AIRDRIE United manager Kenny Black has no qualms about his club benefiting from the further demise of Gretna who have been relegated to the Irn-Bru Third Division.
The Borders club, who went into administration in March, could give no guarantees at the Scottish Football League's annual general meeting that they will fulfil their fixtures next season.
Consequently, they were demoted two further levels follo
wing their relegation from the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
Airdrie, who lost in the First Division play-off final to Clyde after finishing second in the Second Division, will be promoted to the First Division and Stranraer will move up to the Second Division.
Black said: "Somebody up there likes us. We haven't had much luck recently so I'm delighted.
"We would like to have gone up as champions but we were fortunate enough to take advantage of this situation. I have sympathy with the people at Gretna, the players, the staff and the fans. But the SFL gave them as long as they could.
"We have been waiting to hear the decision because it has dragged on. We are looking forward to next season.
"Some might see us as the whipping boys and feel that we are guaranteed to go back down. But that is a challenge that I relish and I am determined to keep Airdrie in the First Division."
Gretna are included in the Challenge Cup draw for the time being. They are paired with Clyde, but whether they will be able to fulfil the fixture remains to be seen.
CHALLENGE CUP DRAW North/East
Ross County v St Johnstone
Alloa v Dundee
Arbroath v Forfar
Brechin City v East Fife
Dunfermline v Stirling Albion
Peterhead v Montrose
Elgin City v Cowdenbeath
Bye: Raith Rovers
South/West
East Stirling v Ayr United
Clyde v Gretna
Stenhousemuir v Albion Rovers
Partick Thistle v Queen's Park
Berwick Rangers v Queen of the South
Livingston v Stranraer
Airdrie v Dumbarton
Bye: Morton
Ties to be played on 26 July
The full article contains 341 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
