The signs are ominous that Charles Green may have to lower his sights for his newco.

Charles Green is still, understandably, pushing for newco Rangers to play at the highest level possible level despite six SPL clubs going public with their voting intentions ahead of the 4 July meeting to determine if the newco can acquire Rangers' share in the competition. Inverness, Aberdeen and St Johnstone have joined Hearts, Dundee United and Hibs in announcing they intend to vote against Green's application. It is expected these clubs will be joined by fans who have pledged money for community ownership schemes at Motherwell and St Mirren. With Green looking for an at least an 8-4 majority to join the top flight, it looks like an application should be drafted to the join the SFL. That option does not look clear cut either as discussions have been held at the top level over putting Rangers into the Irn-Bru First Division amid wider changes to the structure of the Scottish game. However, such a move would have to get the approval of the SFL clubs and Falkirk have already objected.
 
Green said: "I always want to play at the highest level and that's why we made an application to join the SPL - and whether you're a player, whether you're a fan or whether you're a director of a football club, you always want to see your club playing at the highest level. But cream always floats to the top and this club will come back and it will come back at the top - make no mistake."
 
Some Rangers fans see starting in Division Three as the right thing to do but Green does not share their opinion. he said: "Well, of course, I accept that that's a view but what we also have to look at is Scottish football is driven by two factors: Rangers and Celtic. And the income drivers, the generation, the media, the marketing is all about two clubs, and really I think what we have to do is start looking now at what's best for Scottish football and we all have to now unite behind the club and make sure that the decisions we take going forward achieve that result."
 
The issue is complicated by uncertainty over SFA action, with an appeal hearing due against Rangers before Green bought the club's assets and business. Green said: "There are sanctions that could withdraw the club's ability to play. Part of my job is to work through the issues and make sure we're playing football and we're playing football at Ibrox for many years to come."