 The Claymores have played in Scotland since 1995 |
The NFL Europe League has pulled the plug on the Scottish Claymores in favour of another German team. The Claymores have been part of the NFLEL since 1995, posting an average attendance of 10,799.
"This is the toughest decision this league has ever had to make," said NFL Europe Managing Director Jim Connelly.
"But the economics of our league and the interest shown by other cities have forced us to look at other markets that can improve our business."
The NFLEL will announce details of a new franchise in the near future but it widely believed that a German city will get it.
That would leave Amsterdam as the only non-German team in the six-strong European League.
The Glasgow-based Claymores follow Barcelona and London teams, who fell by the wayside.
"We are aware of the deep disappointment that will be felt by the many Claymores fans and thank them for the loyal support they have given to the team," added Connelly. "We also thank all the coaches, players and staff who have contributed to the franchise over the years."
Under coach Jack Bicknell, the Claymores finished last season with a disappointing won two, lost eight record.
The Claymores won the World Bowl in just their second season defeating Frankfurt Galaxy in front of 38,982 fans at Murrayfield in June1996.
They returned to World Bowl in 2000, but lost out to Rhein Fire in the Waldstadion in Frankfurt.
"I am desperately disappointed that the League has taken the decision to suspend our operations," said Claymores general manager Steve Livingstone.
"We do not believe that the Claymores have failed.
"Despite indifferent seasons on the field, during the last four seasons, we have grown our business in Glasgow off the field, while at the same time developing strong partnerships in the community and with the City of Glasgow.
" I feel it is regrettable that the League has taken the steps they have taken in order to develop a new team in Germany - they have called it as they see it and want to move in another direction with the League.
"Everyone associated with the Claymores is proud of the considerable successes that we have achieved here in Scotland during the past ten seasons - outside of the Old Firm, we were one of the best supported teams in the country."
MMIX
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Outside of the Old Firm, we were one of the best supported teams in the country 