Category: CLUB NEWS

Pre Season Friendlies Announced

Vale of Leithen have announced their pre season friendly fixtures in the lead up to the 2021/22 Lowland League season.

Saturday 19 June vs Edinburgh Utd, Peffermill 3G, 2pm

Tuesday 22 June vs Arniston Rangers, Newbyres Park, 7pm

Saturday 26 June vs Hawick Royal Albert, Victoria Park, 2pm

Saturday 3 July vs Cumbernauld Utd, Victoria Park, 2pm

Tuesday 6 July vs Edinburgh South, Inch Park, 7pm

Saturday 10 July vs Leith Athletic, Peffermill 3G, 2.30pm

The 2021/22 Lowland League season will kick off on Saturday 17 July 2021.

The club hopes to have spectators at Victoria Park for out friendlies against Hawick Royal Albert and Cumbernauld Utd.

Rangers and Celtic ‘B’ Teams Admitted to Lowland League

Following a General Meeting of the Lowland League last night (Monday 11 May 2021), the league has voted to admit Rangers and Celtic ‘B’ teams into the league for one season only.

Under the proposals, the league will temporarily be increased from 16 to 18 for one season only. During that season, Rangers and Celtic will enter ‘B’ teams in the league, consisting of professional players at aged 20 and under. This will be for one year only and the ‘B’ teams will not be involved in promotion or relegation.

The club can confirm they voted in favour of the proposal.

Treasurer John Anderson said: “This is a exciting and innovative project which the club is delighted to be part of. From the club’s point of view, this provides commercial and financial benefit. For supporters, we will have two very special home games next season when Rangers and Celtic will be bringing Scotland’s most promising young talent to Victoria Park. We hope local supporters of both Ranges and Celtic, and beyond, take advantage of the opportunity to come to Victoria Park to witness.

Structural reform of Scottish football has been talked about for years, and it was great to be able to support this small development, just as we did when we joined the Lowland League at its formation in 2013.

There is no change to the pyramid system. There is no chance to promotion and relegation to and from the Tier 6 leagues. This is a one season project. Some have said “why not promote two clubs from the East and West leagues”. That was not on table. The number of teams in the league is restricted by the SFA, who have given permission to a temporary increase of two teams for one season only for this project. Increasing the league number was not otherwise on the table. I think that has not been properly understood by those who have criticised the project.”

The Lowland league campaign begins on Saturday 17 July 2021. Fixtures are expected be issued by the league in late June.

Chris Anderson to lead the Vale next season

Following a Board meeting over the weekend to plan for next season, we can confirm that Manager Chris Anderson and Assistant Manager John Brogan will once again lead the Vale next season. 

Chairman Stuart Robertson said: ” There is a lot of uncertainty in football at the moment, including how we are going to complete the current season and where we as a club will be in league terms for next season. We all felt it was important to have clarity going forward, to confirm the management team for next season and allow them to start planning. There was no question of not confirming Chris as the manager for next season, no matter what happens between now and the end of this season.”


Manager Chris Anderson said: “This has been challenging season thus far, but everyone is determined to have a better second half of the season. We are all looking forward to restarting the league campaign, finish the season on a strong footing, and start to plan for next season.”

Manager’s Thoughts: Keep Faith

During my 5 years as manager in the lowland league we have been tipped every year to go down. Every year people have a go at the club as being too small for this league. Every year they say the players aren’t good enough, the facilities aren’t good enough, and ultimately the manager is responsible.

I’m sorry to disappoint the armchair fans that have never kicked a ball in their life or the powers that be that put every obstacle in our way possible. We are not giving up without a fight.

We have a young side that hangs in the balance of confidence. I brought them in because they have talent and one win can turn our season around.

We have a few who know what it takes to avoid the drop but some who need to learn quickly.

Many seasons ago I won this league and have loved every minute of being involved in it. It’s not formations or tactics that will keep us up .. it’s heart and desire. Those things will never change in football.

We have games we can win coming up and we are going to give 100% for sure.

Keep the faith.

Chris

Scottish Cup Draw takes place

Vale of Leithen have been drawn away against Scottish North Juniors Superleague champions Banks o Dee in the draw Second Preliminary Round of the Scottish Cup, which took place on Tuesday. Its the sixth season in a row the club have been handed an away tie. The match will take place on Saturday 12 December 2020 at Spain Park in Aberdeen.

Manager Chris Anderson said: ” The Scottish Cup is something special and everyone will be looking forward to the trip. Banks o Dee are a good side, their record speaks for itself, but we will be relishing the trip and the chance to progress to the next round.”

Chairman Stuart Robertson said: “I thought we would have been due a home tie, but that’s the luck of the draw. As a club, we will do everything we can to help the boys prepare the trip up north.”