Newco Rangers will start next season in the Scottish Third Division.
On one of the most momentous days in the history of the game in our country, Scottish Football League chiefs have decided Charles Green’s new Ibrox team will have to start from the bottom of the senior leagues.
SFL chiefs were asked to vote on three possible outcomes at today’s crunch meeting at Hampden entry to Division One, entry at Division Three or complete refusal.
Their decision means the likes of Montrose can now look forward to four games a season against the Ibrox side, while Dundee and Dunfermline will now wait to hear which of them takes Rangers’ place in the SPL.
That decision could be made on Monday.
In a statement, SFL chief executive David Longmuir said the clubs had “voted to willingly accept The Rangers Football Club” into the league. But he added: “The Scottish Football League’s only acceptable position will be to place Rangers FC into the Third Division.”
Longmuir continued: “This decision followed our tried and tested process and was taken in cognisance of the other option which was available for consideration and approval.Share your reaction below or email news@thecourier.co.uk“Today’s decision has been one of the most difficult for all concerned, but it has been taken in the best interests of sporting fairness which is the fundamental principle of the Scottish Football League.
“The SFL has been entirely consistent in our willingness to work with other bodies to ensure that we focus on rebuilding our game, restoring pride in our game and exploring revenue streams which allow the game to prosper. Our willingness to achieve these aims does not alter.”
SFL clubs had complained of being left to fix the SPL’s problems after chairmen in the country’s top league had refused entry to the new Rangers. League clubs also complained of being pressured by claims that not allowing the newco into the first division would spell financial disaster for the game.
However, football fans across the contry also made it clear that “sporting integrity” demanded the newco started from the bottom, and this view has proved decisive.See Saturday’s Courier for extensive coverage, including full reaction from the local clubs affected by today’s decisionPhoto by PA Archive