Clyde make SFA claim

Stewart Regan: Scottish Football Association chief executive

Rangers would never have been allowed to start life in the Scottish Premier League even if their application to join was approved, according to minnows Clyde.

SPL clubs overwhelmingly voted against the newco joining the top-flight at their AGM on Wednesday.

But Third Division Clyde claim in a statement on their website that Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan told them on the eve of the ballot he would have veto the transfer of their membership.

"The attendees at the meeting were left in absolutely no doubt whatsoever by Stewart Regan that if the SPL clubs voted to allow a newco into the SPL then it would be blocked by the SFA refusing to transfer the SFA membership," the statement read.

Clyde were meeting with other Scottish Football League sides to discuss the possible entry of newco Rangers.

The club also claim that Regan made it clear they would have to accept Charles Green's side into the First Division or risk being cut adrift by the formation of an SPL 2.

"It was however caveated well enough to make it less than an absolute statement," the Clyde message to fans continued.

Dreadful situation

"The meeting was full of implied actions and outcomes, the use of clever language when delivering the speeches allows anyone to defend with 'that is not what I said'.

"However, nobody will have left the meeting with anything other than the very clear messages being put across.

"Denials of the substance of the message being delivered do not assist anyone in this absolutely dreadful situation."

Regan did indeed deny the claims in a statement, which read: "Unfortunately, a comment relating to one potential scenario Rangers FC's readmission to the SPL - was distorted, taken out of context and leaked to the media by a member.

"For the avoidance of doubt, any decision regarding the future status of Rangers FC requires not only the transfer of the SPL share but the transfer of the Scottish FA's membership.

"The Scottish FA board will approve this only when all relevant information has been provided and the directors are satisfied that the solution presented is in the best interests of Scottish football."