Cash-strapped Scarborough's financial troubles have prompted the Football League to send in an independent auditor to the stricken club.

Anton Johnson bought a majority share holding from the Russell family at the start of the season, but since then the ownership of the third division club has been in dispute between the two parties.

A Football League spokesman said: "The league is currently investigating the financial position of Scarborough Football Club and the business relationship Anton Johnson has with them.

"The investigation has just begun and will go on for as long as it takes to complete the task.

"After receiving several letters from concerned Scarborough fans, the board of directors of the Football League have requested the auditor to investigate the on-going viability and future of the club."

It is understood the Football Association have been made aware of the investigation.

Scarborough are at Darlington tomorrow and Danish striker Thomas Dablesteen, who impressed manager Mick Wadsworth in the reserves' 4-3 defeat against Hartlepool in midweek, is included in the squad. Dablesteen plays for Danish first division side Kolding, who are currently into their winter break.

Scarborough: from Elliott, Kay, McNaughton, Lydiate, Hoyland, Atkinson, Worrall, Bullimore, Russell, Brodie, Williams, Robinson, Dablesteen, Jackson, Carr.

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