THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS
DAVID FERGUSON CHIEF RUGBY WRITER

THE SRU'S options have narrowed considerably in its quest to find an investor prepared to prop up the professional game, with confirmation that the only realistic rival to Graham Burgess' consortium has still to uncover hard cash.

Brian Simmers, the former Glasgow Academicals and Scotland fly-half, has been striving to put together a group to take over control of the Glasgow pro side. He has persuaded David Mackay, who was forced to resign as SRU chairman 18 months ago, to join him in a prospective bid, but the pair have yet to offer any real investment.
"We believe there is interest in pro rugby in Glasgow, but as yet there is no money," admitted Simmers yesterday. "We believe there could be and want the SRU to give us more time to try and find it because the alternative [Burgess' plan to move Glasgow to Stirling] would be a tragedy, not just for Glasgow, but Scottish rugby.

"It was disappointing to hear the SRU state last week that they will not wait for the new Scotstoun Stadium development because that is going to be a fantastic venue, with all the facilities that Glasgow Warriors need.

"Glasgow City Council are showing their commitment with great investment and we're looking at the wider benefits to Glasgow rugby and Glasgow communities. It does mean waiting three years, and we'd have to play at either Firhill or Hughenden until then, but it is worth waiting for. I know money is important, but with more time we can persuade people in Glasgow that this is worth investing in."

This article was posted on 27-Jun-2006, 08:11 by Hugh Barrow.