Salvation looms for Gretna March 22 2008
Gretna are getting closer to a deal with a potential buyer, with three separate parties looking at hauling the club back from the brink.
The stricken Scottish Premier League outfit are currently in administration after millionaire backer Brooks Mileson threw their future into doubt by withdrawing his funding.
But on Thursday, David Elliot of Gretna's administrators Wilson Field revealed he had held talks with all three interested buyers.
He said: "I have met now with three interested parties and I think two of those parties do have an ability to keep the football side going.
"A lot of the time I am being asked 'am I talking to Miller Homes, am I talking to Barratt (Homes)?', the answer is no, I am not in that position. I am talking to people who want to play football."
Elliot confirmed that one of the potential buyers is a consortium led by former Carlisle boss Roddy Collins. He is backed by Irish firm, the McMullen Group.
But their cash could be swayed by interest from Bournemouth and Rotherham who are also looking for buyers.
Another interested party was confirmed as being American-based but Elliot refused to reveal any more details about them. The other potential buyer is thought to be a Glasgow-based consortium.
Elliot said talks were going well but stressed they were at a very early stage.
"There are no contracts out, but they know what it is that is required to take on Gretna. They know how I would structure the deal but I have not instructed solicitors, we are not at that stage yet.
"But they understand what is required and they are still in the loop, they are still there. Once I come close to something, I will make and announcement."
Gretna are earmarking a big payday when they take on Old Firm giants Celtic this weekend.
There had been fears the Highlanders would fold after the SPL splits due to a lack of cash. That would have spared the blushes of league bosses, as had Gretna folded before the split, the results of all their matches would have been declared void.
But Elliot insisted they now have the funds to go until the end of the season.
"This money will keep us going until the end of the season. I'm not interested in going to the split, it's not fair on the players."