Vale in shape for another title tilt
DEVERONVALE are back in training, ready to launch an assault on the Highland League title which they so narrowly missed out on last season.
Manager Scott Anderson is delighted with the players for "looking after themselves" physically in the last few weeks and he puts fitness down as one of the key objectives for the new campaign.
With no money to splash out on signings, Vale have welcomed back Grant Noble, who was out of contract at Turriff United – and the return of three injury-plagued players is, says Anderson, like bringing on board new recruits.
"Martin Skinner missed most of last season, Gordon Carstairs has had a problem time with injuries and Bryan Duglonski had to sit out the second half of last season. They are back training and it’s like having new signings," said the manager.
"We can’t compete with the kind of money some other clubs are spending, so we have to look towards bringing on our own young players. But it doesn’t stop us looking, and there are one or two players on our radar."
Transfer-listed Chris Mountford has attracted a couple of couple of inquiries but no firm offers. The player was unhappy at being on the bench for spells last season and asked away.
"It’s all down to Chris," said Anderson. "He is back training and if he sticks around, plays well and scores goals then it’s up to him whether he wants to stay and fight for a place or still want away. He is a good player, but was finding it difficult last season."
Noble’s return after two years at Turriff is exciting the Vale manager. "Grant comes back a better player. He needed matches which he wasn’t getting here before and has had two really good seasons.
"He is a local lad who creates and scores goals, and looks after himself. He will be determinbed to show his worth on coming back."
The breakthrough of a clutch of young players last season made a huge impact on the club and on the league, and Anderson is looking for his young ones to flourish further – although he knows it won’t be easy.
"They came from nowhere and set standards which they now have to live up to. It will be a really big season for them," said Anderson.
"We were one of those clubs that had money to spend before, but not now. Bringing on our own young players is the way forward.
"I have about 20 in the squad at the moment and have been impressed by the attitude of the players in returning to training. They have been looking after themselves and are in good shape.
"We upped fitness levels last season and finished one of the fittest teams last season; that’s what I am looking for again."
