McDougall resigns to help Livi

McDougall was previously chairman of Cowdenbeath Football Club

Gordon McDougall is to increase his efforts to save Livingston after resigning from Dunfermline's board.

The former Cowdenbeath chairman had previously held discussions with Livi chief Angelo Massone about a possible takeover of the Division One club.

But administrator Mazars was appointed to the club on Friday.

And Dunfermline's website said McDougall had resigned "to leave him free to try and assist with the problems at Livingston Football Club".

McDougall had said his previous talks with Massone, who heads the Italian consortium that bought Livi last summer, had come to nothing because he would only invest if he was given overall control.

Massone has since also been in talks with former Dumbarton chairman Neil Rankine.

However, while Rankine attended public meetings with Massone, no investment has been forthcoming to prevent the club going into administration for the second time in their 14-year history.

West Lothian Council took action in the Court of Session in Edinburgh to recover £330,000 in rent arrears, buildings insurance and rates.

That led to Donald McGruther, of the administrators Mazars, being appointed interim manager on Friday, with the likelihood that Livingston will go into formal administration on 18 August.

The Scottish Football League will also meet to consider sanctions against the club.

However, West Lothian Council appears confident that the football club will emerge strengthened by the process, probably with new owners.