Five clubs have applied to the SFL to replace fallen club Gretna next season.

A spot in the league opened up when Gretna failed to find a buyer after being initially relegated to the Third Division after they were unable to guarantee the ability to fulfill their 2008/09 fixtures.

Four clubs from the East of Scotland Premier League (Annan Athletic, Edinburgh City, Preston Athletic and Spartans), and one from the Highland League (Cove Rangers) have submitted applications.

Two further clubs; Gala Fairydean (of the EoSL First Division) and former senior club Third Lanark who play in Division 3 of the Greater Glasgow Amateur League, also expressed interest only to withdraw in the 11th hour. Thirds still play at their historic home of Cathkin Park which has been reduced to a shell of it's former self while Gala play at Netherdale, an uninspiring if functional ground which has actually hosted Rugby World Cup matches.

Spartans or Edinburgh City would become the third Edinburgh-based league side, along with SPL giants Hearts and Hibs. Spartans have plans to vacate their current City Park home for a new stadium whether or not they gain entry into the league. City currently play at the 16,500-seat Meadowbank Stadium which hosted the 1970 Commonwealth Games as well as Meadowbank Thistle (now Livingston FC).

Cove Rangers, who would be Aberdeen's second club, currently play at Allen Park which may be frowned upon by SFL chiefs. However, Cove are banking on a new community owned stadium to keep their dream of senior football alive. Rangers won the Highland League this season.

East Lothian club Preston Athletic are considered one of the longshots but are confident that their grassroots approach, in stark contrast to Gretna's shooting star style, will appeal to the SFL.

The fifth club, Annan Athletic, come from the borders region. The club are currently racing to have floodlights installed in their 4,200 capacity (500 seat) stadium.

While the lights have gone out at Gretna's Raydale Park for the final time, the club will have to be remembered for it's fighting spirit. Having beat the odds time and time again the Anvils could no longer outrun reality.