McCoist set to play on

The former Rangers legend Ally McCoist looks poised to turn down a move to First Division Raith Rovers by signing a new one-year contract with Kilmarnock today.

The former Rangers legend Ally McCoist looks poised to turn down a move to First Division Raith Rovers by signing a new one-year contract with Kilmarnock today.

The former Scotland striker, who is 38 next month, wasexpected to retire from the game after last season to concentrate on his television work. But because of the frustration he felt at missing most of the campaign with a broken leg, McCoist has decided to delay his retirement.

He has been keeping fit at Rugby Park and although Raith have expressed an interest he hopes to agree a pay-as-you-play deal with the Kilmarnock manager, Bobby Williamson, and the club's chief executive, Ian Welsh.

"Hopefully I can end my career with Kilmarnock," said McCoist. "The manager doesn't know it yet. Maybe I'll have to ring him, but I hope to sign tomorrow."

Kilmarnock started the new season with victory over St Mirren on Saturday and are looking to put their problems of last season well behind them.

McCoist is also looking for a trouble-free campaign and while admitting it should be his last in professional football he insists he still has the passion for the game and the capability.

St Mirren have received backing from the Scottish Premier League for their controversial ticketing policy for the game against Rangers on 13 August. The Buddies' chairman, Stewart Gilmour, has introduced a three-game ticketostensibly to prevent Ibrox fans buying St Mirren seats.

Saints fans have been outraged with the £42 ticket which will also include admission to home games against Dundee and Motherwell.

The SPL, however, has welcomed Gilmour's decision, and a spokesman said: "St Mirren's plan seems to be an innovative approach to increasing attendance figures, and one our body entirely welcomes."

The Hamilton manager, Ally Dawson, has warned his board to be wary of another severe Scottish Football League penalty after players were not paid on time at the club. The Accies were deducted 15 points last season and subsequently relegated to Third Division after the players went on strike before a game at Stenhousemuir on 1 April.

Players have now been paid before the first game of the season against Dumbarton and Dawson said: "I am glad that it is resolved. We really have to get things like that sorted out prior to the new season. Hopefully, it won't happen again."