KPMG rejected it, claiming it was not even as good as the first one he had made.Archibald took over the running of the club last summer, effectively becoming team manager and signing almost a whole team of players in time for the new season. But KPMG pulled the plug on him last month, claiming he was behind with payments, and Archibald was challenged to prove he had the necessary funds to complete a promised buy-out that had failed to materialise as the months went on.That move was made days before an important Scottish Cup tie with Peterhead and Airdrie were forced to withdraw from the competition, losing thousands of pounds in potential gate money. That was because Archibald had been locked out of the ground and the majority of his players were by then out of contract. Airdrie have not played a game since.KPMG explained why they had rejected the latest Archibald bid.

A spokesman said: “The various important issues which were advised to Mr Archibald on February 14 have not been resolved.”Whilst Steve Archibald has required the terms of his revised offer to remain confidential, the joint interim liquidators can advise that, when compared to his previously proposed offer, it represents a substantial reduction both in value and in its terms.”The SFL secretary, Peter Donald, said the postponement request had been granted on the understanding it would be the last. He said: “This is the last occasion that the league management committee is prepared to grant such a request.”Airdrie have a game with Falkirk on Tuesday and it would be our hope that they would be able to field a team at that time Failure to do so would have serious repercussions. The club’s league status would be in jeopardy.”The former Livingston and Morton director Bill Hunter has also declared his interest in Airdrie, but the KPMG spokesman said detailed proposals were still awaited.The SFL has been involved in discussions over his proposals as it is understood he has a connection with Bill Barr, the Ayr United chairman. Barr Holdings is Airdrie’s biggest creditor and the SFL wants to ensure there is no conflict of interest between two clubs in the same division.Donald said: “We have sought clarification on some issues. As far as we are concerned, that [a potential conflict of interest] is part of the issue.”.

Celtic can start ordering the champagne now, after subduing a stubborn St Johnstone to take a massive step towards the Scottish Premier League title. Celtic can start ordering the champagne now, after subduing a stubborn St Johnstone to take a massive step towards the Scottish Premier League title.
With their fans gloating at Rangers’ demise in Glasgow, the chants of “champions” echoed around McDiarmid Park as Henrik Larsson – who else? – widened the gap between the clubs to 16 points.St Johnstone’s injury and suspension problems were so great that manager Sandy Clark was forced to throw two teenagers, Ross Forsyth and Brendan Crozier, into a debut against the Scottish champions-elect. To their credit, neither harmed the fierce pressing game which the Saints inflicted on Celtic. Well organised at the back, St Johnstone ensured that the chief threats, Larsson and Didier Agathe, were allowed little room to use their pace.However, as the game progressed Alan Thompson began to exert his influence on the left side, linking up well with Tommy Johnson, like him a former Aston Villa player.Johnson almost set up Larsson for the opening goal with a low cross which the Swede deftly glanced just wide of the post. However, Celtic went in front after 28 minutes, thanks to their Villa connection.

Thompson’s corner picked out Johnson, who sent a header beyond keeper Alan Main into the roof of the net.St Johnstone, though, refused to crumble and Stuart McCluskey restored parity in the 42nd minute after Neil Lennon had fouled Mohammed Sylla. Paul Kane then flighted a free-kick which was sent beyond the goalkeeper Robert Douglas by McCluskey’s header.Paul Lambert thought he had restored Celtic’s lead in the 53rd minute when he rifled a shot past Main, but Larsson, who had set him up, had fallen backwards into an offside position and the goal was ruled out.However, on the hour Celtic beat Main again and this time it stood. Thompson’s free-kick picked out Larsson and the Swede rose above everyone to guide a firm header past the goalkeeper for his 44th goal of the season.Didier Agathe might have wrapped up the game soon afterwards when a glorious Larsson pass released him. The winger lobbed Main, but there was not enough power in it and the keeper managed to claw the ball away from the empty goal.However, Celtic’s night was soured when Stilian Petrov was carried off with seven minutes left with a suspected broken leg after a clash with Jim Weir.St Johnstone (3-5-2): Main; Weir, Kernaghan, McCluskey; Frail (Hartley, 78), Kane, Dasovic, Crozier (Lovenkrands, 68), Forsyth; Parker, Sylla.