Gala day as football comes home

David Knox 1607 - 1607 • Last updated 22 Apr 2009 09:59 0 Comments

GALA FAIRYDEAN look set to reopen redundant Raydale Park.

The Gretna ground was left boarded up last summer following the demise of the late Brooks Mileson"s debt-ridden team.

But permission has now been granted for the new Gretna 2008 to return to the park which saw one of football"s most meteoric rises through the leagues.

And if the overgrown turf passes an inspection (today) next Saturday"s match with the Dean will be played at the 3,000 capacity stadium.

Craig Williamson, chairman of Gretna 2008, told the Border Telegraph: 'The pitch has already had two cuts and will receive another cut on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Only then will we be bale to tell exactly how good or bad the pitch is.

'We will definitely be playing at Raydale next season but we are hoping it will be ready in time for the Gala Fairydean game.

'It has been our aim since we started and we are all delighted to be playing in Gretna again.'

Gretna were admitted into the Scottish Football Leagues ahead of the Fairydean in 2002.

Following three seasons in the bottom tier they spent big and went on an amazing run of three straight promotions - also qualifying for Europe when finishing runners-up in the Scottish Cup.

But spiralling debts and the ill-health of owner Mileson led to their ultimate collapse.

The new Gretna team, who were admitted to the East of Scotland leagues last summer, have been playing home games at Everholm Stadium in Annan.

And they are one of the favourites to gain promotion this season to the Premier Division.

Raydale Stadium, which had been Gretna"s home since it was opened back in 1946, has been at the centre of liquidation disputes.

But a property development company have now purchased the ground and surrounding land.

Mr Williamson added: 'Talks have been very good with the developers but it is too soon to say how long we will be at Raydale.

'At the moment we are just glad to be coming home.'

EMAIL US YOUR SPORTS SCOOPS: dknox@peeblesshirenews.com

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 22 Apr 09

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