Eight clubs now vying to fill Gretna vacancy

Published on Saturday 7 June 2008 20:10

EIGHT CLUBS have expressed an interest in bidding for a place in the Scottish Football League. Four have made their intentions clear but as well as Annan Athletic, Preston Athletic and Spartans from the East of Scotland league, and Cove Rangers from the Highland League, it is believed an Ayrshire Junior club could also apply.

A further three clubs from the East of Scotland, Highland and South of Scotland leagues have asked for application packs and although they have requested the league preserve their anonymity, it is believed one of them is Gala Fairydean, who narrowly missed out on league admission in the past.

"We cannot comment on the identity of the clubs, as they have still to decide if they will definitely submit a bid," said David Thomson of the SFL, "but, compared to the four everyone knows about, the other clubs' credentials could be equally compelling, in terms if what they could offer the Third Division. It will be interesting to see just who applies before the June 12 deadline."

Any clubs who do put themselves forward will be subjected to stringent financial checks, as the governing body seeks to prevent another Gretna-type situation. Board or committee members will be asked to legally underwrite the club's financial commitments and fixture obligations. A 100,000 performance bond will also be required to secure the payment of wages to club employees.

According to Preston Athletic, who are applying for the third time, the application document is now more detailed and demanding. Key areas include the stadium, with ground ownership as integral as the playing and spectating facilities.

"It all comes down to what the league clubs are looking for," said Preston secretary Andrew Waddell. "Of the four clubs who have made their interest known, there seems to be four very different models and it depends if the league are looking for potential or something that is already in place."

If successful, Preston will change their name to East Lothian FC and work closely with the local authority with the hope of maximising the 100,000 population catchment area and overseeing football development in the area.

Spartans lead the way in facilities and are set to move into a new 3.5m academy, with a playing area which will meet SFL criteria early in the coming season. Annan Atheltic have almost completed a five-phase upgrade of their Galabank facilities, which includes a 500-seater stand but still requires floodlights. Both Preston and Cove believe they could tweak their grounds to make them SFL compliant but are only at the planning stage with regards to building new stadia which would give them greater credence and enhance the lower leagues.

Much will depend on the league management visits, which will take place between the bid submission date of June 12 and June 27. The applicant clubs will then have a matter of days to address any concerns and finalise their presentations before going in front of the 29 representatives of the existing member clubs on July 3, when the final vote will be taken.

Considered favourites by some due to their superior facilities and recent Scottish Cup performances, Spartans know they, along with other East of Scotland league clubs, could be hampered by doubts over the ability to attract enough supporters but say it is about enticing people along with the right product. East of Scotland clubs can, they argue, pull in large crowds for big derbies or trophy-winning matches so the lure of league football would be significant, especially as the 3pm Saturday kick-off would not clash with the youth or ladies football matches, allowing other club members to attend in numbers.

FRONT RUNNERS TO REPLACE GRETNA

COVE RANGERS

Secretary Duncan Little

FOR: "We have an average crowd of 250 and although we are nearby I don't see us competing with Aberdeen. Our biggest plus is our catchment area and the fact we can attract players and supporters."

AGAINST: "Our ground would need a lot of work. We have plans for a new place but

they are still with the Scottish Executive awaiting approval. We're also worried that

people may think it's time clubs from outwith the Highland League got a chance."

SPARTANS

Club Captain Craig Graham

FOR: "The new 3.5m academy and playing facilities and the 500-plus registered players, who play at all age groups, male and female. We are a very well run club, with good business sense so we are sustainable on and off the pitch."

AGAINST: "There are fears Edinburgh can't sustain a third team but we have a strong Spartans community and we're working with local groups so

believe we would have crowds of 400-500. The other issue is the new stadium. The pitch won't be ready for the start of the season but we believe we will have a suitable alternative for the first couple of home games."

PRESTON ATHLETIC

Secretary Andrew Waddell

FOR: "For us I think it's all about potential. The new facility and the new name would allow us to have a stronger presence in the whole of East Lothian and in the meantime I do think that with a bit of work our existing ground could be compliant for the start of the season."

AGAINST: "Financially we are perhaps not as strong as the other clubs and obviously we still have to build the new ground."

ANNAN ATHLETIC

Chairman Henry McClelland

FOR: "We have the facilities and have worked hard in the past few years to make sure we were ready should an opportunity like this arise. There is a good road down here. We are financially sound and even during the development work, we remained in the black."

AGAINST: "We still need to get floodlights and we may suffer by association because we are only nine miles from Gretna. Other clubs may not fancy the trip down here."