Dundee FC "will be invited" by Scottish Premier League officials to replace the oldco Rangers, according to the HERALD SCOTLAND. Dundee, which was the runner-up in the Irn-Bru First Division last season, was chosen ahead of relegated Dunfermline FC during the league's annual general meeting at Hampden. Despite "reports of a possible U-turn," SPL clubs agreed to work towards the decision made by Scottish Football League clubs to put the Rangers in the Third Division. An SPL statement said: "It was agreed that the SPL would work with the Scottish FA, SFL and Rangers to facilitate Rangers FC taking their place in SFL Division 3 this season" (HERALD SCOTLAND, 7/16). In Glasgow, a DAILY RECORD online poll revealed that 61% voted in favor of Dundee while just 27% backed Dunfermline. The remainder "voted for nobody replacing Rangers." St. Mirren FC Chair Stewart Gilmour had warned over the weekend of "catastrophic" consequences of the SFL vote and claimed Saints would "have to battle to avoid being among up to five SPL clubs who could enter administration" in the coming months. He was much more positive Monday. Gilmour: "It was a really good meeting, really positive. It's time to move on" (DAILY RECORD, 7/16). In London, Phil Gordan wrote the decision taken by the SPL "was met with anger" by Dunfermline Athletic, who "threatened to take legal action" over the move. Dunfermline had hoped for a reprieve after being relegated from the SPL after finishing last in '11-12. Dunfermline CEO John Yorkston said he would be “seeking financial redress” from the SPL if the club withdraws its legal challenge. However, SPL CEO Neil Doncaster, insisted that Dundee -- who finished second in the first division -- had been chosen on “sporting merit” (LONDON TIMES, 7/17)
