Newco Rangers to play in Scottish third division

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The Rangers newco will begin life in Scotland’s fourth tier following a vote from the Scottish Football League clubs.

The 30 SFL clubs have voted to admit Rangers into Division Three by a majority of 25 to five, with the Ibrox club accepting their fate following a traumatic few months which have seen them plunged into administration as well as shunted from pillar to post.

Rangers boss Ally McCoist had indicated that he would be happy to see his new club start life in Scotland’s fourth tier alongside the likes of East Stirling, Clyde and Montrose, although various figures from within the Scottish game had warned of the potential financial implications should one of the Old Firm be absent from the top flight for any number of years.

"Today has been one of the most difficult decisions to be made by all concerned,” said SFL chief executive David Longmuir.

“The decision has been taken in the interest of sporting fairness. I am comfortable that the Scottish Football League has made a very decisive decision.

“The Rangers representatives were invited in at the end of the meeting and informed that their application to play in the SFL had been successful; and that the vast majority of clubs had voted in favour of them joining Division Three.

“They accepted this with good grace and went out of the door with their heads held high.”

The Scottish Premier League will now vote on who will become ‘Club 12’ for the 2012/13 season in Rangers’ absence.

Dunfermline finished bottom of the SPL last season and – in any normal circumstance – have had their relegation to the first division confirmed already, whilst Dundee finished second in the second tier and have made an application for promotion.

Mark Jones – follow me on twitter

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