Spittal gives United the edge in Play-offs
football wagers over a period stretching back to July 2011. Among those bets were almost 550 that involved the Ladbrokes League Two part-timers, with four placed against his own club. He has until next Tuesday to respond, with a principal hearing set for Thursday, June 1. Last night, former Hibs striker Tam McManus described gambling in football as ‘rife’ and insisted the Annan chairman must stand down if it is proven he bet against his own club. ‘His position is probably untenable,’ he told BBC Sportsound. ‘I don’t think he can look his players or his manager in the eye now. ‘It’s totally wrong and he’s going to be in a lot of bother for it. ‘I wonder if he has bet against his own win bonuses to offset the money he has to pay out. ‘For me, his position is untenable.’ Midfielder Horner was issued with a notice of complaint by the SFA’s compliance officer Tony McGlennan after being accused of breaching the governing body’s strict rules by placing hundreds of football wagers. The former Hibs youngster is alleged to have placed 12 accumulator bets between July 2011 and June 2012, including two which featured bets against his own club. Horner started that season at Easter Road before moving to East Stirling on loan a few months into the campaign. He is also accused of placing another 343 bets over the course of the current season, including an accumulator which featured a bet placed against Inverness. Previous footballers who have fallen foul of SFA gambling rules include Rangers trio Joey Barton — who was recently banned for 18 months by the English FA over betting offences — Ian Black, and Steve Simonsen as well as Ayr United’s Michael Moffat (now at Dunfermline). Horner, who has until Monday to respond to his charges before a hearing on May 25, has already admitted to Inverness that he has a gambling problem. Last night, Caley Thistle promised to support the 25-year-old. In a statement, Caley Thistle said: ‘Lewis regrets that, having previously received counselling with regard to his addiction, he did not ask for further help sooner. ‘He is very contrite and is extremely embarrassed to have brought this upon both himself and the club.’ An Annan club statement read: ‘Annan Athletic Football Club recognise the complaint that has been raised by the Scottish Football Association and the club will co-operate fully with the enquiry. In the interim, the club will offer its support to the chairman until the matter is resolved.’