Month: July 2020

Bonnar returns to the Vale

The Vale are delighted to announce the return of David Bonnar to the club. The midfielder returns to the club after a one year spell at Gala Fairydean Rovers.

Manager Chris Anderson said: “I’ve known David for a number of years and his signing is a fantastic coup for the club. David is an outstanding talent and I’m sure he will be a star player for the club”.

Vale prepare for football restart

As restriction begin to be lifted for football clubs across the country, Vale of Leithen are preparing for the start of the new football season.

Following the Scottish Government’s announcement that they are moving to Phase 3 of the easing of lockdown restrictions, the Scottish FA have approved a plan to partially lift training restrictions. Clubs can now start small group, socially distanced, outdoor training.

It is hoped that full contact training will begin later in August, followed by games behind closed doors. Planning is underway for the league to start in October, and it is hoped spectators will be allowed into grounds, albeit under limited capacity to ensure social distancing.

League representatives have been working behind the scenes to prepare clubs for the restart. Vale Vice Chairman, John Anderson, has been working on the Lowland League Restart Group and the Joint 4 Leagues Restart Group, covering the Lowland, East, South and West leagues. He said: “It is not just a case of the SFA and Scottish Government giving the green light to restart. A lot of work has been going to on to ensure training and matchday protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of all players, coaches and, hopefully, spectators. This will include additional measures being put in place at Victoria Park to ensure social distancing and hygiene compliance. We all want football to restart, but we must ensure it is done in a manner that ensures everyone involved is safe”.

SQUAD UPDATE: Trio confirmed for next season

The club are delighted to confirm that Michael Robertson, Calum Oneil, and Ryan Higgins have signed up for next season. All three were committed members of last year’s squad, and we are pleased they have decided to remain committed to the club.

We can also confirm that Paul Thomson, Liall Smith, and Liam Ireland have left the club to continue their football elsewhere. We thank them for their time at the club and wish them well.

Manager Chris Anderson has made a number of new signings over the close season and we will be announcing further additions in due course.

Ando add striker to squad

Manager Chris Anderson has signed striker Jonny Grotlin to the squad for next season.

Chris said: “I’ve tried to sign Jonny for a while as he always impressed me at Spartans with his attitude and potential. I’m delighted he’s signed for us having had a number of offers and I’m sure he can’t wait to get started.”

Jonny Grotlin played for Preston Athletic last season.