The backlash against proposals to parachute Sevco into the First Division has continued with Stranraer and East Fife joining the no camp.
Raith Rovers chairman Turnbull Hutton spoke out against the bullying and blackmailing going on to influence SFL clubs into solving a problem created by the SPL and SFA.
Hutton’s views seem to be echoed throughout the SFL with the Raith chairman more in tune with clubs than the highly paid executives who have cobbed together the newco plans.
A statement from Stranraer read: “The committee unanimously agreed that the proposals are produced in haste and are unconvinced about the justification for departing from the rules and standards that the SFL represent.
“As a club recently faced with possible extinction and fighting our way back from financial difficulties we fully understand the position that a club could find themselves placed in and as a supporters run club, fully understand the passions of the supporters of clubs affected by such an event.
“We are not convinced at the emotive language currently being aired to describe the potential ramifications to our game should a NewCo not be given special case treatment and consider that the benefits that could be negotiated do not counter balance the damage that would be done to the credibility of the SFL as a governing body.
“We hold the stance that it is our place to act in the best long term interests of Stranraer FC and for Scottish Football as a whole and see no reason to breach the integrity of the SFL by filling a vacancy at any level other than at the lowest tier.
“The possibility of placing a NewCo at any other level breaches the sporting competition of our organisation and compromises the very structure of our game.
“There should not be a special case made for any club and we believe that the proper place for a phoenix club to restart life is at the lowest level.
“We believe it is right and proper than any club should have the right to apply for the resulting vacancy and we would then form a view on which club we would support for election to any vacancy based on the presentation case made by the applicants.”
East Fife added: “East Fife FC want to make clear our views on the current “Newco” situation as it relates to SFL membership. We have taken into account the views of over 500 of our supporters who responded to our survey.
“We retain an open mind on the subject of league reconstruction, and will carefully consider any proposal put to us in this regard.
“The board of directors of East Fife FC, however, is unanimous in its view that we shall not support any integrated plan that in our view compromises sporting integrity by involving the admission of any ‘Newco’ directly into Division One. Any “Newco” must follow the normal application route into the bottom tier.”
SFL clubs meet at Hampden today amid speculation that Green is still lobbying SPL clubs to accept Sevco despite seven clubs going public with their opposition to the plan.
CLICK HERE for Walter Smith accuses SFA of negligence
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I think that with the smaller teams and even some of the spl sides having the backbone to stand up against the threats intimidation and the well publisised financial loss they will supposedly suffer. I think its our duty to support these teams whenever we get the chance, be it in the cups at away ties, or pick one of them evertime we have rugby park or anywhere else that have dropped there trousers
Well done to the smaller teams as they have not allowed themselves to be bullied. This will be good for our game.
Once the new season is back underway i for one will be making raith rovers my first visit outsie celtic, its so refreshing to see there is some honour and integrity left in the world and it should be rewarded
One of the best things to come out of this mess is there is surprisingly a great deal of intelligence, real dignity and sporting integrity within football clubs and the majority of the fans. Its clear those running the game have none of these qualities, indeed they seem to be inspired by corruption, greed and blatant cheating, which leads one to conclude their positions of power have been gained solely based on the style of a handshake.
The current (bun’s) mantra at the moment is never forget never forgive.the rest of scottish footballs should be NEVER COMEBACK!! in any form
With Green offering just about anything to gain acceptance it knd of throws a spanner in the words of their chant…No one likes us, we don’t care….They care plenty now or face complete oblivion. SLF 1-2-3 don’t care as they have run for many years without the financial gain due to the “hordes” visting. Seems odd that the SPL can’t do likewise – simply a matter of getting your house in order, maybe Sevco 5088 Ltd should try it.
Turnball Hutton is the man to run our game. Honest, intelligent, eloquent and forward thinking.
Well done East Fife F.C and well done the other two Fife Clubs Raith Rover’s and Dunfermline for speaking out in favour of Sporting Integrity. One noticeable absence from the four Fife teams is Cowdenbeath F.C . . .I wonder why? Could it be that the previously named Cowdenbeath Ranger’s now have a more modern claim to that dead name by having Donald Findlay as their Chairman. A hell hole of a place to avoid next season methinks!