Author: Bobby Craigie

Fixtures Announced

The fixtures for new Lowland League season have been published. The Vale will open the season at home to Cumbernauld Colts on Saturday 17 July, followed by a visit to East Stirlingshire on Wednesday 21 July and a trip to BSC Glasgow on Saturday 24th.

The Old Firm colt teams will visit Victoria Park on Saturday 14 August (Celtic) and on 26 December (Rangers). The Vale will travel to Netherdale on New Years Day for a Borders Derby match against Gala Fairydean. The First Round of the Scottish Cup is on Saturday 18 September.

Commenting, Manager Chris Anderson said: “With pre season well underway, everyone is looking forward to the league campaign getting underway. This will be out ninth season in the Lowland League having been founding members, and our first priority is to ensure we remain in the league for the tenth season.”

The full fixture list are available to download.

The-Scottish-Lowland-Football-League-Season-2021-22-Fixture-ListDownload

Thank You

As we approach the start of a new season, we would like to thank those who supported us through Season 2020-21 either financially or with donations in kind.

We rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to support us, and last season was particularly difficult due to COVID 19 restrictions, including no supporters.

We saw the installation of our new floodlights, and we would like to thank Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Football Partnership for their financial and logistical support.

We would like to thank all those who supported the club by participating in our fundraising activities including football cards, bonus balls draws, and our weekly lottery.

A big thank you to those individuals and business who supported the club through sponsorship and services in kind:

Anton Dowds, Aaron Sommerville, Banji Koya, BARC Coach Hire, BARC Travel, Brian Ellis, G Rossi Stone Art, Graeme Ellis, Ken Brown, Ian MacDonald, Jock McCracken, Mark Wilson, Michael McGovern; Murray Campbell, Roddy McLean, Mike Veitch, Rob Swain, Stanley Clifford, Stuart Farlow, Vale Club

Thank you again for your support and we look forward to welcoming supporters back to Victoria Park for the new season.

Draw for South Challenge Cup

Vale will visit Pumpherston in the first round of the South Challenge Cup on Saturday 11 September 2021.

The winner of that tie will host Edinburgh United in the Second Round on Saturday 16 October 2021.

BARC Travel to Sponsor All Club Strips

Vale of Leithen are delighted to continue our partnership with local business BARC Travel, with the company becoming away strip sponsor from next season. With BARC Travel already sponsoring our home kit, this means the BARC Travel logo will be on all of the Lowland league side’s playing kit for next season.

The new kit, from manufactures Adidas, will be launched next month. The home kit, in traditional blue, will also continue for next season.

Stuart Robertson, Chairman, said: “BARC Travel have been an important and loyal partner for a number of years, and I am delighted that they will become our away strip sponsor in addition our home kit. The club relies on our supporters and sponsors, and I am grateful for their support.”

MANAGER ADDS 3 DEFENSIVE SIGNINGS AHEAD OF NEW SEASON

Manager Chris Anderson has added three new defensive signings ahead of the new season as he continues to develop the squad for the new campaign.

Ben Brown, Guy Kerr and Jack Blaikie have all signed for next year.

Chris Anderson said: “Ben Brown is a great local player who has played for Peebles Rovers for a number of years as an aggressive defender. I have know Guy Kerr since we played together as youths at Dunfermline Athletic and he has played for a number of senior clubs over the years including Berwick, Penicuik, Newtongrange and Tranent. Jack is a well known face at the Vale and signs for his third spell at the club. Again, Jack will bring a lot of Lowland league experience to the table.”

The new signings will join a core groups from last year’s side, including goalkeeper Ben McGinley and Captain Ger Rossi. Moe signings will be announced in due course.