Vale’s squad has been boosted by three additions ahead of the derby against Gala Fairydean Rovers, and Chris Anderson is hoping increased competition for places can help them kick on in 2017.

The signings of midfielder Andy Martin, defender Craig McBride and a loan deal for Hibs youngster Ali Smith have been completed and all three go into the squad for Saturday’s match, after the former two featured last weekend.

A thin squad has been tested to the limit over the last few months with the subs bench looking very thin in some matches, forcing the manager to move to strengthen his hand. And he is hopeful that bulking his squad with the addition of quality will be the catalyst for a return to form after a poor run.

He said: “It’s a new year and we are certainly looking ahead to what we can achieve in 2017. For the first time in a long while we have a squad available to choose from and we also welcome some new signings into our match day squad.

“Competition for places is important for any team and now we have strengthened we can look forward to some positive results. The players and coaching staff are embracing the challenge of the Lowland League and what better way to start than a Border derby against our biggest rivals Gala.”

The 5-1 victory over Hawick Royal Albert on Hogmanay has elevated Gala ahead of Vale for the first time this season, and they are now the highest positioned Borders team in 11^th.

Results on the whole have been up and down with highlights including the derby wins over Hawick and Vale, a 3-2 victory over Spartans and a 3-1 Scottish Cup triumph over the Highland League’s Fraserburgh, earning a plum tie against Elgin City.

However, there was the ignominy of a 10-1 thrashing by East Stirlingshire and a 7-1 reverse against Selkirk, a deficit which Vale can of course now empathise with.

 

 

Andy Martin is convinced he and his new Vale team-mates can quickly shoot back up the Lowland League table.

The midfielder has signed on for a second spell at the club after leaving Whitehill Welfare and joins a team in the middle of a sticky patch. His second debut resulted in a 6-0 defeat at the hands of bottom of the league Selkirk, but he remains convinced that he has made the right choice in re-joining the club.

Having initially made the short move from Peebles Rovers in 2008, his first spell lasted four years and he was part of the squad which won promotion to the East of Scotland Premier Division in 2009-10. He now feels he is part of a squad which can make some waves of their own.

“I have only had a couple of training sessions and I feel the recent form doesn’t reflect the talent we have in the squad.

“I would say top six would be a great platform to kick on to next season but I don’t see any reason why we can’t do even better.

“The gaffer spoke about hard work, sticking together and rolling the sleeves up and I’m sure if we can do that the results will come. Every team goes through rough spells and it’s the teams that stick together and work hard that get through them”, said Martin.

The Whitehill side he left behind due to work commitments are three league places and four points better off than Vale with two games in hand. Chris Anderson managed to talk him into making a return to Victoria Park and he had no hesitation in moving to a team lower down the table.

He explained: “I had a great four seasons with Whitehill, meeting some really good people and managed to win several trophies along the way. But with work commitments and various other things I started questioning myself and if I had the appetite to keep playing.

“After a short break the manager called me and having known Ando for a long time I knew what sort of squad he would be trying to build and I wanted to be part of it.”

The club are delighted to announce the signings of Andy Martin, Craig McBride and Ali Smith.

Martin (pictured at top of page) re-joins after a successful spell between 2008 and 2012 during which the club won promotion to the East of Scotland Premier Division.

McBride is back in the country having enjoyed a spell playing for Davenport University in the United States, while Smith has signed a loan deal from parent club Hibernian.

McBride plying his trade in America and Hibs youngster Ali Smith

There is further good news in the shape of Blair Atkinson and Brad Raiker extending their loans from Spartans until the end of the season.

Chris Anderson said of his new recruits: “We are delighted to welcome back Andy Martin who has signed from Whitehill.

“Andy was a popular player in his last spell at Vale and we are excited to see what he can bring this time around.

“Craig McBride has also been added after a spell playing in America and will add competition in defence.

“I’m also delighted to have secured three promising players for the rest of season on loan deals.”

    

Blair Atkinson and Braid Raiker have extended their deals 

The festivities continue tomorrow with a Borders derby at Selkirk’s Yarrow Park.

New Year is traditionally derby time and this might not be the Old Firm but it is a great opportunity for both teams to earn a victory which could act as a springboard going into 2017.

Vale are still striving to get back to their early season form after a slump comprising of 6 winless matches, while Selkirk are bottom of the league with the possibility of going level on points with Preston Athletic.

One factor in the rut that Vale have been going through has been players missing each week through a mixture of injuries and unavailability. The New Year celebrations mean that will be the case again but Anderson revealed that some as yet unnamed new signings will ease the burden.

He said: “With a game on Hogmanay as expected we have a few players missing, however we will have new signings playing their part on Saturday and we will have added five new signings by next Saturday.”

Anderson remains determined to get his side riding on a high again.

He added: “Everyone has enjoyed the break and I think it was important we got some time off to enjoy the festivities.

“I am looking for a good performance from everyone tomorrow. We have played well in moments this season and just need to keep on working hard.”