CLUBS’ XMAS CASH BOOST

straits that they were struggling to cover December’s payroll.

But they were given a huge boost last night after bosses at the SFA informed them that the Scottish government’s £55million coronav irus rescue package for sport is on its way.

And the governing body will now start writing £500,000 cheques for each Championship club, plus £150,000 for League One and £100,000 for League Two sides.

One source at a secondtier side said: “This is brilliant news and we couldn’t have asked for any more for Christmas.

“It really is a case of Christmas coming early.

“The situation was critical and more than a few clubs were struggling to meet their wage demands, so this will see us through into the new year.” A Hampden source added: “It’s a major relief and the SFA will offset the payments to make sure the money is in the bank before the end of the year.”

Earlier this month the Scottish government announced the £ 55m funding package, with £30m of that going to Scottish football.

A total of £20m of that was made available in “low-interest” loans for Scottish Premiership clubs.

The remaining £10m was to be dished out in the form of grants for all tiers below the top flight.

The women’s game, Highland League and Lowland League clubs are also set to benefit from the much-needed cash boost as clubs battle their way through the 2020/ 21 season with still no signs of anything like full crowds being allowed back into grounds any time soon.