Rangers in crisis: Stewart Regan's plan to 'relegate' newco was not debated, claims Stephen Thompson That wasn't what was discussed. Ever. Even a number of weeks ago when the vote took place. We didn't envisage anything taking place. Doncaster denied Thompson's allegation that the possibility of negotiating a path into the First Division had not been debated. "The possibility of where Rangers might be was absolutely discussed by our members," he said. The vote was taken early in the meeting, and it was clear very early what the outcome of that vote was. The SFA has vowed to stick with Regan despite the controversy surrounding his leaked email over the weekend. A statement read: "Since being appointed chief executive, he has led us through an unprecedented modernisation of the Scottish FA. He has our full support. Dundee can finally breathe sigh of relief Dundee chief executive Scot Gardiner has revealed he was always confident the Dark Blues would be chosen to replace Rangers in the Scottish Premier League. The SPL confirmed yesterday that Dundee would be "Club 12" - a spot left empty in the league following the rejection of newco Rangers into the top flight last week. Dundee finished second in the Irn-Bru First Division last season and were one of two clubs in with the chance of playing in the SPL in the upcoming season. The other side was Dunfermline, who finished bottom of the SPL last season, but Gardiner said he always believed Dundee were the preferred option. "We were always confident that on sporting merits it was an open and shut case - however it is obviously extraordinary circumstances just now and so you could never be sure of anything," he said. I received a call just prior to the SPL releasing their confirmation of it. Once again I can assure you that we will be accepting the invitation. Gardiner was also relieved that the club can now start to prepare fully for the season now they know which league they will be playing in. "We haven't been able to take a breath yet, let alone a sigh of relief," he said. We have kind of been in limbo, certainly for a few weeks and only now can we start to plan properly for the SPL. Scottish Premier League chief executive Neil Doncaster insisted Dundee deserve their place in the top flight under "sporting merit" despite protestations from Dunfermline. Doncaster said: "The clubs looked at it and overwhelmingly they felt that on sporting merit, Dundee had the best case and that's why they have received the invite. This is an exceptional circumstance when there has been a further vacancy created and in those circumstances it is for the clubs themselves in the SPL to determine who they wish to invite. There was no formal vote, there was an overwhelming view that Dundee was the right call in terms of sporting fairness. Dunfermline have vowed to take legal advice on the matter but Doncaster would not be drawn on the prospect. "That's an issue for them," he said.