Gretna owner Mileson released from hospital

Published on Thursday 21 February 2008 23:48

GRETNA owner Brooks Mileson has been released from Newcastle General Hospital.

Club officials last night stated they expect Mileson to make a full recovery from an illness which has been confirmed as a brain infection.

The Clydesdale Bank Premier League's bottom club were unable to pay their players this week as Mileson, who has bankrolled Gretna's rapid rise through the Scottish League, has been the only person who can authorise the payments.

His illness brought the future of the club under scrutiny, and during Mileson's stay in hospital head coach Davie Irons resigned to take over at First Division Morton.

Gretna released a statement last night, confirming the positive development which should allow the club to stave off the threat of having to go into administration.

The statement read: "Gretna Football Club are pleased to report that owner Brooks Mileson has been released from hospital. Brooks was admitted to the Cumberland Infirmary 11 days ago after collapsing at his home near Carlisle.

"He was transferred to Newcastle General Hospital where scans revealed a brain infection. He has since been treated with steroids and antibiotics and is expected to make a full recovery." Son Craig Mileson added: "Treatment will continue for some time and he must have complete rest over the next few weeks.

"He has made a lot of progress recently and we are confident he will continue to improve.

"We would like to thank the staff at both hospitals for their diligence and care in treating Brooks and everyone for their kind messages of support during this difficult time."

Gretna's next match is the SPL fixture against Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.