• SFL refuses to guarantee a place in First Division
• Only 13 players attend first day of pre-season training
The Scottish Football League has said there is no guarantee that Charles Green's newco Rangers will start next season in the First Division.
Green's company is almost certain to be excluded from the Scottish Premier League, with six clubs having already signalled their opposition to their presence ahead of next Wednesday's meeting at Hampden Park. Green requires an 8-4 vote in favour for Rangers to remain in Scotland's top flight.
It has been suggested that rather than start anew in the Third Division, Rangers could be relegated from the SPL and into the First Division with immediate effect. Several First Division clubs, however, have voiced their disapproval and the SFL have denied a safety net is in place, leaving Rangers' future increasingly uncertain. A restructuring of the leagues requires 75% majority approval.
A statement from the SFL read: "The Scottish Football League can confirm that no agreement has been reached between the SFL and any other body regarding the position of Rangers Newco in the First Division. Consultation will continue to take place, primarily with our clubs, as previously advised."
Green's consortium purchased Rangers assets for £5.5m on 14 June and has been engulfed in legal and financial problems. Supporters gathered outside Ibrox on Wednesday night to demand greater clarity from Green, while former player John Brown led a protest against the consortium and called for a supporters' buy-out.
Only 13 players reported back for the first day of pre-season training, with three of those out of contract and several academy graduates included. The Scotland internationals Kirk Broadfoot, Lee McCulloch, Lee Wallace, plus the goalkeepers Neil Alexander and Scott Gallacher were among the senior players to turn up. Free agents Andrew Mitchell, Salim Kerkar, Chris Hegarty also reported for fitness tests despite their contracts expiring at the end of last season, while the club said Dorin Goian and Alejandro Bedoya were not due back on Thursday. Maurice Edu and Carlos Bocanegra also have extra time off having played for the USA in World Cup qualifiers.
At least 10 players have objected to their contracts being transferred to newco Rangers and claim to be free agents, including captain Steven Davis, Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor and Steven Naismith. Jamie Ness is expected to be the first of them to move on, having agreed a four-year contract with Stoke City. Read More
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