Rangers newco: Scott Gardiner reveals Dundee will not be able to vote on newco

DUNDEE chief executive Scott Gardiner has confirmed that the Dens Park club will not be allowed to vote on newco Rangers’ Scottish Football League future next Thursday due to a “clear conflict of interest”.

That has lead to more speculation that the Scottish Premier League vacancy is likely to be given to Dundee rather than last season’s relegated side Dunfermline.

Gardiner said: “When it became clear that the clubs of the SFL were going to be called into Hampden on 3 July to either take a vote or as it has been put, give a steer, in advance of a vote on Rangers Football Club being admitted into either Division 1 or Division 3, I immediately called the SFL.

“The purpose of the call was to receive some guidance on whether Dundee FC would be conflicted in voting for either option as we would potentially be the direct beneficiaries of a yes vote in either case. I was very concerned that Dundee FC could be attacked or criticised for trying to influence the situation and or gain benefit for the club by voting for either option.

“The initial advice was that SFL rules clearly state that, save in extraordinary circumstances, all members must vote and cannot abstain, such action would incur a heavy fine and there was an existing precedent. Prior to the meeting, however, and following discussions with the SFL office bearers and their legal team, we were informed that these were extraordinary circumstances and there was indeed a clear conflict of interest and it would be against natural justice for us to vote.

“Now that there is to be a formal vote on these matters at Hampden on 12 July, our technical position is clear. We do not have to abstain as we cannot vote due to the stated potential conflict of interest which would be against natural justice. This is not our choice. It is however a fact that we cannot vote.”

Dunfermline chairman Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston, meanwhile, has demanded leadership from Scottish football’s governing bodies. There has been no official statement from the SPL or SFA regarding who will make the step up, although Yorkston believes the East End Park side should be in pole position.

And with Dunfermline returning to training this week with “half a squad”, Yorkston has demanded that somebody takes charge of the situation once and for all.

He said: “Through this whole mess there has been a complete lack of leadership, how long has this been dragging on for? If the decision has been made and Dundee are going to gain a place then make an announcement so we can all get on with our lives.

“Jim Jefferies can resume building his squad for the First Division and we will go about our business. We would not be happy about the decision – we believe we have the better case – but we would accept it, due to the time constraints more than anything else.”