Rangers to begin season in Scottish Third Division

Rangers will begin life under Charles Green's reign in the Scottish Third Division after seeing their plea to play in the First Division rejected by rival clubs.

Much had been speculated as to where Rangers Newco would be playing next season due to the Glasgow club being relegated from the SPL for their financial irregularities, with the First Division the most obvious choice in terms of club stature.

But the Scottish Premier League Chief Executive David Longmuir has claimed that, out of the 30 clubs to vote in the process, 25 overall have voted in favour of Rangers playing in the Third Division next year.

Some sources have even claimed that the SPL were keen for Rangers not to play in the Third Division next season due to the financial implications, and went as far as saying that the Scottish clubs' votes may not even be used as the final decision.

John Yorkston, chairman of the possible '12th club' Dunfermline, was seemingly doubtful about the outcome before the announcement today, claiming that the SPL were still considering entering Rangers into Scotland's most prestigious league.

He told BBC Scotland earlier this week: "They may actually go with Rangers. Rangers have still got the share in the league and that might be an option they go for if they believe Rangers in the Third Division is the right decision."

The outcome of the vote now leaves SPL's key members with the responsibility of deciding who will replace Rangers for the 2012/13 season, with Dunfermline and Dundee United leading candidates to be promoted, although it remains to be seen whether the verdict is final.