Tremendous support

Chairman Ron MacGregor has applauded the Scottish Premier League for safeguarding the immediate future of the club.

With increasing financial difficulties due to owner Brooks Mileson’s ill health, Gretna have been granted an advance on their share of television and prize money, which is normally presented at the end of the season.

This ensures the Black and Whites will fulfil all remaining fixtures, although insolvency experts Wilson Field Ltd are expected to take control of the club on Wednesday.

“We have had tremendous support in terms of advice and loan money from the Scottish Premier League,” he said.

“Considering we are their newest member, and probably their short-lived member for the moment, they have been very good with us.”

“They are making available a loan. It is a loan against money that would have been due to us at the end of April anyway.”

“But making this loan money available will enable the staff and players to be paid this week. Then after that, it’s into the administrators’ hands.”

Following the club’s announcement of their intention to appoint an administrator, the SPL confirmed the sporting sanctions which would apply in the event of such an appointment.

An SPL spokesman said: “If an SPL club is the subject of an insolvency event, a ten point deduction would apply immediately. The club would also be embargoed from signing any new players.”

“The notice of the intention to appoint an administrator alone does not trigger the sporting sanctions - it is the actual appointment of an administrator which does.”

“If an administrator is indeed appointed we will seek an early meeting with him or her to discuss the plans for Gretna FC going forward and how we can best support these.”