Rangers newco: Morton to oppose First Division entry

MORTON have added their voice to Scottish Football League clubs who will object to newco Rangers playing in the First Division next season.

• Morton, Falkirk and Raith Rovers will all oppose a newco in the First Division

• SFA want to merge SPL and First Division, but that requires 75% vote from 30 SFL clubs

• Move to England ruled out by Wigan boss

Charles Green’s Sevco company purchased the business and assets of Rangers earlier this month after the club were consigned to liquidation.

But his application for entry to the Scottish Premier League appears doomed after six of the 12 top-flight clubs went public with plans to reject the bid ahead of a formal vote on July 4.

Raith Rovers and Falkirk have stated their objection to a deal which could see the newco entering the SFL’s First Division instead of applying to join the Third Division - a stance Morton agree with.

• Where the SFL clubs stand on a Rangers newco

A statement from chairman Douglas Rae read: “There has been much speculation and discussion regarding exactly where the Newco Rangers will ply their trade next season.

“A meeting of the member clubs of the Scottish Football League will take place next week when we will be updated on the current situation and have the opportunity to debate not only this matter but also the wider issues arising from it.

“Under the current SFL rules, any club making an application for membership should be admitted to the Third Division.

“I personally see no reason to make any exception to that at this time and would therefore vote accordingly.

“I believe the current situation has presented us with an opportunity to consider and review the way forward for Scottish football, and as such it is more vital than ever to look at the “bigger picture” and the options for change which will no doubt present themselves over the coming weeks and months.

“My personal hope is that any changes arising from this tumultuous period in the history of Scottish football can be implemented for the long-term good of the game.”

A statement from newly-promoted First Division side Dumbarton read: “The Scottish Football League have called a meeting of all member clubs next Tuesday when the facts will be laid out and discussion had regarding Newco Rangers.

“After this meeting the club will be in a position to comment and appraise Sons fans of the situation facing DFC and Scottish football in general.

“Subsequent to this we will seek the views of the fans given they will then be in full knowledge of the facts and ramifications of the decisions to be made.”

Meanwhile, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has told newco Rangers not to even bother contemplating a move to England.

Talk of a switch south of the border was briefly resurrected last week following reports that Green planned to buy League One side Bury and take over their fixtures, while playing home games at Ibrox.

Whelan told the Wigan Evening Post: “Scottish football is Scottish football, and they can’t be coming down here to invade England.

“We don’t want Celtic and Rangers in the English league. They are Scottish teams and they’ve got to stay there.

“The English league is for English clubs. Simple as that.”