Gretna are cleared to play in League One
Last updated 13:38, Friday, 02 May 2008
GRETNA will be able to play in the Scottish First Division next season – but have been told they must upgrade Raydale Park.
The decision by the Scottish FA ends speculation that the crisis-hit Borderers faced a double relegation after finishing bottom of the SPL because of their ramshackle ground.
Gretna were relegated from the SPL at the end of March when they lost to St Mirren shortly after being docked ten points for entering administration.
However, the outlook still looks bleak for the club with debts of nearly £4 million as it is still uncertain whether they will be able to continue as a going concern.
Next Thursday marks a potentially pivotal day in their battle for survival as administrators will meet with creditors at the Smith’s Hotel in Gretna Green.
Creditors could call for a winding up order for the club which played in the Scottish Cup Final only two years ago.
A Scottish FA spokesman said: “There is nothing to stop Gretna going into Division One in reference to out club licensing.
“However, we do have some issues with Gretna regarding Raydale Park which we’ve discussed with them. We don’t see that being a problem.”
A Scottish Football League spokesman said: “The big issue for Gretna is the football debt and that is a big stumbling block for potential buyers.”
Gretna first-team coach Andy Smith is refusing to give up hope that a new buyer will come forward.
Glasgow-based football agent and consultant Paul Davies is being backed by the influential Gretna Supporters’ Society but is yet to make a bid for the club which is in deep financial trouble following businessman Brooks Mileson’s decision to withdraw his backing.
Smith, who takes the team to Inverness tomorrow, said: “We need people to invest in the club and we just hope somebody is out there.
“People have been enquiring but, as far as I know, up until now no official bid has been put in.
“The ideal situation is for the club to survive as I would love to stay at the club.
“It doesn’t have to be a full-time SPL club. Even in Division Three we were getting good attendances compared to other clubs. The likes of Forfar are able to survive on the gate they have so there’s no reason why Gretna can’t.”
Goalkeeper Greg Fleming – a target for Dundee United and Crewe – returns tomorrow as Artur Krysiak is on duty for the Polish U19 team.
