Well done Rangers fans

[Duncer]

Nearly 76% of Rangers fans voted to start next season in the 3rd Division. The ballot was organised by the Rangers Fighting Fund and was taken from a data base of season ticket holders. The final results were 75.86 voting for the Third Division option, with 20% going for the First Division. Just over 3% wanted an SPL future with sanctions although, thankfully, that option is now gone.

I really am looking forward to the new season now, as long as no compromise deals are made to see a financial indeucement dangled in return for a arachute into the First Division. The majority of First Division clubs don't want Rangers and, like any visitor, I don't want to go where I'm not wanted; I'd much rather pass them on the way back. I am still frightened that money/financial expediency will out and Rangers will be First Division club next year.

Fingers crossed I am wrong?

[HowardKennitby]

Hi Dunce

I only found about this in the pub tonight. I was surprised that Celtic voted against.
If it is done right going down to D3 could be the best option. Allow the club to build from 'the ground up' again.
Whatever happens ultimately it cannot not prevent some shyster taking control of a public company.

[sandyRoe]

Rangers have a strong fan base. Could they not take financial control of their club somehow?

[MarkRae]

> I was surprised that Celtic voted against.

Like it or not, Celtic and Rangers need each other. Now, Celtic has essentially no-one to compete against for a season or two...

[Duncer]

Mark - a perfect scenario.

They win the league without having to spend big, allowing them to focus on perhaps getting into the CL group stages. That would bring in £30 to £40 million while Rangers grub around the lower leagues.

[HowardKennitby]

^

short-termism in the extreme. Will do them no good.

[Wharton]

Not an answer Duncer but which of the 3rd division teams will be making way for Newco Rangers?

[Duncer]

None, as Rangers exit the SPl everyone will move up one.

Then again, they may elect Spartqans instead.

[Wharton]

I wonder what Gretna 2008 fc are thinking about all this.

[Duncer]

I fell for the Gretna fairy story and even went to the Scottish Cup final to cheer them on (sorry Hearts fans) but once Brookes Mileson went they were doomed, as they were the day they moved their SPL games to Motherwell. I doubt they are ready for Third Division football a they are still plying their trade in the mid regions of the South of Scotland League. I would hate to think Rangers would do a team out of a place and, if honest, I think they should open the league up into a pyramid system, but I have my doubts.

I watch a lot of junior football and, at £5 or £6 it is great value for money. You can get a beer too, and swap ends at half time, all reminiscent of years gone by. All of this would go with admission to the SFL, and teams like Boness United, Pollock, Lintlithgow Rose, Auchinleck Talbot and their ilk would see crowds drop drastically as people would not pay £12 for Third Division football.

[erin-x]

My Dad as you know is a Celtic supporter... He never wanted this for Rangers. The majority of Rangers fan that I know are much more pleased with the 3rd division outcome than the alternatives.

[Duncer]

Cheers erin-x. It's the only honourable alternative and the only one that would make me feel comfortable supporting them next season.

That is not to wear a hair shirt and self-flaggelate; it's as much a case of responding to the hatred and score settling from a lot of clubs. I recognise that debts have to be paid and Raners do need to be punished and, as I've said before, the Third Division is the way to do it, but too many small clubs, (SPL sides) have had far too much to say, and reasoned analysisis suggests some will go bust. Good luck with the results of your vote folks?