Old Firm gala day key to vote

Jul 6 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

ANNAN Athletic secretary Dick Shaw MBE says the main reason why they were voted into the SFL was because they could host either of the Old Firm at their tiny Galabank ground.

The club fought off competition from Spartans, Cove Rangers, Preston Athletic and Edinburgh City to take Gretna's place.

Their first match will be against Clyde in the Challenge Cup on July 26.

Shaw (below) was delighted with the decision and believes Annan will be a credit to the SFL.

But he revealed their ability to stage huge cup games against any side could have swung it in their favour. Shaw said: "If we were to draw Rangers or Celtic in a cup tomorrow we'd have no problem hosting the game. That's what I think may have swayed the vote for us last week.

"We could stage a match against anyone if we had to.

"People saw we were a proper club with a great structure, that's also why the vote went for us.

"It's a reward for the hard work we've put in over a number of years."

Shaw had no idea Gretna were struggling and takes no pleasure in their downfall. But he will try to entice some of their fans and those of English out fit Carlisle United.