Published: Wednesday, 4th June, 2008 12:00pm

Premier league lifeline

SELKIRK could be thrown a Premier League lifeline after the collapse of Gretna Football Club.

East of Scotland teams Annan Athletic, Preston Athletic and Spartans are all vying with Highland league side Cove Rangers to fill the gap in the Scottish Football League"s third division.

And the defection of one of the East clubs to the national leagues would leave only 11 teams in the East top flight.

Selkirk were relegated this season along with basement boys Craigroyston while Heriot Watt University and Peebles were promoted.

But next week"s AGM of the East of Scotland FA could look at addressing the balance.

Vice Chairman of the East of Scotland FA Tom Allison told the Border Telegraph: 'The rules state that two teams should be relegated and two promoted but in a situation like this it is difficult to say what should happen.

'It will be up to members to decide at the AGM on June 12, when we should know if we are to lose one of our teams.'

The resignation of Berwick Rangers Reserves from the East of Scotland League First Division has allowed Stirling University to apply for the vacant place.

And it is believed Dunbar are also interested in a switch from junior football to become members of the East League if another vacancy arose in the First Division.

Selkirk boss Fraser Lothian is keeping his fingers crossed that the unusual scenario will end in favour of his team. He told us: 'You don"t want to see any team go into liquidation but if we are to benefit from it then we will certainly grab the chance.

'Staying in the Premier League would be great for the club and it would help attract more players.

'It will be interesting to see how it all unfolds over the next week or two.'

An announcement was due from the Scottish Football League yesterday afternoon as we went to press regarding the demise of Gretna.

And it was expected the door would be thrown open for official bids to be made regarding the vacancy.

Spartans, fresh from their 7-2 King Cup final win over Vale of Leithen on Monday evening, are currently favourites with a new criteria-meeting ground opening in August.