Fixture Information
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008Gretna’s time in the top-flight may be called early after the SPL took the unprecedented step of publishing two different fixture models for the remaining games.
If Rangers qualify for the UEFA Cup Final, the league will be extended for clubs in the top six until Thursday 22nd May. If they do not the season will end as per normal with Rangers fulfilling their games in hand during the week scheduled for the UEFA Cup Final.
As part of fulfilling Rangers’ fixtures, they would play Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday 17th May - when the Black and Whites are due to host Hearts.
Therefore, to accommodate the fixture, Gretna’s final game would be brought forward to Thursday 8th May, with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Iain Blair, Company Secretary of the SPL, commented: “It is well documented that this has been an exceptionally challenging season in terms of fixturing. The combination of a number of diverse circumstances has produced unparalleled scheduling problems. ”
“Our aim throughout has been to protect the integrity of our competition, balance the interests of our member clubs and have regard to player welfare and fixturing precedent. The models we have prepared seek to discharge this aim.”
“Both models reflect the fixturing complications the SPL has faced this Season. The first model will be adopted if Rangers fail to beat Fiorentina in the UEFA Cup semi-finals.”
“The second model exceptionally provides a modest extension to the season to enable Rangers to represent the SPL and all of Scottish football in the UEFA Cup Final.”
“It reflects the fact that the outstanding fixtures cannot reasonably be played in the available time and will involve some disruption for a number of our clubs. This model will involve moving the last round of top-six games to Thursday 22 May 2008.”
“It is clear that future requests for changes to our scheduled fixture list will have to be compelling before approval is given.”
REMAINING FIXTURES (SHOULD RANGERS QUALIFY FOR THE UEFA CUP FINAL):
- Kilmarnock v Gretna, Saturday 26th April, 3pm
- Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Gretna, Saturday 3rd May, 3pm
- Gretna v Hearts, Thursday 8th May, 7.45pm
- St Mirren v Gretna, Saturday 10th May, 3pm
If Rangers do not reach the UEFA Cup Final, the Gretna v Hearts fixture will remain on the scheduled date of Saturday 17th May, 3pm.
