Five clubs have applied to replace Gretna in the Scottish Football League and play in Division Three next season.

Four of the teams - Annan Athletic, Edinburgh City, Preston Athletic and Spartans - currently play in the East of Scotland League.

Highland League champions Cove Rangers are the fifth club to apply.

The application deadline passed on Thursday and the clubs will be visited by a working group before a vote takes place on 3 July.

That is when all 29 clubs will have a chance to air their views at a special general meeting.

There were no formal applications from East of Scotland side Gala Fairydean and former senior outfit Third Lanark, who had also expressed an interest.

The vacancy arose after Gretna resigned from the SFL when administrators were unable to find a buyer for the club.

Interested parties are required to source a �100,000 bond on entry to the league.