Sports Talk: How to halt the decline?

A number of clubs are lining up to take Airdrie's place in the Scottish Football League, as the Diamonds became the first club in Scotland to fold since Third Lanark in 1967.

Gretna, who play England's Unibond League, have emerged as early favourites, having already made two unsuccessful applications.

East of Scotland League clubs Gala Fairydean and Whitehill Welfare are other candidates, as are Highland League outfits Huntly, Deveronvale and Fraserburgh.

However, with the last four admissions to the SFL all coming from the Highlands, the League may be inclined to look elsewhere.

Newspaper reports suggested that Carlisle United were prepared to leave the Nationwide League behind for a future in Scotland, but a club spokesman told BBC Radio Cumbria these claims were "100% not true".

The SFL will meet on 9 May to discuss the issues thrown up by the demise of Airdrie.

Falkirk look set to avoid the drop

With the Diamonds dropping out, Falkirk look likely to maintain their First Division status, while the knock-on effect would mean Stenhousemuir avoiding relegation in the league below.

Ironically, former Airdrie manager Ian McCall may benefit from his old club's death almost immediately.

McCall, who worked wonders with the Lanarkshire side this season - steering them to a second placed finish - is being strongly linked with Falkirk.

Meanwhile, homeless Clydebank, who have been tenants at Morton's ground for the past two seasons, fear they could be the next club to go to the wall.

The Second Division outfit has been in administration for two years and prospective buyer David McGhie has now withdrawn his interest.

McGhie's efforts over the last 12 months were hampered by a lack of agreement between owner Dr John Hall.

General manager Mick Oliver said: "There are people who want to buy the club but the problem lies with the owner.

"It is up to him whether the club is in existence next season or goes out of business."