In March last year Roman Abramovich sacked Andre Villas-Boas and speculation linked the then-Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers with the vacant position.

The start of the Scottish Football League was thrown into chaos tonight after Livingston refused to play tomorrow’s Irn-Bru Third Division fixture against East Stirlingshire.

The Scottish Football League today announced all of tomorrow’s opening game of the season would take place – but with the results of three fixtures being deemed provisional.

John Hartson has turned down the chance to become manager of Irn-Bru Third Division side East Stirlingshire.

East Stirling are refusing to give up hope of bringing Paul Gascoigne to the club.