The 42-year-old former Celtic, Everton and Bolton defender was appointed as the Easter Road manager earlier this week.

And within hours of his appointment it was announced that the relegated city side would play crisis club Vale of Leithen in their first pre-season friendly.

As we reported last week, Vale are on the verge of going under after running up crippling debts over the past season.

A new regime of management and committee at the Lowland League side are hoping to turn around its fortunes.

And the announcement that Stubbs will bring his first team has been welcomed by boss Mark Lamb.

Mark told us: “We contacted Hibs and they have offered to help us - there are a lot of clubs who would have liked to have Hibs for Alan’s first game in charge.

“We are in a bit of a mess and every penny we raise from this game will help us get out of that mess.” Sky Sports, who have been promoting the game this week, are bringing cameras to Victoria Park for next Saturday’s (July 5) fixture.

And Hibs are also marketing the match through their website.

Mr Lamb added: “We have been speaking with George Craig - the head of football at Hibs - and he has been excellent with all of his support.

“Tickets for the match are already starting to sell and we hope that as many as 1,000 will come through the gates.” Local outlets are currently being organised for ticket sales.

And the Unionist Club in Innerleithen is hosting a post-match function for players and supporters with a raffle for Alan Stubbs’ first signed Hibs top being drawn.

It is estimated that Vale of Leithen are close to £10,000 in debt.

But next weekend’s match, as well as next Thursday (July 3) night’s fixture against Dumbarton will wipe most of it away.

Chairman Jack Diamond said: “Since it all came out about how much debt we are in there has been a good response - we are talking with potential new sponsors and there have been plenty offers of match sponsorship.

“The club is at rock bottom just now and the only way is up.” Both Diamond and Lamb will meet with the Lowland League next week to discuss the current crisis at Victoria Park.

Jack added: “Understandably the Lowland League want to know what is going on. We hope to put their minds at rest and show them that the club has a future.” Thursday’s match against Championship side Dumbarton kicks off at 7.30pm while next Saturday’s game against Hibs is scheduled to start at 3pm.