Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies hopes Gretna can pull through their financial troubles for the sake of their beleagured players.The Borders club are close to going out of business after administrators took control - they have been deducted 10 points, which means they are certain to be relegated providing they survive until the end of the season.

And while the threat of the drop has been eased on Kilmarnock, Jefferies hopes Gretna can pull through these troubled times.

"There are a lot of people saying this or that could happen to Gretna but the main focus must be on Gretna still being in existence," he said.

"Everyone's thoughts are with the staff and the players. The administrators moved in and said it's worse than they thought. If that's the case and they go out of business a lot of people will struggle as they have mortgages to pay for.

"Other clubs may lose a few points but I don't think that is a major issue even though it may benefit some but the main thing in people's minds should be the players and the staff as they could be jobless.

"One or two may get another club but others may struggle. It is a tough time for them and people in the game should be concerned about their livelihoods.

"Whether they jumble points around is not an issue for us, the most important thing is that Gretna have an existence and my thoughts are with their players and staff.

"I hope they can get through to the end of the season."

Gretna have been pushed to the brink after owner Brooks Mileson withdrew his financial support due to his ill health.

"Gretna have had a fantastic few years but they were reliant on Brooks, they didn't have the fan base or the stadium and unfortunately Brooks took ill. That just shows you it's a thin line," Jefferies added.

More Football News from TEAMtalk