Scottish crisis club Gretna want a postponement of Saturday's SPL fixture at Aberdeen so they can sort out their finances to avoid being closed down.

Gretna are in administration following the withdrawal of all financial support from millionaire backer Brooks Mileson, who is ill in hospital, and have been unable to pay staff costs, including player wages.

The situation also means they are unable to cover transport and accomodation for Saturday's match, although they will be able to play their next home fixture and are hoping to have arranged finances by their next away game.

"The position has not improved from yesterday," David Elliot, of administrators Winston Field, said. "It has deteriorated and I am not convinced we will be able to put a team out on Saturday.

"That would mean we are breach of league rules and would leave us open to be fined and face other penalties.

"Unfortunately we are running out of time."

Elliot also said that the SPL had offered them a grant of £25,000, but that this was only a start and not enough to pay wages due.

A postponement of the game would give them more time to find backing, although Elliot admitted that while the clubs and players are on-side, the final decision lies with the league.

"Motherwell [where Gretna are playing home matches] have been very helpful and have offered a compromise on the amount the club have to pay them in each home game in an effort to get the club through," Elliot continued.

"My thanks also go out to the other clubs that are to wishing to help and I very much want to play the fixture on Saturday, but I still don't have the funds and the players have still not been paid."

Eliott also praised the players for their commitment and loyalty for the cause, appreciating that each one of them would be within their rights to walk away from the situation.

"There is a willingness on the part of all parties to continue but it should be remembered each player's contract has been breached," he adeed. "They should be paid and they haven't been.

"There is, until March 27, the opportunity to move to another club if they wished. I can't stand in their way - morally, ethically or legally.

"I have had a meeting with the players. They are considering their positions and I was impressed by the loyalty and the way in which they are wanting to keep the football playing.

"But we have a lack of players in certain positions and I believe it may well be necessary to seek permission to postpone the match on Saturday."

Reda Maher / Eurosport