Dunfermline boss Jim Jefferies is hopeful that his players’ wages will be up to date by the time they face Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup tomorrow.
The Fife side have been struggling to pay employee salaries due to a severe cash-flow problem.
However, Jefferies spoke to club supremo Gavin Masterton at the start of this week and he is hopeful the financial outlook is becoming brighter with December now on the horizon.
And the manager insists that, no matter what happens with the latest wages, it will not affect his squad against the Jags.
He said: ”The good thing about this situation is that the players are being kept up to date.
”Gavin Masterton and one of the other directors have spoken to us and what they said would happen so far has happened.
”We were told we would probably be given the balance of our salaries in two weeks but it happened in one. That was a bit of a bonus.
”We were told why October and November were difficult months for the club but that from December onwards, everything would be back on track.
”So we have to accept that it is a difficult period for the club and we will have to take Gavin at his word that it will be sorted out and concentrate on football.”
The manager added: ”I think when the lads go out on the pitch they do not think about it.
”The thing is, if they get through to the next round it might help their wages get paid a bit quicker,” Jefferies said, smiling.
”The latest wages are due on Friday and I was with Gavin on Tuesday and he said he would let me know within 48 hours the make-up of what would be paid and when it would be paid.
”I will let the players know as soon as he is in touch.
”That’s all you can ask for, that you are kept up to date. If he wasn’t answering calls or not telling us anything, it becomes a worry and then it starts affecting you on the pitch.”
Dunfermline will travel to Firhill with revenge very much on their minds, after they were hammered 5-1 the last time the two sides met at the same venue on November 10.
However, Jefferies acknowledged that his players would have to be at their best if they are to triumph against a Partick side who are unbeaten at home this season.
He said: ”The boys are all looking forward to the game and to be honest I would be disappointed if they weren’t, as what happened a few weeks ago is still fresh in their memory.
”We would like the club to benefit from a cup run and the only way we can do that is by getting through this round.
”They have beaten us twice this year, so hopefully it will be third time lucky for us.
”I think Partick deserved to win the last game but nothing went for us that day.
”Jackie McNamara said afterwards that it was their best performance of the season and we will have to produce our best if we want to go through.”