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GRETNA PROMOTED!

In a surprisingly one-sided final, Gretna overcame Ross County 3-0 to secure themselves a place in the Scottish 3rd Division next season. The 2nd Division club, led by manger Nicholas Simpson, stormed past Ross County to gain a fully deserved victory in the match at Hampden. Nicholas Simpson had this to say after the match:
"I am delighted. I would like to thank everyone asociated with Gretna Football Club for helping myself and the players gain our 2nd successive promotion, and one which is fully deserved. I just hope that we can make an impact in the 1st division next season, and show we are not just there to make up the numbers. We mean business and are willing to show that on the football pitch"

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Nick and Simon at the end of the final

"Well Si, weve done it! Its been a long, hard tough season, but we have done it. And it was richly deserved i might add"

"Yes, it was. We've had a few incidents but concentrated on the job in hand and got it done. Now, lets hope England make it a double celebration by winning the World Cup"

"Not over here it wont be mate, not in Scotland1 Anyway, lets go and join the boys in celebration"

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"Do you think he is worth the fee boss?"

"Well hes young, hes got talent and has played in the SPL. If he is willing to come i think we should grad him"

"Ok boss, i will check on him..."

GRETNA MAKE FIRST SUMMER SIGNING

Young Hibernian Full-back Jay Shields is set to join Gretna following a medical at Raydale Park. The fee is as yet unknown but is thought to be around the £20,000 mark. Shield has made limited appearances for Hibs and felt the move would allow him more First team opportunities

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2 MORE NEW FACES AT RAYDALE

Nicholas Simpson has today brought in two new faces for his teams 1st Division campaign. Custodio is a Portuguese central midfielder who can play in the holding role or in the central midfield pairing. The 22 year old was purchased from Sporting CP for a fee of £16,000. Celso Ayala, the experienced Paraguayan International defender with over 50 caps to his name has also joined Gretna. Simpson will be delighted to have Ayala's experience and quality to help the younger defenders through

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Other Summer Transfers include:

David Dunn, Free Transfer
Gary McLaughlin, Free Transfer
Tony Caig, Free Transfer
Stephen McConalogue, £1,000

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"Well, here we are, back again for another adventure into Scottish Football"

"Except this time, we are playing First Division football and testing ourselves"

"True, very true. How do you think we will do?"

"Depends how quickly the new lads fit in. The scottish lads all know each other but Celso and Custodio are new to the country. A few of the lads have taken them to heart and made them feel welcome, so thats nice to see. What about you Si, how do you think we will do?"

"I've got a funny feeling we might just shock a few people this season. I'm not making any bold predictions, but we will see"

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"Fancy a good cup run this term?"

"Well again the league is going to be my priority but we will have to see what happens wont we? Hows training going?"

"I've been impressed with some of the new signings. Custodio looks excellent and he and David Dunn look an excellent pairing in the middle of the park. And Stephen McConalogue is playing well aswell. That kid can finish, no doubt about it2

"Good, lets hope we get a good start against Albion Rovers then"

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Scottish Challenge Cup 1st Round
Gretna 4-0 Albion Rovers
Scorers: Juanjo (2), Dunn, Deuchar

We were terrific, and really showed the good form we had in training in this game. Albion Rovers didn't have a chance, and we ran riot. We created 26 chances, 23 of them on target, and debutant David Dunn earned himself a MoM award, and fully deserved. He created 2 goals and scored one himself, and even had time to showboat for our 4th goal. An all-round efficient performance from the boys, and we never had to get out of 2nd gear

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"Well it would be nice to win. They think they are a better side than us, and it would be nice to prove them wrong by beating them"

"Will be a tough game boss, especially if they want a good start to Division one life"

"I think they will struggle Si, I really do. Lets make them start with a defeat"

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Scottish 1st Division
Gretna 2-1 Partick
Scorers: Deuchar, Juanjo

We were the better side, and fully desrved the 3 points, despite what the bitter Partick manager said. We showed Partick, and everyone else, that we were ready to make that step up in clas,, but were Partick ready to make that step? I seriously didn't think so, and Juanjo's 3rd of the season just after half time sent them tumbling to defeat. Good start from the lads, and a solid performance