Caley's aim of SPL slot gets royal support

Published on Saturday 12 June 2004 01:07

INVERNESS Caledonian Thistle’s bid to secure a place in the Scottish Premierleague won royal backing yesterday.

During a visit to the Highland capital the Duke of York made it clear to the club’s players and officials that he supports efforts to secure the Division 1 champions a place in the top flight.

Caley Thistle will hear later this month whether the SPL has approved its promotion, which was blocked by an earlier vote.

The club failed to meet the league’s stadium criteria, and a row has developed over whether it should go up or its place in the SPL be given to Partick Thistle who otherwise would be relegated.

Prince Andrew, whose titles include Earl of Inverness, seemed to be aware of the row when he visited the Caledonian Stadium as part of the club’s tenth anniversary celebrations. Graeme Bennett, the club’s vice chairman, said later: "It’s good to get such high-profile support."