Robertson in frame for Whitestone Park post

David Knox • Published 30 Jul 2010 09:30 0 Comments

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FORMER Vale of Leithen boss Stuart Robertson is being lined up as a replacement for Rab Linton at Whitestone Park.

Linton dropped a bombshell on Saturday by resigning after his Peebles Rovers team drew with Edinburgh amateur side Alba Thistle.

The departing manager sited a lack of enthusiasm from local players as the reason for his decision.

And his entire coaching staff stood down with him. Rovers officials have spent a frantic week trying to attract a replacement into the Whitestone Park dugout.

Talks took place earlier this week with Robertson, who was coaching with Gala Fairydean last season, and also former player Kevin Martin from Edinburgh.

Robertson told the Peeblesshire News: "I am interested in taking the job but I am about to go on holiday and there's only two weeks until the season starts. It couldn't be worse timing.

"I will be meeting with the committee and Kevin as well as some of the players this week and hopefully we can come to some arrangement.

"It is only a few seasons since Peebles were promoted - it's a shame the club is now where it is."

Linton brought some much-needed stability to the Peebles team last season when he took over from Ray McInnes.

Despite attracting a quality bench of coaches to assist him, he has been unable to find the calibre of player required to take the team into the top half of the league.

And a growing frustration with players who stalled on signing led him to stand down following Saturday's three-all draw.

Rovers chairman Colin McDonald said: "We have to respect Rab's decision and just get on with finding a replacement.

"Rab has done an excellent job since coming in and we all thought good times lay ahead - it is extremely unfortunate what has happened with players not wanting to sign."

Peebles Rovers are due to face Heriot-Watt University in a friendly at Riccarton Campus tomorrow.

Vale of Leithen are also in action tomorrow when Shields United arrive at Victoria Park. Stewart Churchill's team beat Kirriemuir Thistle on Saturday as they prepare for the forthcoming league campaign.

And club secretary Alec Currie is confident the good form can continue into the season.

He said: "We are almost at full strength for the Shields United game and if we can play like we did last week we should win again.

"Confidence is growing at the Vale and the team is taking shape."

This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 30 Jul 10

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