There are no records that Innerleithen was hit by a tornado last week.
However there are records that the town’s football club, Vale of Leithen was hit by a whirlwind of activities, indeed the kind that could sweep you off your feet.
In a midweek match, Vale tumbled to defeat at the hands of Edinburgh University at home. Immediately after the game, Vale manager Jamie Birre,l who had only been in the job for a short time after the departure of Robbie Horn to Berwick Rangers, quit as team boss. In what seems a blink of an eye, Birrel was replaced by ex-Hibs player and former Lothian Thistle manager, Fraser Ogilvie.
Ogilvie in the same quicksilver mould, has brought in one-time Vale player Kerr Dodds as his assistant. The drama does not quite stop here, though, as Ogilvie took over the helm as Vale manager for the first time against league leaders Spartans last Saturday. And lo and behold! The Victoria Park outfit got their new team boss off to a dream start by pulling off an unexpected win, following a string of poor results. What’s more Vale had a squad of only 12 players.
Vale secretary Alec Currie told TheSouthern: “We were on a losing run and after getting beaten by a second string Edinburgh University side, Jamie Birrell decided to resign.
“Fraser Ogilvie has been brought in and he comes with a good footballing background. He was a Hibs player at one time but had to quit due to injury. Lothian Thistle then won the Image Printers Cup under him and came in second and third in the East of Scotland premier league when he was manager. We are happy to have him on board at the Vale.”
Vale return to action on Saturday in facing Leith Athletic in Edinburgh. Vale include new signing Jack Blaikie from East Fife in their squad but have skipper Paul Lee and Stevie Radzynski suspended.
With their first win in the league for the season now under their belt, Selkirk continue their battle to remain in the premier league, taking on Tynecastle at Fernieside Park.
Glancing ahead to this encounter, Selkirk manager, Mike McKinnon, said, “We are still in a bad league position and it’s a tricky situation, but the players have received a big boost from getting a win over Lothian Thistle/Hutchison Vale and will be looking to get another three points.”
John Dodds is likely to be back in the Selkirk goal.
Promotion-seeking Gala Fairydean, who have made their mark in a big way since the turn of the year, entertain Eyemouth United, while Hawick Royal Albert host Berwick Rangers Reserves. Kelso United meet Easthouses Lily at Easthouses.