Hibernian boss Mixu Paatelainen wants the club to find the money for a new East Stand at Easter Road. "Already we have a fantastic atmosphere at Easter Road, there's no question about that," he told The Scotsman.

"But obviously with a new stand the capacity would be raised and the atmosphere would be better."

Hibs chairman Rod Petrie added, "Last year, all the financial indicators of Hibernian were showing positives. Attendances were up, season-ticket sales were up, turnover was at an all-time high."

"The club began the work that will lead, in time, to the construction of a new east stand," he continued.

"Twelve months on, the bottom has fallen out of the financial markets, credit is much more expensive and basic costs, such as fuel and food prices, are soaring. But we've got some creative people who are looking at the situation and there are some things we are assessing at the moment."