In critical condition
Mar 14 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
GRETNA survived another day despite the deadline for their rescue passing without incident. But the administrators running the club delivered the gloomy prognosis that its already critical condition had deteriorated.
The Scottish Premier League strugglers were given until lunchtime yesterday to find £30,000 to spare it from extinction and, although no saviour was found, a stay of execution was granted. But if administrator David Elliot’s words were anything to go by, perhaps not for long. Elliot has asked Gretna’s players to fulfil tomorrow’s SPL fixture at Aberdeen, but without guarantees over wages or insurance, he had only 10 players available.
Failure to play could sound the death knell for the Black and Whites, but Aberdeen were told last night to expect Gretna. Elliot is hoping to buy enough time for a new owner to be found, particularly with a lucrative match against Celtic next. “It may be necessary to seek permission to postpone the match,” said Elliot yesterday. “But I am not giving up and will try again tomorrow to see if we can get a team sorted out.
“We have a shortage, in particular at the goalkeeper position. Out of 17 senior players I have 10 available for Saturday. They are wanting to ensure they are insured. I will treat that as a matter of utmost priority.” The entire playing staff are free to leave, but Elliot praised the loyalty of a squad cut adrift at the bottom of the league having been docked 10 points for going into administration.
“Each player is facing a situation where their contract has been breached,” Elliot explained. “The players will need to consider their position – until March 27 (the transfer deadline) there is the opportunity to move to another club.”
According to Elliot, “two or three” parties have expressed an interest in Gretna, with football agent Paul Davies asking to inspect the books before deciding whether he and partners Hume International should proceed with a bid. The debt experts’ other tasks are to persuade the SPL to hand over £100,000 in prize money early and for Craig Mileson, son of owner Brooks, to continue funding the club. “I have said to him (Craig) I have no idea how seriously ill his father is, but he needs to be made aware the club he has spent so much time and money on is likely to be closed,” said Elliot. “If he wants to do something he has to do it now.”
Mileson senior, who has bankrolled Gretna to the tune of £8m since 2003, was hospitalised in February with a brain infection. No employees can be paid without his authorisation.
SPL officials had agreed to pay Gretna’s end-of-season prize money early in four weekly instalments, until realising their rules prevented it.
Gretna owe £350,000 to the Crown, plus an £800,000 claim by Rowan Alexander, sacked as manager in November. Raydale Park could be sold to raise £850,000, though this would leave the club homeless if they survive until next season. That looks unlikely.
