Junior football: Vale Juniors sign police officer as back-up goalkeeper

Feb 5 2010 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

VALE Juniors boss Hugh Hamill admits it’s “murder” without a game – so he called in a cop.

The Millburn men were again idle on Saturday when their game away to Larkhall Thistle was called off.

But the manager has been busy with the signing of goalkeeper Robert Tiropoulos, who combines his football career with a job in the police.

He returns to the club from Clydebank, having initially left Millburn in 2006 for senior football with East Stirling.

Hugh said: “It’s murder not being able to play. There was no real suggestion until Friday that the game might be off, and we eventually got the call at 9.30am.

“Fortunately we were able to book the indoor facility at Old Kilpatrick to train, so Saturday did not go to waste.

“We wanted to get a back-up goalkeeper, as we’ve only had the under-21 keeper available to deputise for Matt Carr.

“Robert is also a very good keeper, although he is in the police, so might not be able to make every game. It’s good to have the competition.”

Vale hope that the weather will be kind to them this Saturday, when they are due to host Glasgow Perthshire, kick-off 2pm.

Hugh admits that the forthcoming heavy fixture schedule could prove difficult if the bad weather continues.

He added: “We’ve played 10 league games, so have 12 to go. I’m not too concerned at the moment, but that could change if the games keep going off.

“Work commitments and time could make it difficult in midweek as well. That was the case when we played Shotts in the Sectional League Cup semi final in August.

“Perthshire have good players in their side, although they are a club whose best players often end up getting snapped up by bigger teams.

“We beat them away from home earlier in the season, so we’ll be looking to do the double over them.”

Vale will be away to Royal Albert in the League Cup second round – a date for that tie is to be confirmed. The under-21s are away to West Park United on Saturday.