Gretna are given hope by possible last-gasp bid

Published on Wednesday 14 May 2008 23:24

GRETNA chairman Ron McGregor says there is a "chink of light" over the club's future after revealing a late bid could be tabled to buy the ailing outfit.

McGregor, who believes one of the four consortiums listed by the administrators last week are set to come in with a cash offer by this weekend's deadline, told the BBC: "I think there is certainly a chink of light. We know there is a bidder putting in a very serious, considered bid together and that should be launched by the closing date."

He also explained Gretna will get a visit from administrators towards the end of this week and any new bids for the club would have to go through a number of processes.

"We now have a creditors' committee who would have to have a look at that, with the recommendation for the administrator," added McGregor.

"So we are not regarding this as pulling down the curtain and turning off the lights."

Relegated Gretna secured a surprise 1-0 win over Hearts in their final SPL game of the season on Tuesday night, and the man who scored the last-minute winner, Gavin Skelton, is desperate that a buyer can be found.

Skelton has played for the club for seven years, since their days in England's UniBond League to their short stay in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. "If it does finish, at least it will finish on a high," said Skelton.

"It is two years to the day since I missed that penalty (in the 2006 Scottish Cup final]. I know which one I would swap. The lads are saying 'Roy of the Rovers' and it's a funny one to finish."

Skelton will leave the relegated club whatever happens as his contract is set to expire – but he desperately hopes Gretna carry on. The 27-year-old added: "That was quite emotional because I have been through a lot in the last few years. If the club don't continue it is a sad day.

"You don't want to play for a club and look back when you retire, from a selfish point of view, and say to your grandkids I played for them and they will say 'Who?'

"Although the support is not great, it's a big part of the community and it would be disappointing for everybody."

Gretna's shadow squad consisting mainly of teenagers and loaned players finished their season in dogged fashion, losing just one game out of six, despite delays over wages. Skelton, who has held talks with Kilmarnock and was watched by clubs including Carlisle last night, hopes they will emerge stronger from the experience.

"It's been a difficult time but hopefully in the long run it will benefit us," he said. "Playing at a higher level gives you a taste for it and hopefully there will be a few offers coming along.

"I want to prove myself at the best level I can."