VALE of Leithen have been boosted ahead of the their first summer friendly with the signing of last year's player-of-the-year Sean Stewart.

The 22-year-old striker was linked with moves to both Berwick Rangers and Edinburgh City following an impressive season at Victoria Park.

But the club's top scorer during 2017/18 has committed to Vale for at least another season.

Manager Chris Anderson said: "Sean is a big player for us, as he proved so many times last season, and it's great news that he's decided to stay.

"There was a lot of interest in Sean from other clubs.

"We have a lot of good players coming in but you still want to keep the best players you already have."

Fit-again captain James Elliot, who missed almost all of last season, is back training along with seven or eight other members of the 2017/18 squad.

And they are joined by a host of new faces including former Gala Fairydean Rovers duo David Bonnar and Marc Berry.

Former St Johnstone winger Scott Wilson has agreed terms along with former Livingston duo Taylor Black and Ryan Currie.

Also in the 22-strong squad is former Spartans defender Paul Dickson and Anderson's new player-assistant manager Gerry Rossi.

Chris added: "Some people will say 22 players is too big a squad but last year we had close to 20 and I had to play a few times myself.

"A few of the boys are coming back from injury and as we've found, for whatever reason, most matches you can be without four, five or even six players.

"To compete in the Lowland League you need a big squad of good players, and I believe that's what we've got this season."

Vale's new-look team will face their first test on Tuesday evening when they face Colin Smith's Peebles Rovers at Whitestone Park.

Kick off is at 7.30pm.