Livingston boss David Martindale admits sealing a place in the top six could be worth £500,000 to the club.
The Lions head into tomorrow’s clash away at Dundee United knowing they must pick up the three points to have any chance of squeezing back into the top half of the table in the final pre-split fixture.
And even if they do that, the Tony Macaroni Arena outfit will need help from elsewhere with either St Mirren needing to lose at home to Kilmarnock or Hibs to drop points away against managerless St Johnstone.
The potential additional revenue is even more significant given the club posted losses of £800,000 with a further £400,000 predicted loss for the current year.
Martindale said: “You are probably about £500,000 better off on your projections based on expected crowds.
“There is not a lot in the prize money between seventh and sixth but maybe a lot between eighth and fifth, then you have the chance of European football, an Old Firm game.
“It could be anywhere north of £350,000 to £500,000 in terms of money coming into the football club.”
He also admits that may be the only way in which he’s able to retain his current budget for next term.
He commented: “By getting the top six, it maybe helps me keep my budget in line with what it roughly has been this year and stops me from having to sit with (CEO) John Ward and (chairman) Robert Wilson to look at cost savings going into next season.
“It would help hugely going into next year. We are projected to lose another £400,000 going into next year so that has to come from somewhere and unfortunately it has to come from the playing and staff budget.”
While results elsewhere are just as significant as what happens at Tannadice, Martindale said he’ll be paying no attention to the goings on in Paisley and Perth with his sole focus on ensuring Livi can pick up the win.
He said: “I’ll ask not to be kept informed about other scores but I’ve no doubt that I’ll know what is going on within the games. The Livingston fans will be behind the dugout for one, the staff as well.
“We need three points to have any aspirations of getting into the top six and need Hibs and St Mirren to drop points.
“I think everyone at Livingston should take huge credit for the fact we’re in contention again. I think we’ve had a successful season but we’ve shot ourselves in the foot slightly. If we manage to do it’s a huge achievement for the club.”
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
