Livingston FC Facing Up to Third Administration in 10 Years

Livingston Football Club is facing the prospect of entering into administration for the third time in 10 years with one of its former directors aiming to freeze its assets through court action.

The West Lothian football club has been beset by financial problems for over a decade, with supporters now fearing that another administration process could spell the end for their beloved team.

Fines and point deductions have added to the difficulties that Livingston has faced on and off the field in recent years but the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has offered reassurances that if the club does go bust again, it will not be obliged to start again any lower than the fourth tier of Scottish football.

The SPFL has had a number of similar issues to contend with in recent years, with Glasgow Rangers, one of Scotland’s biggest football clubs, having entered liquidation in 2009.

Both Rangers and Livingston were relegated to the fourth tier of Scottish football in recent seasons as a result of their financial problems and, in Livingston’s case, for a breach of insolvency laws. Both clubs currently play in the Scottish Championship, the second tier of football in the country.

Behind the scenes, the current state of affairs sees former club director Ged Nixon seeking to freeze Livingston’s assets as he pursues a sum in excess of £300,000 which he claims to be owed.

Nixon himself has come under scrutiny and criticism for his own financial dealings, with the Insolvency Service banning him from serving as a company director until 2018 in relation to issues surrounding the liquidation of his company Pres Dec Ltd.

According to the Daily Record, Nixon is being pursued by HMRC in relation to unpaid VAT, National Insurance contributions, Corporation Tax, Construction Industry tax and PAYE.

With Nixon suing Livingston FC for £311,000, potential share transfers and the creation of a newco are being discussed as possible options but the future of the football club is believed to be very much in the balance.

The case involving Nixon’s pursuit of a six-figure sum from the club’s bank accounts has been adjourned until December 23 so the club should learn its fate before Christmas.

Livingston are currently lying rock bottom of the Scottish Championship, having won just one of their last 10 matches.