Blyth Spartans To Play In Scottish League?

Last Updated : 01-Jun-2008 by
Gretna are, sadly, suffering because of their sensational rapid rise to success.

Scottish Cup final, promotion to the Premier League, and nine months later they are facing the Grim Reaper. Success has been their downfall.

But for those interested in finding out who the hell the OTHER Spartans are ... read on:

"Spartans face stiff competition for a Scottish Football League place if Gretna fold.

"The East of Scotland League club are preparing their application in the expectation that Gretna go under next week.

"Spartans, who took St Mirren to a replay in last year's Scottish Cup, appear to be favourites but Annan Athletic, Preston Athletic and Cove Rangers are also in the frame.

"The clubs were alerted on Thursday when SFL members voted to demote Gretna to the Third Division following their relegation from the top flight.

"Gretna, whose employees were all made redundant by administrators, are expected to be wound up next week after SFL chief executive David Longmuir found "fundamental flaws" in the business plan put forward by the sole interested party.

"Spartans general manager Derick Rodier revealed the north Edinburgh club were preparing their application: 'The preparations are tentative but nevertheless we are looking at various things.'"