Farrellnot fazedby financial meltdown

STRANRAER boss Stevie Farrell last night insisted he will ignore the financial instability at Stair Park and continue the push for promotion.

The Blues head to titlechasing Raith Rovers today with their players still mulling over a pay-cut request from the club to help balance the books.

A number of departures are expected and top scorer Ryan Wallace, who won’t play today, will be the first to leave with a move to Arbroath set to be completed on Monday.

Farrell said: “The board are dealing with the money side of things which allows me to concentrate on getting the team ready.

“We will miss Ryan as he has been our top striker but the players are a good group who have taken us into fourth place.”

“I will manage the players I have at my disposal. If the squad changes I will need to deal with that. Raith are a strong side who look to attack so we’ll need to be well up for this one.

“If we could end 2017 in fourth place then I would be pleased when you consider we were bottom when I came in just a year ago.

“We had been on a decent run up until losing last weekend at Alloa so we will look to bounce back today.”

Raith manager Barry Smith is looking for a win to make it nine wins from nine home matches.

The Stark’s Park boss said: “We enjoy playing at home as the fans always get right behind us.

“Stranraer are still very much in the promotion hunt so this will be a tough game but we are the home side with a proud record to maintain and I expect us to be on the front foot.”