Spartans register Gretna interest

East of Scotland senior club Spartans are keen to replace Gretna in the Scottish Football League if the crisis-hit club go out of business.

Spartans are building a £3.3m community stadium in north Edinburgh that will include a full-size synthetic pitch and an all-grass surface.

Club secretary Jimmy Murray said: "We would be very interested in joining the SFL should the opportunity arise."

Gretna are in administration and were relegated from the SPL on Saturday.

Gretna have been in administration since 12 March, after benefactor Brooks Mileson withdrew his financial support.

And, following the automatic 10-point penalty for doing so, the club were relegated after losing at St Mirren at the weekend.

SPL cash advances have allowed Gretna to stay functional, but 22 players were made redundant last week, along with six community coaches.

Doubts remain over the club's ability to survive.