HE’S been giant-killing for years.

And Mike Lawson can’t wait to cause even more upsets with his new club, Vale of Leithen.

The 66-year-old was unveiled as Ian Little’s successor last Wednesday evening at Victoria Park by chairman Jack Diamond and general manager Mark Lamb.

Little had accepted a coaching job at Heriot-Watt University earlier in the week.

Lawson has been in football management for 25 years at clubs including Meadowbank Thistle, Arbroath and most recently Whitehill Welfare.

But he is probably best known for his exploits during 11 seasons at Spartans, where, along with co-manager Sam Lynch, delivered six league titles and reached the last 16 of the Scottish Cup on two occasions.

Amongst the many senior league teams that Lawson toppled were Alloa, Queen’s Park, Berwick Rangers and Arbroath.

And in 2005 his team also took St Mirren to a replay.

Since first stepping into the dug out in 1991 he has lifted an incredible 62 trophies.

Mike, who was with St Johnstone, Stirling Albion and Raith Rovers during his playing career, admits it is unlikely he will add to his silverware haul any time soon at struggling Vale.

But he is optimistic about the club’s long-term future. He told the Border Telegraph: “I wouldn’t have just taken any job - it had to be a club that I respected and one that had a bright future.

“The only clubs in the Lowland League I fancied after leaving Whitehill were Edinburgh City, Gala and the Vale. Neither City nor Gala were likely to come up any time soon and I said yes straight away when I got asked about coming here.

“I met with Mark (Lamb) and we talked everything through - he’s a good salesman.

“From a short-term view I wish I’d been asked a month ago and it would have been a lot easier to get players, but for the long-term I am excited about what we can do at this club.” Lawson brings physio Dougie Hewat with him to Victoria Park and current Vale coach Jimmy Rae will remain as part of the backroom team.

But the new manager is looking for a player-coach to come in and help him.

Vale travel to face Wigtown and Bladnoch on Saturday in the preliminary round of the Scottish Cup.

Vale chairman Jack Diamond is delighted to have Lawson in place before the cup tie.

He said: “The Scottish Cup is massive for a club like Vale and I’m delighted we have Mike here in time.” “We have a fantastic manager in Mike Lawson. He’s someone who can take this club forward.”