Financial woe

THIS week Clyde, Livingston recently and, Stranraer a few months ago.

Just who will be the next club to encounter the sort of financial difficulties that puts its future at risk?

Given that we are in a recession, I suppose it was inevitable that one or two Scottish football clubs would find themselves on the brink.

Clyde appear to be in real danger with debts of around £270,000, but Livi's situation is also a concern as they consistently fail to pay the wages on time.

Stranraer appear to be on the road to salvation after a social housing landlord stepped in and offered them a £250,000 loan to clear their arrears and sort themselves out.

But not everyone will find such charity. For some, there will be no second chances.

When a club runs into serious cashflow problems, I often find myself thinking about how others do their business.

Here in Monklands, we have two chairmen who will not allow bugets to spiral out of control. Airdrie United's Jim Ballantyne and Albion Rovers' Frank Meade have their fingers very much on the pulse.

There will always be some fans who feel that 'speculating to accumulate' is a necessity if success is to be achieved. But breaking the bank does not automatically lead you on the path to glory.

Hopefully both Clyde and Livi will come through their respective problems and remain part of the senior game in this country. However, what worries me is that they won't be the last to stare into the abyss.