Livingston chairman 'unaware' of any plans to press ahead with SPL2

Gordon McDougall says he is completely unaware of claims by Rangers that an SPL2 was now on the cards, following the admission of the newco into the Third Division.

Scottish Football League clubs voted 25-5 in favour of placing the Ibrox club in the bottom tier, having decided to grant them membership of the league.

Immediately after it was announced Rangers would not bypass two divisions to play in the First Division, the club put out a statement saying a "briefing" had taken place between Scottish FA chief Stewart Regan and his SPL counterpart, Neil Doncaster, over the formation of a second top flight tier.

The statement was subsequently retracted, with Charles Green having informed SFL chairmen he was content with the decision for his club to enter at the bottom of the ladder.

McDougall insists no talks have taken place with Livingston, potential candidates for any SPL2, but asked for time before passing judgement on Rangers' next move.

"I am totally unaware of that," he told STV when told of Rangers' statement.

"We as a group we talked about a 42 club solution to Scottish football's problems. I don't know who is driving that [SPL2].

"It is disappointing in these terms. But let's give ourselves time, get today over, be able to read what's happening tomorrow, then we will get communication from the administration.

"[I can] categorically state Livingston have never been spoken to about SPL2. Never, since I have been there for the last three years."

Rangers SPL2 remarks

Rangers' original statement read: "It is now understood that on the back of a briefing SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster and SFA counterpart Stewart Regan gave to clubs last week that the SPL will introduce a plan for SPL2 - which would include Rangers - and invite existing Division One members to join."

It was later revised to say: "It was mooted last week that plans for an SPL2 would swing into action in the event of today's outcome but it is not known if this will be the case."

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