WHILE life in the Lowland League has so far been successful for Vale of Leithen as they chase leaders Spartans towards the title, there is a contrasting picture in the boardroom.

Part of the deal for entering the new Scottish Football Association division is a commitment to meet strict ground criteria by next season.

Although Victoria Park’s requirement list for reaching the Entry Level licence isn’t anywhere near as extensive as some, it is still eating into the boardroom budgets. And the committee, led by recently appointed chairman Jack Diamond, is making an SOS for help.

Diamond told us: “For years we have relied on some local fundraising and a run in the Scottish Cup to keep this club going. The reality is that isn’t enough if we want to take this club where we want it to be.

“We have already done a bit of work towards the SFA licence but it has come at a cost. We are at the stage where there is an urgent need for capital investment – until we can put a new structure in place the work towards the licence criteria won’t start again.” The nine-strong committee in Innerleithen have managed to extend the clubrooms at Victoria Park. And planning permission has been granted for a disabled-friendly toilet block to be built next to the main gates.

Further plans are also in place for new perimeter fencing, extended parking facilities and improvements to the covered enclosure.

But the early exit from the Scottish Cup at Brora, as well as dwindling committee numbers, has left the bank balance as low as it has been in a few decades.

Letters have been sent to more than 20 local businesses to ask for help and a meeting took place last weekend with the town’s other two footballing clubs – Leithen Rovers and Leithen Vale – in an effort to forge a closer working relationship.

Diamond added: “I am asking for help. Not just from businesses and other people involved in football just now, but also all the former players and supporters of the Vale.

“If we want this club to do well at Lowland League level and the Scottish Cup we need to make changes. This won’t just happen by itself.” Anyone who would like to become involved at Vale of Leithen should contact any committee member.