South of Scotland League champs Abbey Vale strengthen squad for new season

Utility Hut South of Scotland League champions Abbey Vale have made four additions to their squad.

Attackers Ryan Harper and Robbie Simpson have come in from Nithsdale Wanderers, with Jerzy Grzebieniak coming in from Lochar Thistle.

And returning to the club is Sam Jess, who has been at university.

Vale boss, Allan Clark, said: “Jerzy is a boy who has impressed us every time we played against him. We tried to get him last season but couldn’t get him. He’s a bit of a utility player as he can play in a few positions, which is something I like.

“Ryan did well against us last year and brings us something completely different to what we have up front just now. He had a good goal return last year so hopefully he can continue with us.

“Robbie is a player we’ve been trying to bring in for years and have never managed to get him in. He was injured for the majority of last year but hopefully we can get him fit this year and back playing.

“On his day he can take a game by the scruff of the neck and change it.

“Young Sam signed with us at the start of last year then went away to university. We knew he was definitely a boy we wanted to get back in and the wee man jumped at it.

“We’re delighted with that as he showed before he went away last year what he was capable of and what he brings to the team.”

Vale have also kept a large part of the squad that helped them to last season’s title.

Liam Patterson, Curtiss Wilson, Phil and Grant Middlemiss, Aiden Kerr, Craig Kerr, Sam and Max Hughes, Taylor Hall, Adam Kirk, Kieran Pirrie, Greig Corbett, Robbie Ferguson, Lewis McKenna, Bobby Brown, Frazer Glen, Fraser Scott and David Adams are all staying at Maryfield Park.

Clark is still looking to add to his squad and also his backroom team after