SCOTTISH Football League chiefs feared keeping Gretna in the Irn-Bru First Division could have triggered more fixture chaos next season.

SFL bosses unanimously agreed to demote the crisis-ridden Raydale Park side to the Third Division hours after they had entered the SFL pyramid following their relegation from the SPL.

That happened after a business plan put forward by the consortium negotiating a potential takeover failed to convince SFL officials it was water-tight.

SFL president Brown McMaster revealed: "We were not convinced. There was a significant risk that Gretna would not be able to comply with the requirements of the SFL and, of course, complete the full fixture list.

"Given that scenario then we would have been talking about chaos being wreaked upon all three divisions if things had gone wrong next season.

"If things do not work out for Gretna, then we will not have a problem in replacing them and the level of disruption will be minimal. It was a common- sense decision."

"But with Airdrie now moving up to the First Division, by virtue of being losing play-off finalists, I must stress that their chairman Jim Ballantyne took no part in the vote."

However, Gretna are unlikely to fill their new slot in Division Three with Stranraer moving up to the Second Division by virtue of being losing Division Two play-off finalists.

It is increasingly clear the group interested in a purchase, and fronted by Glasgow-based agent Paul Davies, lack the means to tackle the club's £4m debt.

Despite talks between SFL officials, Davies and Gretna joint-administrator David Elliot this week, no guarantees were given over finances, fixtures or the club's stadium, which does not meet First Division standards.

And the decrease in potential revenue sparked by the double demotion makes a buyout even more unlikely. As such, the league will invite applications for a new club to join the SFL if a takeover is not completed early next week.

If the Doomsday scenario unfolds, the SFL will not be short of applicants for the bottom- tier vacancy. East of Scotland outfit Spartans are believed to be in pole position while neighbours Preston Athletic have also made moves to form an East Lothian club. Annan Athletic are also interested.

Highland League champions Cove Rangers and rivals Inverurie Loco are other clubs interested in securing league status.