VALE of Leven manager Hugh Hamill admits the club had to change something after a ‘season from hell’ last campaign.

The Millburn Park side finished ninth in the Central District Second Division last year — their poorest finish in the last 50 years.

To shake things up, the club have brought in former captain and Vale legend Alex Lacy and former coach Iain Lee to assist Hamill with the first team.

The boss insists the change will be positive for the team going into next season.

He said: “We had to shake things up, it was pretty much the season from hell, it wasn’t good enough. We had to get a bit of freshness, it’s no disrespect to the people who were here but some fresh faces and ideas has been good.

“Alex Lacy was one of my first signings as a manager, he has been at the club for 19 years and he is a good guy. Iain Lee is very experienced and Shug Ward has a great football brain, he doesn’t say a lot but when he does say something you tend to listen.

“We’ve only had two training sessions to be fair but we’ve signed some new players and everyone is trying to impress, so far, so good.

“The committee is a bit stronger as well, this year there will be a bit more infrastructure and support which is important, it’s all positive stuff.” With the changes at the club and the fresh blood in the team, Hamill is confident the Vale will be challenging up at the top end of the table next season.

He said: “That league won’t be any easier to get out of, it will be quite difficult. But I’m looking at what we’ve brought in and there will be a healthy competition for places. We’ve got a lot of younger players who will give us more energy and enthusiasm.

“Players don’t have a nailed on place in the side now which is healthier.”