Jefferies backs Gretna survival

SPL bottom club Gretna were unable to pay their players this week as their seriously-ill owner, Brooks Mileson, is the only person who can authorise the payments. Jefferies said: "They have done great, Gretna, over the years. They have a hit a bit of a financial problem, but that is their concern and I'm sure they have people to help get them out of it. We hope it does not happen."

GUS MacPherson revealed yesterday Chris Smith has been discharged from hospital but will not feature against Celtic on Sunday. The Scotland Under-21 goalkeeper was admitted to Gartnavel General Hospital in Glasgow earlier this month after complaining of agonising headaches and swollen glands.

MacPherson said: "Chris is out of hospital and he has a meeting with a consultant. Hopefully, we'll get a better idea of exactly what the problem is.

DUNFERMLINE manager Jim McIntyre has stepped up his preparations for next season by signing former Hearts left-back Austin McCann on a pre-contract.

Welsh handed six-game ban

COWDENBEATH manager Brian Welsh has been hit with a six-game touchline ban by the SFA. Welsh was reported by referee Frank McDermott for disorderly conduct after last weekend's match against Alloa at Recreation Park. Welsh has until Tuesday to appeal.

HEARTS have named Rob Marshall as the club's new interim head physio after losing David Henderson to Newcastle United.

Redknapp offers 1m lifeline

HARRY Redknapp has pledged to help save cash-strapped Bournemouth, insisting: "I think about 1 million would do it and there's no way I'll see them go out of business."

BIRMINGHAM City have confirmed that shareholders have rejected Carson Yeung's proposal to co-opt Steve McManaman and Fan Zhiyi on to the board of directors.

BARNSLEY have joined Leeds in their legal fight against the Football League over the 15-point deduction imposed on the West Yorkshire club.