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Gretna resign from Scottish Football League

03/06/2008

Cash-strapped Gretna have resigned from the Scottish Football League and now look almost certain to go out of business as a club.

The Borders team was demoted from the First Division to the Third Division a few days ago as a result of their financial problems.

But a worsening of the situation, which was initially caused by the withdrawal of the funds provided by former benefactor Brooks Mileson, means Gretna have been forced to drop out of the league.

As a result, the SFL has issued an invitation for applicants to replace the club in the Third Division, with a number of Scottish non-league sides expected to be in contention.

In a statement, the SFL said Gretna made "a significant contribution" while members but said it was keen to set out a plan to make up the shortfall in numbers as soon as possible.

The current timeframe given by the SFL requires all applications to be submitted by next Thursday (June 12th), with the management committee set to visit all the applicant clubs over the following fortnight.

All member clubs will then hear the submissions at a special general meeting at Hampden Park on July 3rd before voting on the successful applicant at the same conference.

The SFL statement concluded by saying: "We believe we have a very competitive and successful league which has a bright future and we look forward to welcoming a new club to the Scottish Football League family for the start of the new season."