Cup cash boost

The Scottish Professional Football League announced increased prize money for this season’s Betfred Cup.

It means East Kilbride FC will pocket at least an extra £2000 on top of what was initially forecast for their involvement in the League Cup competition.

Teams finishing fifth in their group earned £15,000 last season but that has now increased to £17,000 as part of a 15 per cent overall increase in prize money.

On top of that figure, of course, will be gate receipts and other matchday income.

None of Kilby’s games will be televised, meaning they miss out on a £12,500 payment each team receives for having their tie shown on BT Sport.

If EK finish fourth in their group, which includes Hamilton Accies and Queen of the South, they will earn £19,000, £21,000 for third and £25,000 if they finish as worst runners-up.

Group winners and the four best runners-up progress to round two, while those who are knocked out will pick up £35,000.

Losing quarter-finalists will land £60,000, losing semi-finalists £80,000 and the runners-up £115,000.

The cup winners will land a tournament record of £250,000.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “Thanks to the support of all clubs, the Betfred Cup has been transformed into a truly exciting and innovative competition.

“We’re thrilled that it has been further boosted by this significant increase in prize and television money, firmly cementing the Betfred Cup as a key competition in Scottish football.”

Kilby’s first Betfred Cup match is at home to Hamilton on July 15.