Clyde hit out at hasty cobbled together newco plan
Plans hatched between the SFA, SPL and SFL have been roundly criticised by supporters and clubs throughout the game with the Cumbernauld based club adding their voice to the critics.
All SFL clubs will meet at Hampden on Tuesday to discuss the plans but other than the authors of the report there are few backers for the reforms being put forward.
Clyde have been through plenty of trials and tribulations themselves over the last 30 years as they relocated from Rutherglen to Cumbernauld with a spell ground sharing with Partick Thistle and Hamilton Accies.
Responding to recent discussions the club said: “SPL clubs that have openly stated their opposition to a Newco being given immediate access to the SPL have taken the position based on their, and at times, their supporters’ view of what is the right thing to do, however, the vote has still to be taken and proposals such as these are premature.
“If the SPL clubs vote as indicated on the basis of the increasingly discredited notion of sporting integrity, it would be questionable if the SFL clubs did otherwise.
“The reality is that we are faced with unique circumstances and it would be foolish to pretend otherwise, that probably means that compromise for some is inevitable, and perhaps even worthwhile for everyone in the long term. The solution however is not this hastily cobbled together proposal.
“The Board of this club sees no merit whatsoever in adopting this proposal.”
The statement added: “The Board believe that any proposals for change should not be rushed, as these have been. They also have to be done by consensus and not through threat or inducement, again, as these have been.
“The papers include a proposal to allow a Newco to enter the 1st Division. This is contrary to the rules of the SFL and nothing within the papers justifies this proposal.
“As a club owned by its supporters and recovering from having been on the brink of extinction, the Board of Clyde Football Club recognise the damage done to the credibility of Rangers Football Club by its successive owners, and the subsequent impact on staff and supporters. These proposals do nothing to restore that credibility.
“It is not for us to become involved in punishment, that is a matter for the SPL and SFA. The SFL clubs are being asked to change their rules so that the SPL and SFA can apply sanctions that fit short term financial interests.
“It is not for us to tell any club what they should want for themselves, but to enter anywhere other than the 3rd Division risks Rangers Football Club being burdened with the legacy of commencing its rebuilding in a manner that they later look back on with regret.
“Rangers Football Club does not need to be handed a competitive advantage, they are more than capable of returning to the SPL via the 3rd Division on their own merit. Rebuilding from the bottom can restore the dignity stripped from the club by its former owners.”
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