Hibs will not have say in Gers’ SFL bid

Hibs will vote to boot the Rangers ‘newco’ out of the SPL but will have no say as to where the Ibrox club may end up, chairman Rod Petrie has told fans.

The Easter Road club’s declaration that they’ll oppose the transfer of Rangers’ share in the SPL delighted their fans, with more than 99 per cent in a poll on Hibs.net against the troubled Glasgow club continuing in the top flight.

But some supporters believe that doesn’t go far enough and that Rangers should be banished to the Third Division, claiming that moves to relegate them to the First Division next season were nothing more than a cop-out. However, while insisting Thursday’s vote should proceed without delay, Petrie declared it will then be up to others to decide where they should play.

Petrie put Hibs’ view forward at an informal meeting of SPL clubs at Hampden yesterday, telling them the Capital outfit will vote against the share transfer, a move which will need eight to vote in favour, but looks certain to fail with Hearts, Dundee United, Aberdeen, St Johnstone and Inverness Caley also intending to say no.

A statement on Hibs’ website said: “If as a result of the vote on July 4 the Rangers ‘newco’ is not voted into the SPL then it will be for other bodies to decide if, and at what level, Rangers might be accommodated within Scottish football.”

Meanwhile, out-of-favour Hibs midfielder Martin Scott has rejoined Ross County on a season-long loan deal. Scott was signed by former manager Colin Calderwood but quickly faded from new boss Pat Fenlon’s plans, starting his last match in a green and white shirt at the turn of the year.