Inside Verdict is where we hand the mic to the managers and players who shape the GDSFC each weekend. No fluff — just their words, their view of the game, and the stories that don’t always make the highlights.
New to the GDSFC this season, Vale AFC have wasted little time showing they belong. Vale have come up the hard way— from a charity kickabout to a fully-fledged amateur side now testing themselves in Division Three. This first wide ranging Inside Verdict gives us a look behind that progress, starting with manager Alan’s take on another solid Sunday shift.
Vale AFC manager Alan summed up Sunday with quiet satisfaction: another three points and another step forward for a side finding rhythm. He praised the shape his team worked on mid-week and the pressing from his front five — the kind of detail that turns effort into wins.
Here’s what he had to say after another confident performance
Name: Alan
Club: Vale AFC
Congratulations on the win — what was the first thing that went through your head after the final whistle?
Over the moon to get 3 more points on the board and overall happy with the performance.
What was the game plan going in, and how well do you think the lads stuck to it?
Very well, we worked on some shape at training on Wednesday and carried it out very effectively today.
You’ve seen this group grow week after week — what pleased you most about today’s performance in particular?
Our organisation in midfield, I like to play a very high front 5 (Front 3 and 2 higher central midfielders) I thought the lads were excellent at pressing as a 5 today.
Amateur football throws up all sorts of challenges — what does this result say about your side’s mentality right now?
We’re in a very good position mentally, the morale around the group is some of the best we’ve ever had.
The players were actually quite down due to the second half performance. For me, it was about reminding them that 3 points had been won and the performance over the most of the game was very good. The lads need to credit themselves a little more sometimes.
Short answers, frozen fingers, and a peek at what it’s really like coaching through a Scottish winter. From touchline tempers to trackie-bottom traditions — this is where managers drop the guard and have a laugh about life on the sidelines.
Scottish winter survival — same gear every week or layers for days?
Normally shorts all year round but sometimes I’ll switch to the tracksuit and the Arsene wenger jacket if it’s just a wee bit too cold.
Worst weather to coach in?
Winter sleet rain.
Half-time mood — calm talk or flying bottle?
Calm most of the time but can blow my top if needed.
One line or cliché you always catch yourself saying?
Time on the ball, could catch me saying that over 100 times a game I’d imagine
If your team had a Netflix series, what would it be called?
‘On the road again’
What’s the most “Scottish amateur football” thing that’s ever happened to you?
Last year in the GCCL we played a team (I won’t name them) we were 2-0 at the time. There was probably 10 minutes to go or just under and they have won a corner. The keeper has decided he was going up to get in the mix as you would for a last kick of the ball scenario so as you can imagine we were slightly baffled he went up with this time still to play.
Anyway, they’ve taken the corner and we’ve won a great header right out the box to break from the corner. Our player has then got onto the ball just inside our half and carried it up to tap it in to make it 3-0 with 10ish to go. Madness
Vale FC — From Charity Kickabout to Division Three Ambition
#AmateurFootball #GDSFC
Footy Focus season 25/26 
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