The financial crisis at Finn Harps appeared to be worsening yesterday with senior club officials warning that, unless revenue dramatically improved over the coming weeks, five of the club's leading players would have to be released, reports Emmet Malone. One is already gone with the top scorer for this season, Alex Nesovic, reportedly having been fired by the club for disciplinary reasons, although nobody at the club seemed willing to give details of the incident that led to his dismissal.

The Revenue Commissioners, who are owed in the region of £150,000, have initiated legal proceedings against the club, but it is believed that some negotiations aimed at laying down a schedule for repaying this debt over a number of seasons have already taken place. Finn Harps chairman Martin Hannigan said yesterday that while the club was not considering going into liquidation, the possibility remained that the wage bill would have to be further cut back. It is considered unlikely in such a scenario that player manager Gavin Dykes would stay on at Finn Park.

Meanwhile, Celtic goalkeeper Jonathan Gould has signed a new contract despite losing his first-team place to Robert Douglas. Manager Martin O'Neill offered the goalkeeper an improved deal and the Scotland international was understandably delighted to sign. The length of his deal has not been increased past 2003, but the contract has given him a salary increase.

Former Dundee star Douglas has claimed he was at fault for at least two of the goals in last week's 5-1 drubbing at Rangers, but insists that he and Gould are the best of friends.

"Jonathan has been brilliant to me," said Douglas. "He has given me lots of good advice, although it didn't really help much last week."

Hearts yesterday named Craig Levein as their new manager. Levein replaces Jim Jefferies, who quit on November 9th and is now manager of Bradford City.