Firms owed thousands demand respect

This afternoons edition of the Edinburgh Evening News carries a telling piece relating to several companies currently taking Livingston football club to court.

LiviNews makes no apology for reproducing this ‘must read’ article below.

ANGRY firms claiming to be owed thousands of pounds in unpaid bills by cash-strapped Livingston FC have demanded Italian chief Angelo Massone shown them some respect.

No-one from the Scottish Division One club showed in court today where they were ordered to stump out thousands for an outstanding joinery bill.

The club were scheduled to appear at Linlithgow Sheriff Court today, but after failing to show Sheriff Peter Hammond awarded all expenses to Leader Timber.

Speaking afterwards, Leader’s MD Ronnie Malcolm said: “I fear my case is just the tip of the iceberg. “The fact that they didn’t even have the courtesy to turn up today sums them up. “I’ve got 150 other clients and none have ever needed taken to court. “We tried phoning, email and faxing but nothing seemed to work. “We still don’t know if we’ll ever get the money back but actually, it’s the supporters who I feel sorry for. “They show up week in and week out, but still don’t know if they are being told the truth about the club’s finances.”

Leader Timber supplied flooring for the club’s plush Carling Academy Bar and raised today’s action.

Mr Malcolm, 54, added: “I’m furious at them and don’t think for a second that we’ll ever see the money again because I think it looks like they’re about to go bust. “Somebody needs to explain to the Italians how business is done in Scotland. “For the past three years we’ve got on fine with the club, but since June when this mob showed up, it’s been a nightmare. They’re just no respect anymore.”

The club is also being held to ransom over an alleged late payment of around £7000 to an Edinburgh electrical company who carry out safety cheques at the modern Almondvale Stadium.

Charles Waugh, who runs the firm, said he’s now refusing to provide the club with its safety certificate until he gets its cash.

He said: “The guy’s running Livi are in cloud Cuckooland if they think they can treat local businesses like this. “We’re the ones who have supported our club for years and maintained a great working relationship until the Italians showed up. “I’ve carried out all the electrical checks on the stadium but I’ve kept the entertainment licence and they’re not getting it until I get paid. “They’ve shown nothing but ignorance since I did the work.”