VALE of Leithen manager Chris Anderson has convinced highly-rated midfielder Jason Stevens that his future lies at Victoria Park.

Stevens, who scored a dozen goals last season, had been approached by several other Lowland League clubs.

But following talks with his current boss a new one-year deal has been agreed.

Apart from goalkeeper Andy McQueen, who is about to head for Australia, and the retiring pair of Danny O'Donnell and Kevin Motion, Anderson has maintained almost all of last season's squad.

He has also signed former Spartans and Preston Athletic keeper Ross Gilpin, attacking midfielder Jon McInally from Hawick Royal Albert, striker Jordan Finnie from Civil Service Strollers, and Spartans defender Euan Sanderson.

Another striker, believed to be from the Scottish Borders, was due to put pen to paper as we went to press.

But Anderson admits keeping Stevens has been his best bit of close-season business. Chris told us: "Jason was approached by a lot of clubs and I would have understood if he'd taken up one of the offers.

"But he enjoys his football at the Vale and I'm delighted we persuaded him to stay with us.

"Jason doesn't only score goals he can turn a game for you and cause defences all sorts of problems.

"I am pleased with the number of players we kept from last season and also with the boys we've brought in."

Despite being among the early pace-setters in last season's Lowland League, Vale eventually tumbled down the table to finish 13th.

Anderson is aware that a lack of numbers was a major factor in the rollercoaster season.

He added: "We had a lot of injuries and suspensions for two spells last season and that's when we really struggled.

"I need not only a good squad of players but a big squad of players if we are going do well in the Lowland League.

"At the moment we have 17, which should be 18 by the end of the week, signed. I hope to bring in another two players and that will give us the squad capable of not going through any more of those poor periods like we did last season."

Vale's new look squad begin training this weekend ahead of their pre-season schedule of matches.

Anderson will square up against his business partner, Ger Rossi, as Vale face Peebles Rovers on Monday, July 10 at Whitstone Park.

The match will be followed with a glamour friendly against Hibernian on the Wednesday (July 12) at Victoria Park.

Following a couple of away matches, Anderson's team will complete their pre-season fixtures with a match against junior side Arniston rangers at Victoria Park on Saturday, July 22, with a 7pm kick off.