Peeblesshire News | Sport | Vale raid Peebles for new signings

Thursday, 4th December, 2008

Published: Friday, 1st June, 2007 10:39

Vale raid Peebles for new signings

By David Knox

VALE boss Stuart Robertson has strengthened his team for next season by plundering near neighbours Peebles.

A trio of last season’s Whitestone Park players – Richard Edge, Greig Shortreed and Cammy Forsyth – have moved six miles down the road.

And they will be joined at Victoria Park next season by Leithen Rovers duo Colin Smith and Mark Wilson.

A criticism fired at Vale of Leithen last season was the club’s lack of local players.

And Robertson has answered those critics with five Peeblesshire-based signings – and maybe another couple to follow.

He said: “The three boys from Peebles brings us up to 13 players signed for next season. We felt third last season wasn’t good enough and we have brought in a few local boys to strengthen our team.

“I’m delighted to have the five new boys – they are players we have wanted for quite some time.

“I am still in talks with another couple of local boys and I hope to secure them next week.”

Vale have also secured the services of eight of last season’s squad, including Lewis Montgomery, Scott Johnston, and the Fleming brothers, Ron and Ray.

Passing the departing Peebles trio on the A72 will be former Scottish age group internationalist Mark Brown who is moving Whitestone Park from the Vale.

The left-winger is one of seven new faces already signed by Mark Lamb.

But the Peebles boss is only retaining half-a-dozen from last year – including captain Gavin Tainsh, keeper Garry Loutit, Paul Greenhill and evergreen striker Glen Harley.

Among the new arrivals for next season is former Hibs striker Michael Moffat, promising amateur defenders John Paul Swanson and Aaron Patterson, and Edinburgh Athletic goalie Darren Walker.

But Lamb feels his most important acquisition is the man who will sit next to him on the bench – new assistant Rob Paget. Lamb told the Peeblesshire News: “Rob has won everything there is to win in junior football and knows almost every player at both junior and senior level.

“Our aim is just to finish higher than last season’s seventh place, and I’m sure we have the boys to do that.

“I wish the players who are leaving all the best with their new clubs.”

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