HibeeJibee

I still think Airdrie and Cowdenbeath (in particular Airdrie...) would be unhappy at being promoted. Also, what can the SFL do? They certainly can't demote Livi before they go into administration - it would effectively be demoting a club for being in debt... and nothing else. Even in administration I don't think the SFL can really step in and hurl them into the Third Division: SFL clubs have been in administration before, and not been demoted - and surely the administrator would have cause to pursue them for loss of income etc. from playing in the Third? They cannot relegate them just 'cos. Unless Livi cannot make basic guarentees on their ground/players/transport for next season - as was the case with Gretna - then I cannot imagine the SFL relegating them, until they are wound up or on the verge of it. And if we get into late July, then there is no going back IMO. Clubs like Spartans or Cove might circle if Livi go bust mid-season, and hope to take over their record, but there is little if any precedent for that in the SFL (and it would domino and affect other leagues).

From what I'm hearing, if Livi don't meet the rent payment and the Council decide to play hardball instead of offering more time, they could have gone into the early stages of bankruptcy by about the middle of July. (Suggestion seems to be between 9th and 16th of July, depending on timings). So surely you cannot go about promoting clubs a couple of weeks before the season begins, when they have built squads for the division below? If Airdrie and Cowdenbeath step up but get humped every week, and end up getting relegated - having played in front of smaller crowds - surely that is worse for them than staying down, and having a run at promotion and possibly going up? Plus how do you fill the vacancy in the Third Division? If they can run with 9 clubs, why not the First? I have to say that I'd be surprised if the SFL has enough time to replace a defunct/dying Livi side.

But there are huge logistical issues here. The clubs being 'promoted' from the 2nd and 3rd levels will have built squads for the division below. Season tickets will have been sold - hospitality sales made - buses arranged. The League Cup will have been drawn including seedings. Third Division clubs would be left a game short, through no fault of their own. I'm not so sure they'll lift clubs up.

According to The Scotsman, there is only 1 electricity meter ... so each month, or quarter or whatever, the bill is halved 50-50 (whether or not either side has accrued 50% of it...?). The companies then pay Livingston FC, who then pay the whole bill. Or, as is the case, don't pay the whole bill presumably ... Whatever the situation it's a bizarre and IMO stupid arrangement. With the fixtures already released, season tickets sold, players and squads taking shape, cup draws made and so forth, I can't see the SFL demoting Livi. They will leave them in the First Division, if necessary with a deduction for administration. If Livi fold, they will run with 9 clubs.

I think many SFL clubs would cut their cloth accordingly. But SPL2 won't happen if Setanta sinks.

As I said earlier: talk of what "the SFL" should do is pointless. It is only 30x club reps + Longmuir.

Yes, the SFL is doing nothing here and that is a disgrace. But the organisation is still running more or less as in the 1890s!! Still 1 club 1 vote; still archaic Management Committee (contrast with the SPL's stream-lined and professional Executive); one 'senior' professional member of staff (David Longmuir) supported by a skeleton secretarial team. SFL is just a meek hollow shell. It cannot act.

Well, no, but it's standard across British football and the SFL Management Committee would face huge media outcry if they didn't impose such a penalty. In fact I think there would be a very big possibility of Livingston being demoted, if the decision comes during June (after June it's really too late to ask someone to step up). Especially as Massone will have no friends/allies within SFL. If I was a Livingston fans, I'd be keeping my money in my pocket. Buying season tickets or worse still "making donations at the reception desk" is simply propping up a collapsed regime, allowing it to run on for a few more weeks before the car crash comes. Better to save your money, and use it when it is really required - helping the Trust to try and rescue something from the wreckage, or providing cash investment to re-start a Community Club. I certainly wouldn't fund Mr Massone. SFL must also take responsibility now, as they've done f*ck all for months over the wages issue.

There's nothing wrong with them using white phosphorous,, the UK has white phosphorous. You're not supposed to use it in civilian areas though... TBH this is a non-story, it was obvious they were using it.

I think Beyemistic would have us believe that things are still up in the eire on that one possibly.