Former Deveronvale captain Mark Chisholm, who won the Highland League championship twice with the Banffers, is revelling being back at Princess Royal Park in his new role as first-team coach.
Chisholm, who was equally at home in midfield or defence, is disappointed Vale’s new management team did not get off to a winning start at Formartine United last weekend, but is determined to play his part in instilling a winning mentality at the club.
Chisholm said: “I’m happy to be back involved with Vale and was pleased when the manager Ally Macleod asked me to become part of the coaching set-up as I have fond memories of a club I am still quite familiar with.
“I have always been a winner and I now want the boys to become winners.
“That is how we are going to play as we look to rebuild Vale’s fortunes. The 2-2 draw on Saturday was disappointing but I was very happy with the performance. It tells us a lot about the squad we have inherited. It is a very good one, we now have to kick-on and show the determination and passion that was shown on the day.”
Chisholm will be offshore regularly due to his job but will support Macleod and his assistant Craig Stratton when available.
Chisholm added: “There are some great youngsters coming through the ranks. In today’s Highland League climate there are numerous teams who don’t have money to spend, so investing in the youth system is hopefully going to pay off for the club.
“There are great traditions at the club and we are not trying to reinvent the wheel. We are just trying to push it on a little bit and see where that takes us.”