FC have resulted in the club making payments. We received the payment due on May 12.

"It has therefore been agreed with the club that by June 30 they will provide evidence that they can meet all other outstanding obligations to the council and during that period they have also agreed to make further regular payments to us at agreed dates.

"It is hoped that by the end of June the future of the club will be clear."

Dave Mackay, meanwhile has spoken of his relief at leaving Livingston behind.

The 29-year-old defender was part of the 50,000 deal which took 21-year-old Lions midfielder Murray Davidson to St Johnstone. The club had accepted a similar bid for the pair from Dundee and Motherwell manager Mark McGhee was also interested.

Mackay, however, insisted he was not going anywhere until his unpaid wages were settled.

He said: "I was due six weeks' wages. I've got four and two are to be transferred, so it's all sorted and fine now. I'm just glad to be out of there.

"It was best for me and Livingston that I got out and I'm looking forward to a fresh challenge to show what I can do."