Alex Lacy admits he’d be delighted to see a Vale of Leven young-gun topple his appearances record, as the Millburn side prepare to launch their youth academy.
Changes to lockdown announced last week allow kids under the age of 18 to take part in organised sports - meaning that local players could’ve been back out training from last Monday.
And the Vale legend, who played 517 games for the club and is now heading up their academy, can’t wait for the next generation of players to get back on the pitch.
He told the Lennox Herald: “Everything is positive and looking good. We’re always open to new players. Everyone is welcome at the Vale and we’re all excited to start this.
“It would be brilliant if someone could beat my record. That’s actually what you want.
“I signed for the Vale when I was 24 and played right through until I was 42.
“Obviously the goal is to see one of your former players on the TV but the next best thing is playing for your local club.
“It’s the feeling you get when you can say that you’ve made a difference to people.”
Alex was also keen to stress that the Vale’s academy will be open to anyone - whatever their ability or aims, with the positive impact of sport on mental health something the club are passionate about.
He continued: “We’re about putting something back into the community. It’s about passing on my experience to the players and we’re open to everyone regardless of ability.
“It’s not all about winning. It’s about development and getting kids off the Playstation and out getting physically fit. We’re a club who’ll encompass everyone.
“It’s important to get back to some sort of normality. Mental health is so important these days. I phoned all the parents in my 2006 team and I know that some of the kids have been struggling with not getting out to see their mates. It’s taken a strain on them. It’s taken a strain on us all.
“A lot of people are struggling so being back out on the pitch, and having the banter and all the usual stuff could make a huge difference.”
