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19:24 GMT, Saturday, 17 May 2008 20:24 UK

Fans wait to discover Gretna fate

Gretna

Saturday's deadline has passed without any sign that a deal to save Gretna Football Club has been found.

Administrators had set a weekend deadline for a buyer for the Raydale Park side, which has debts of £4m, to come forward.

No statement is expected until Monday, but BBC Sport understands that no takeover has been agreed.

Four potential investors have been linked with the team, who finished bottom of the Premier League table.

Chairman Ron McGregor has hinted at the possibility of a late deal being struck which could ensure the club's survival, but warned that if it fails to materialise Gretna will fold.

Reports have linked the Glasgow-based football agent Paul Davies with a potential takeover bid.

Gretna played their last SPL fixture - a victory over Hearts - on Tuesday evening.

Weekly losses

Many players and coaches have already left the club, either through redundancy or after being released from their contracts.

The remaining staff have been called to an 1100 GMT meeting on Monday by administrators Wilson Field, when Gretna's fate will be announced and they may face redundancy.

Gretna went into administration on 12 March after the club's owner Brooks Mileson, who is suffering from illness, withdrew his financial support, which meant they were soon incurring unsustainable weekly losses.

The club has various creditors, including the Inland Revenue and local businesses, but owns few assets other than its Raydale Park stadium.

If an offer for the club is made, it will be put to the creditors who will have to give it their backing.

Gretna had a meteoric rise through the Scottish Football League after being admitted in 2002, reaching the Scottish Cup Final in 2006 and entering the top flight last year.




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Related to this story:
Last-gasp offer could save Gretna (14 May 08 |  Gretna )
Gretna bid farewell to big time (13 May 08 |  South of Scotland )
Mileson missing from Gretna mess (09 May 08 |  Gretna )
Gretna deadline at season's end (08 May 08 |  South of Scotland )
Gretna FC debt level almost £4m (23 Apr 08 |  South of Scotland )
Gretna make 22 players redundant (26 Mar 08 |  Gretna )

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