Tom English has lent his backing to Gretna-gate- the latest attempt by mystery researchers to pin some scandal on the SPFL.
A trip back to 2012 and the substantial dossier of hard evidence that he was presented with should give the Chief Sports Reporter at the BBC something to beat Neil Doncaster with but that episode seems to be untouchable.
The Gretna story came pre-Doncaster, back in the closing months of the 2007/08 season the borders club were given monies to ensure that they completed the season. If they hadn’t opponents would have been awarded 3-0 wins. Once the season was completed the went into liquidation, dead.
A strange case indeed. The SPFL need to shed some light on this… https://t.co/fsI5B4auYU
— Tom English (@TEnglishSport) May 6, 2020
Whether they were given a loan or an advance seems to be occupying the thoughts of those pushing for an independent investigation into something at the SPFL. What is to be investigated no-one appears able to explain.
English had an attempt at an investigation back-fire on him on Friday night. Following Murdoch MacLennen’s claim that no club had received a loan in the last decade the hunt was on to dispute that comment.
Two advance payments from 2016 didn’t quite meet the criteria but that didn’t deter the rugger man at the BBC, his story was published at almost the same time as the allegations appeared on Follow Follow.
Saturday’s Sportsound show was a complete disaster for English. Doncaster was presented with an open goal as he explained time and again the difference between a loan and an advance.
In reply English mumbled about an email alleging bullying. Apparently tomorrow he will see the dossier that he craves, if it doesn’t contain clear examples of bullying and coercion it won’t just be the club from Ibrox that are left looking very foolish.