Midfielder Skelton given SPL lifeline by Killie
Last updated 09:20, Saturday, 07 June 2008
FORMER Gretna midfielder Gavin Skelton has spoken of his shock at his old club's demise after Kilmarnock handed him the chance to continue his career in the SPL.
Killie boss Jim Jefferies yesterday beat off competition from other top-flight teams to land the 27-year-old on a two-year deal.
Skelton is delighted with the move but admitted he was devastated by the plight of Gretna, who are set to go to the wall after this week resigning from the Scottish Football League.
The Cumbrian, who made 231 appearances during seven seasons with the Black and Whites, said: "Obviously I'm delighted to sign for Kilmarnock and I'm relieved that my future is sorted, but I'm very sorry about what has happened at Gretna.
"I'll always have a connection with them after having been there for so long. I'm really sad by what's happened. I didn't think it would come to that as I thought they would be saved somehow.
"I've got to look forward now and I'm really pleased about the move to Kilmarnock. Because of the season we had with Gretna I needed a couple of weeks to clear my head.
"There was interest from another couple of clubs but Kilmarnock have been interested for a while and it's nice to feel wanted.
"I was with Gretna for a long time and now I've got to try to win over a new manager, new team-mates and new fans, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
A delighted Jefferies said: "I have had a couple of chats with Gavin and he has decided to come to us.
"He had two or three clubs chasing him so I told him to go speak with them to make sure he wanted to come here."
Skelton joined Gretna seven years ago from Workington Reds while they were still playing in the English UniBond League.
The midfielder, from Kirkby Thore, near Appleby, began his career at Carlisle United but was released after just two appearances with the Blues in turmoil during the Michael Knighton era.
But he rebuilt his professional career at Gretna, collecting three successive championship medals during the Borderers' incredible rise from the Scottish Third Division to the SPL.
He was also a member of the team which reached the 2006 Scottish Cup Final against Hearts in front of 52,000 fans at Hampden Park, but suffered the agony of missing his spot kick in the penalty shoot-out as Gretna lost 4-2.
