Graham waiting in wings as Gretna teeter on brink

THE seemingly inevitable demise of Gretna has prompted Spartans to reaffirm their interest in a jump to the SFL.

The ambitious East of Scotland Seniors club have monitored the latest news from the beleaguered Raydale Park outfit – who have debts of around £4 million – that administrators Wilson Field Ltd have made the entire staff of the club – including the remaining players – redundant, and maintain an air of cautious optimism that a berth in the league set-up will become available.

"The administrators are still speaking to an interested party but if that falls through then I cannot see the SFL having any other option than to invite applications from other clubs," said Spartans club captain Craig Graham.

"We are adopting the policy of wait and see as there would still be a process to go through for any club, including Spartans, who would wish to make an application to the SFL to join the Third Division. That, no doubt, would include visiting the grounds of the applicant clubs and examining their business plans."

If Gretna fold it is likely that Airdrie United would be promoted to the First Division and Stranraer would climb into the Second Division. That would give the SFL the opportunity to seek another cub from outwith its ranks to join the Third Division.

Apart from Spartans in the East of Scotland League, it is anticipated that other clubs including Preston Athletic, Annan Athletic, Gala Fairydean and Whitehill Welfare would also consider making applications.

There may well be yet more twists and turns in the tangled tale of Scotland's fairytale club, however, and Gretna chairman Ron MacGregor has suggested talk of the club's death have been "greatly exaggerated".

Administrator David Elliot of Wilson Field Ltd issued a statement yesterday which said: "A prospective purchaser has contacted us and confirmed that he is still in negotiations with the SFL with a view to obtaining entry into the First Division."

It is anticipated an offer will arrive from a Glasgow-based consortium, fronted by businessman Paul Davies, which could result in the club being saved from closure.

MacGregor was in defiant mood. "The negotiation is still in progress. We know the bidder who we have been talking to us is very, very keen to complete the deal," he said.

Gretna could still take their place in the SFL next season if the club can be revived.

Gretna, whose final fixture saw them beat Hearts 1-0 at Fir Park last Tuesday, struggled to complete the SPL season after owner Brooks Mileson withdrew his funding in February when he contracted a brain infection.

The Englishman bankrolled Gretna's rapid rise from the Third Division to the SPL to the tune of around £8m with the high point being a place in the 2006 Scottish Cup final, where they were beaten on penalties in by the Tynecastle side, followed by a dramatic final-day promotion to the SPL last season at the expense of St Johnstone.

Mileson has maintained a public silence on the club's plight after being released from hospital.