Scottish Football League secretary Peter Donald has promised the seven clubs vying for entry into the Third Division will discover their fate on 18 June.

Huntly, Cove Rangers, Edinburgh City, Preston Athletic, Gala Fairydean, Gretna and Airdrie FC Ltd have all applied to take the place of Airdrieonians who saw their membership end when they went into full administration on 1 May.

The SFL invited applications from across Scotland for teams hoping to take the place of the Diamonds.

Airdrie FC Ltd have been set up by chartered accountant Jim Ballantyne as a new team managed by former Airdrie midfielder Sandy Stewart.

Highland clubs Huntly and Cove Rangers are also in the running while east coast clubs Edinburgh City and Preston Athletic and Borders side Gala Fairydean are also hopeful of admission.

Unibond side Gretna are anxious to make it after two previous failed attempts.

"The applications will now be put to a special general meeting on 18 June where applicants will be given the chance of making a presentation," said Donald.

"Thereafter, there will be a vote to see who is successful by representatives of each league club.

"The successful team will find out on the day who has been successful because we can't take any longer with preparations for the season starting such as fixture lists.

"We have received six so far and the seventh is on its way."