BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
THE SFA will decide whether Bonnyrigg Rose are eligible to switch their fairytale Scottish Cup tie against Hibs away from New Dundas Park next week, with the Junior outfit set to submit their case in writing.
Rose secretary Robert Dickson is required to officially outline the reasons why their modest Midlothian home is not fit to host the visit of Neil Lennon’s side next month and will do so today.
Chief among their concerns is the limited capacity, the fact there are no turnstiles at the ground, the lack of disabled facilities and security issues based on the vicinity of nearby homes to the stadium.
In their 0-0 draw in the previous round against Dumbarton, kick-off had to be delayed by 15 minutes to accommodate the capacity crowd and a club source last night intimated that attempting to host Hibs at New Dundas Park would be “chaos”.
If the SFA do decide a switch of venue is in order, they will provide alternative options to the club.
Rose’s preferred venue is Tynecastle, and Hibs boss Neil Lennon has already given his backing to that idea. Bonnyrigg officials have also spoken to Easter Road chief executive Leeann Dempster and she would be happy for the tie to take place at the home of the Jambos.
Dickson, meanwhile, met with Hearts owner Ann Budge and chief operating officer Scot Gardiner on Friday and all parties were open to the idea of the fixture taking place in Gorgie, with Ian Cathro’s men away to Raith Rovers in the fourth round.
However, the suitability of Meadowbank and Spartans’ Ainslie Park – both of which have hosted relatively high profile matches in the past – would also be considered by Hampden chiefs.
Livingston’s Toni Macaroni Arena would ordinarily be an option however they are at home to East Fife on the same day.
