The intention was that the new club would be unable to register players until January 2014 (albeit after giving them the summer 2012 window to build up their squad for the assault on Division 3).
We have since been treated to the unedifying sight of The Rangers gloating about an alleged loophole in the rules that allows them to register free agents on September 1st, and they have this week unveiled Cammy Bell and Jon Daly, whom they intend to register on September 1st. There has even been speculation that they can play as trialists from the start of the new season.
The basis for this belief is that clubs can register "free agents" from September 1st, and that as Bell and Daly's contracts with their previous clubs expire on June 30th, they will be free agents.
But let's look at what the SFA's registration procedures actually say.
The key point is article 1.2,
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"A professional player who has failed to find employment during a registration
period may sign and be registered for a club outwith the registration periods."
The rule applies not to "free agents," but to players who have failed to find employment in the registration period.
We must assume that any player signed by The Rangers before 1st September has found employment in the registration period therefore should not be able to be registered outside of the registration period.
Over to you, SFA.
Although it should not be beyond Sandy Bryson to come up with a labyrinthine explanation as to why Daly and Bell can play from September 1st...
