SPARTANS don't plan to submit an application to join the SFL this summer – because they can't see a Rangers newco being denied entry into Scottish football.
The ambitious East of Scotland League side failed to join the senior set-up in 2008 when they lost out to Annan Athletic.
But Andy Nixon, the club's director of football, feels that even in liquidation Rangers are sure to be retained as a presence in the Scottish senior game.
Instead, the Ainslie Park side will focus on joining the Scottish leagues through the introduction of a pyramid structure, which Nixon feels could be in place in two years.
"It is not worth contemplating because I can't see Rangers not being about," Nixon said. "We just can't see it happening.
"We are happy to focus on getting our own league sorted out and getting the pyramid sorted and playing our way into the league that way – it is what we would always have preferred to do anyway.
"Rangers are too big to fail completely. Whether they will be in the SPL or the SFL I am not too sure, but 50,000 people go along to Ibrox every fortnight so I think they will survive in some shape or form.
"Theoretically, other teams could express an interest in a vacancy which may arise, but I just can't see the Rangers newco not getting back in.
"I think 12 months down the line is optimistic [to see the introduction of a fully-functioning pyramid structure] but in the next 12 months we should be looking to get into a position where the season after next we can go forward.
"There is a will there for it to happen and it would help teams find their true level. To be fair, Stewart Regan has a lot on his plate so the pyramid hasn't been high on his agenda."
Stewart Fisher
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