Cup tie switch secures Clyde cash

Clyde have been saved from severe financial problems after their Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Dundee United was rescheduled for Wednesday.

The match, due to be broadcast on live television, was postponed on Saturday because of a frozen pitch.

And they could have lost out on £82,500 had it gone ahead on Tuesday, as scheduled by the Scottish FA.

But Clyde director John Ruddy told BBC Sport: "We're elated as it takes away the immediate financial pressure."

Cash-strapped Clyde are in the relegation zone in Division One and manager Colin Hendry had been planning on using the cash windfall to strengthen his side for the rest of the league campaign.

We would have been in a difficult situation Clyde director John Ruddy

"Clyde had, on paper, already spent the money," said Ruddy.

"We had secured players on pre-contract agreements and made re-signings, while other financial commitments had been pledged, so we would have been in a difficult situation."

The new date follows a weekend of negotiations with United and Sky Television to find a suitable alternative date.

United had ruled out Thursday because of its proximity to Saturday's Scottish Premier League meeting with Aberdeen.

The Tannadice outfit were unwilling to move the game because of the interest in the derby.

Sky already had live matches planned for Tuesday and Wednesday but have now added the Scottish Cup tie to their busy schedule.

"We have been working away with Sky and would like to thank them for their cooperation in difficult circumstances," added Ruddy.

Admission prices for the game have been lowered at the request of Dundee United chairman Eddie Thomson.

"It's excellent that it will be live on TV, we didn't think we would get it on, he said. "Clyde obviously needed this TV money

"To be fair it was Clyde over the weekend who have been forcing this issue."