Gala Fairydean miss out on SFL bid

Ally McGilvray 1606 - 1606 • Published 19 Jun 2008 12:00 0 Comments

GALA Fairydean will continue to play their football in the East of Scotland League next season.

The Netherdale side failed to submit a formal application to replace Gretna in the Scottish Football League next season before the deadline last week.

It is understood the opportunity to play in the Third Division arose too soon for the ambitious Galashiels-based club which is currently undergoing a period of transition.

However, the Borders could yet benefit from the vacancy which is being contested by five sides - Annan Athletic, Edinburgh City, Preston Athletic and Spartans, who currently play in the East of Scotland League, and Cove Rangers, the Highland League champions.

As previously reported, Selkirk - who were relegated to the East of Scotland League First Division at the end of last season - could regain their position in the Premier Division if a fellow East club wins the race to replace Gretna in the SFL.

The application deadline passed on Thursday and the clubs will be visited by a working group before a vote takes place on July 3.

There were no formal applications from Gala Fairydean and former senior outfit Third Lanark, who had also expressed an interest. The vacancy arose after Gretna resigned from the SFL when administrators were unable to find a buyer for the club.

Interested parties are required to source a £100,000 bond on entry to the league.

Gala failed with applications in 1966, 1994, 2000 and 2002, when Gretna were successful after Airdrieonians went into liquidation.

However, the club is now focussing on rebuilding a local team and gaining promotion to the East of Scotland League Premier Division next season.

amcgilvray@bordertelegraph.com

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 18 Jun 08

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