Spartans and Cove Rangers have already signalled their intent to apply if a vacancy arises and previous applicants likely to be interested include Gala Fairydean, Edinburgh City and Huntly.

The crisis at Gretna meanwhile took a positive turn today when it emerged that an Irish consortium are preparing a bid to buy the club. Former Carlisle United boss Roddy Doyle and property developers the McMullen Group will meet administrators on Tuesday to thrash out a deal.

Their plight has also been eased by the SPL's decision to award the club £100,000 now rather than at the end of the season.