SPL moves to avoid another Gretna

Blair hopes to make sure no other SPL club will go out of business

The Scottish Premier League is to seek further financial assurances from clubs to avoid another Gretna situation.

Gretna went into administration in March, upon which the SPL had to release advanced funds so that the club could complete its fixtures.

The Borders club eventually went out of business in June.

"The new criteria will require all clubs to provide additional financial information prior to each season," said SPL secretary Iain Blair.

The controls will be designed to prevent another SPL club finding itself in such a precarious position.

A working group has been developing financial criteria and its recommendations will be put to the clubs in January.

"No system of this nature is foolproof but our aim is to ensure that all our clubs have the financial stability needed to complete any given season," Blair added.

The Black and Whites went into administration after owner Brooks Mileson withdrew his financial support due to illness, and SPL funds temporarily rescued the club on more than one occasion.

At the end of the season, the club, already relegated, resigned from the Scottish Football League and went bust.

Annan Athletic took up the place vacated by Gretna and were admitted to the Third Division.