Jay Scott doesn’t do noise — he deals in standards.
Vale’s young captain has turned shape into points, and the table tells the story.
No big team talks, no drama — just lads who know the job.
“We play high-intensity football from the first whistle — make teams feel it.” Jay Scott
Being captian obviously comes with accepting a lot of responsibility for my team mates and setting the standards demanded by both the gaffer and the club, which I obviously take pride in.
How would you describe your team’s identity or playing style?
I think from the start of this season we have adapted more of an identity than we have done previously. We have a good but structure which all the lads are comfortable in carrying out, but also are capable of adapting / changing if required. We like to carry out high intensity from the first whistle and throughout, pinning teams in and making them feel uncomfortable.
Who are the players to watch in your squad?
It would be hard to single out any individuals as I believe we have a very strong squad throughout, with an interchangeable 11, but so far this season the standout for me would need to be Reece Rutherford. The stats don’t lie, flying as our top goal scorer, and that’s a credit to him.
“The team talk nearly does itself — everyone knows what’s at stake.” Jay Scott
How do you motivate the lads before a game?
I think as a whole, our squad are playing with a lot of motivation without me having to have too much of a say on that, which is a credit to them, we are playing very well just now and getting good results and I think everyone is enjoying being a part of that and wants to continue that, so the team talk before matches almost does itself. I always put my 2 pence in before a match to remind them that we need to run and work hard for eachother, until that final whistle, no less.
Funniest in the dressing room would have to be oor disco, the only guy that can turn up either still half cut or rough and play a blinder, from pre match beers to his Saturday night stories, it would have to be him.
“Reece Rutherford’s flying — the stats don’t lie” Jay Scott
What’s been your proudest moment as captain so far?
Proudest moment as captain so far would definitely be the start we have had to this season, it would be hard to pinpoint an exact moment but I think the league table speaks for itself, it’s a pleasure to be the captain of these lads, week in week out.
What keeps you passionate about playing amateur football?
I think the passion has always been there for me regardless of what level I’ve played at, as a bad loser, I set high standards for both myself and the team, so I think that goes along way in terms of passion, and I feel like playing with a great bunch of guys who set the same standards for themselves helps that.
“No big speeches. Just graft, standards, and results.” Jay Scott
GDSFC League Division 3
Vale have set the pace early. Now it’s about keeping standards where they started — high.
Next Fixture
14:00 – Vale AFC vs Muirend Athletic
Home at 2pm. Muirend coming to test the leaders. Vale just need to be themselves.
No slogans. No sentiment. Just a young captain doing things right.
Vale’s rise has been built on hard work — and Declan Taylor’s at the centre of it.
Footy Focus season 25/26 
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