Ambitious English side Doncaster City have used an ancient claim over their national status to apply for a place in next season’s Scottish Cup. The bizarre bid by the Yorkshire club to gain entry into the competition is based on a 12th century treaty which states the town is legally part of Scotland.
City have already made an application to the SFA to be considered for the 2022-23 season and the newly-formed team aim to use Berwick Rangers and East of Scotland side Tweedmouth Rangers as examples of geographically based clubs south of the border being eligible for our national competition.
The Sports Direct bankrolled outfit have started life in the 13th tier of the FA pyramid and currently sit top of Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior Football League Division Two but have targeted a rapid climb through the leagues.
A state-of-the art training campus and hotel are also part of the bold plans but attempts to claim a place in the preliminary round of Scotland’s major cup is an immediate priority.
The side based at the Marra Falcons Stadium and managed by former Sheffield Wednesday star Terry Curran, are using the Treaty of Durham which was signed in 1136 as the basis for their bid as Doncaster was never formally returned to England, even if it leaves historians and football fans scratching their heads in bemusement.
Doncaster City spokesman Luke Van Dome confirmed his club had made a presentation to the SFA with their bid and also revealed a former mayor of his town was so determined for his town to be recognised as Scottish that he demanded a vote in the Independence referendum.
He said: “We have made an application to the Scottish FA for consideration to be entered into the 2022/23 Scottish Cup after finding out our club is in fact based in Scotland.
"We are Doncaster’s newest addition to the footballing world and like any other club we love the fairytales domestic cups can provide. Doncaster became Scottish soil when King Stephen of England passed it to King David I of Scotland in the first Treaty of Durham, and it has not been claimed back.
"In fact as recently as 2014 during the Scotland independence referendum Doncaster Mayor Peter Davies stated he should have a vote due to Doncaster being a Scottish town.
"Doncaster City is on the rise and we dream of a home tie against Rangers or Celtic and why shouldn’t we be welcoming them down? The likes of Cardiff and Swansea compete in the EFL despite their geographical location.”
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