LIVINGSTON Chairman Angelo Massone has called on the club's supporters to unite behind the team for tomorrow's important fixture with Partick Thistle at Almondvale Stadium.

The Chairman has also issued a response to the continued bombardment of negative stories in various Scottish press regarding player wages and has apologised to the fans for the image of the club being tarnished.

Here is the full message from the Chairman:

"Having seen the newspapers this morning, I feel I must respond to the unprovoked media bombardment against Livingston Football Club which has again come to light.

"I have encountered many difficulties since I took over at this club. But despite that, my project for Livingston Football Club continues to head in the right direction. The staff and I work to the best of our abilities to fulfill the various targets set to improve the club's position.

"Sadly, once again the club have been subject to a sustained campaign from the Daily Record newspaper in particular, who are intent on purposely creating problems within Livingston Football Club.

"I don't know why this newspaper likes to publish negative stories about the club whenever possible. I sincerely hope that it is not because of my nationality and because I am not Scottish.

"This attitude defies the respect, warmth and friendliness I have received from Scottish people since I arrived here at Livingston. A lot of people have been very welcoming and I have a lot of respect for these people.

"There are many realities of the current economic situation which affects many clubs in Scotland and in the rest of the UK. Many of these clubs face difficulties paying their staff on time and some are regularly late.

"But you do not read about this in the press. You only read about problems at Livingston. These are personal attacks against us.

"We have faced problems like everyone else, that is true. But the worst case scenario to date has been some of our staff being paid their salaries a few days late. Everybody still has their job and they have still been paid every single penny - the majority from my own personal money.

"Compare this to large companies throughout the world who are firing employees without warning because they have run into difficulties, and it is obvious that the reaction to our problems in the press is completely out of proportion.

"The constant bad press also shows disregard to the tireless efforts of everybody at Livingston Football Club, who work extremely hard seven days a week under difficult economic circumstances.

"I apologise to the supporters for their club and its name repeatedly being tarnished. It is not right that you have to keep reading these things month after month.

"I am angered and disappointed at these stories, as I am sure you are as well. But despite this, I am continuing forward on my path to make Livingston a strong club once again.

"My ambition since I came to this club has been to create the serious possibility that it can become the third force in Scottish football once again. This hasn't changed.

"We are working with the support of West Lothian Council as well, who have been a great help to the club as it strives to move forward. We are delighted with the relationship we have formed with them.

"I implore all of our supporters to continue their support of the team and to unite in force at tomorrow afternoon's match with Partick.

"We are playing for a very important three points and the players on the park need your encouragement. As ever, it should be a great day to share our passion for Livingston Football Club and for football in general."

Ten minutes before the game, the Chairman will deliver a message to the club's supporters on the issue over the PA system from the park.