FOOTBALL bosses at Hampden have given their blessing to a bid for reviving Selkirk.

Talks have taken place at the home of Scottish football between SFA bosses and representatives of the former Lowland League club.

And next week licensing officer Laura Anderson will carry out an inspection of Yarrow Park as a first step to the club regaining its licence.

Former secretary Sheree Davison told us: "Everything has been very positive so far and we believe we are now in a position where Selkirk will be playing next season.

"There is still a lot to sort out but we have been encouraged by the support we've received from the Scottish Football Association.

"We have an investor and the players to make us a competitive team."

Selkirk ran into financial difficulties last season with accrued debts of over £180,000.

A £47,000 bequest from a sports supporter in Selkirk was seized by sheriff officers for money owed to a floodlighting company.

More than £100,000 in personal loans from a committee member and further debts of over £37,000 remained unpaid.

The 128-year-old club was eventually kicked out of the Lowland League after failing to fulfil fixtures or pay a guarantee bond of £750.

And they were also scratched from the Scottish Cup first round draw.

Selkirk recently applied to rejoin the Lowland League - a bid which was turned down.

And it is now likely that they will rejoin the East of Scotland Conference C next season if the revival plan is successful.

Ms Davison added: "We did want to rejoin the Lowland League but this was rejected.

"We even asked to be considered as Club 16 and accept relegation, but again this was turned down.

"What we need to concentrate on now is making sure we get our licence again and make sure we are eligible to play in next season's Scottish Cup."

Since the demise of the Lowland League team the Yarrow Park clubrooms have been locked up.

And the club's amateur and junior sections have relied on the neighbouring rugby and cricket clubs for changing facilities.

Talks have taken place between Selkirk Victoria, Selkirk FC Juniors and local SFA Development Officer Drew Kelly about establishing a community club at Yarrow Park.

Mr Kelly said: "We have seen before what happens when a club loses touch with the community where it is based.

"As terrible as what happened at Selkirk this season, some good has come out of it with the Victoria team and the juniors actively talking about a way forward that would benefit the football club and the community.

"I hope there is a way Selkirk can have a senior team again but there is a need for community engagement - we don't want the same mistakes to be made again."