Axe falls on Vale boss Churchill

David Knox • Published 20 Aug 2010 09:30 0 Comments

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VALE manager Stewart Churchill has been fired following the team’s defeat by Selkirk on Wednesday.

The Edinburgh plumber took over at Victoria Park in the summer.

And despite attracting several big names to the club - including Robbie Horne and Steven Radzynski - as well as winning his opening match of the season on Saturday he was shown the door.

A extraordinary meeting of Vale’s committee was called following Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat.

The Peeblesshire News understands that all but two of the officials voted for Churchill’s sacking.

An angry Churchill told us: “There are certain people who rule the roost at the Vale and it was made clear to me that I was never really their choice as manager. It is absolutely scandalous what has gone on although I don’t want to talk publicly about it.

“The Vale could be a great wee club and I felt we were making progress but there were forces against me.

“In many ways I’m relieved to be away. I wasn’t really enjoying what was going on.”

Churchill arrived in Innerleithen 18 months ago as part of Rab Paget’s coaching team.

And when the former manager stepped down following last season’s promotion, Churchill was appointed as the new boss.

But within weeks disputes had started over the value of players being targeted as summer signings.

There were further rows this week when former striker Aaron Somerville opted to sign for junior team Newtongrange Star rather than return to his old club.

Vale secretary Alex Currie said: “We have no hard feelings over what has happened and we wish Stewart well. We didn’t feel it was working and it is up to us as a committee to make these difficult decisions.”

Current Coldstream manager Mark Lamb has already been tipped to take over.

But the current backroom staff of Robbie Horne, Stuart Gray , Dave McGinley and Leighton Jones will continue to take the team until a permanent replacement is found.

Currie added: “We want to speak to a few people before any decision is made about a new manager.”

Meanwhile new Peebles boss Stuart Robertson has seen his team conceded 14 goals in their opening two matches and hopes a change of form is just round the corner.

He said: “We hope to have another one or two players come in before Saturday’s cup tie. It will be a difficult job but I’ll keep at it.”

Peebles travel to Ormiston tomorrow for the first round of the Image Printers Cup while Vale travel to Hawick Royal Albert for their first round clash. Both games kick off at 2.30pm.

This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 20 Aug 10

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