Football news

Published on Saturday 20 June 2009 23:34

Fears grow for Livingston

LIVINGSTON chairman Angelo Massone claims he is in talks over a financial partnership with former Dumbarton chairman Neil Rankine.

There are fears the Irn-Bru First Division club are heading for administration next week but Massone spoke with optimism over a rescue package with Rankine.

"He is really interested in Livingston FC and he thinks we have a fantastic possibility to work together," Massone told BBC Radio Scotland.

Much of Livi's immediate financial problem centres on a debt of around 300,000 owed to the council, but Massone insists they are on course to pay their stadium rent.

"The council knows I want football in West Lothian," he said. "Putting the club in administration would not be good business for the supporters of Livingston. I will speak to the council but we will definitely pay the rent in arrears before the end of June."

Smith Bairn again

FALKIRK will formally name their new management team on Tuesday, with Alex Smith, 69, confirming yesterday that he will take a "consultancy" role alongside new manager Eddie May and his assistant Steven Pressley.

Falkirk will find out tomorrow their probable opponents in the second qualifying round of the Europa League. The Scottish Cup finalists could face a daunting trip to eastern Europe to face the likes of Olimpi Rustavi of Georgia or Dinamo Minsk of Belarus. Motherwell, who are seeded in the first qualifying round draw, could come up against Jordi Cruyff, who has joined Malta's FC Valetta as player-manager.

Spain on a roll

SPAIN collected their record-breaking 15th consecutive win last night as they saw off hosts South Africa in the Confederations Cup.

Goals from David Villa and Fernando Llorente took Spain past Brazil, Australia, and France, while also moving them level with Brazil's record of 35 games unbeaten.

For South Africa, there was the consolation of a semi-final place, despite a nervous second half, as the other Group A game between Iraq and New Zealand finished goalless.

Livorno returned to Serie A at the first attempt when they beat visitors Brescia 3-0 last night to complete a 5-2 aggregate win in the Serie B play-off final.

Watford to sign Severin

NEW Watford manager Malky Mackay expects to complete the signing of Aberdeen skipper Scott Severin next week. The versatile 30-year-old, who has 15 Scotland caps, is out of contract at Pittodrie and is available on a free transfer.

Mackay said: "It's something we hope to get done very, very soon."