In a previous piece, we explored Rushden & Diamonds, an English club that rose through the non-leagues to League One before financial ruin. A similar story unfolded in Scotland with Gretna, a small town club that made an astonishing rise from non-league obscurity to European competition.
Founded in 1946, Gretna spent much of its history in England's lower divisions. The club sought entry to the Scottish football pyramid since the 1990s, and in the 2002-03 season, they replaced Airdrieonians in Scotland's Third Division. This marked the beginning of their rise, supported by English businessman Brooks Mileson, who became their major backer.
Mileson, a Sunderland native, had a successful career in construction and insurance and was passionate about football, having previously contributed to clubs like Berwick Rangers, Dundee, and Ayr United. After a failed takeover bid for Carlisle United, he turned his focus to Gretna, financing three consecutive promotions to the Scottish Premier League.
Gretna's rapid ascent was unsustainable for the small town of around 3,000 residents.
Despite significant investment—reportedly £7-8 million—Gretna’s financial troubles grew. In 2006, they reached the Scottish Cup final, losing to Hearts on penalties, but secured a place in UEFA Cup qualifying, where they were eliminated by Derry City. That same season, they were promoted to the First Division.
By 2007-08, Gretna reached the Scottish Premier League, competing alongside giants Celtic and Rangers. However, their stadium did not meet top-flight requirements, forcing them to play at Motherwell’s Fir Park. Mileson promised a new 6,000-capacity stadium, but it was never built. His declining health, coupled with mounting debt, led to administration by mid-2008, with the Scottish Football League covering player wages to ensure the club completed its fixtures.
Gretna finished bottom of the SPL with just 13 points and the lowest attendance in SPL history—431 fans at a game against Inverness. The club resigned from the Scottish Football League and was liquidated in August 2008. Mileson passed away later that year, and in 2010, his estate declared bankruptcy, owing £6 million.
A new club, Gretna 2008, was founded, now competing in the Lowland Football League, one division below the SPFL League Two.
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