HIGHLAND League champions Huntly are ready to take legal action against Port Vale as the English first division club prepare to unveil Phil Bonnyman as their new head coach.

The 44-year-old resigned from the Christie Park club last Thursday claiming that the commuting from his Glasgow home was the main problem. However, former Rangers defender Bonnyman linked up with the Port Vale squad three days later and they are poised to officially unveil him as their new man in charge on Saturday.

Huntly chairman Mike Hendry insists that such an announcement will produce a hefty compensation claim. He said: ''We're taking legal advice and we'll be ready to lodge our claim as soon as they announce that Phil Bonnyman has joined them.

''On a purely personal level, I'm delighted for Phil and I'm pleased that his achievements with Huntly last season must have helped him land such a good opportunity.''

Bonnyman, who was also Iain Munro's assistant at Dunfermline Athletic, was a team-mate of long-serving Vale manager John Rudge at Carlisle in the 70s. He signed a two-year contract with Huntly in April after leading Huntly to a record fifth successive Highland League title.

qFORMER Raith Rovers and Falkirk striker Ally Graham has become the first-ever Scot to sign for a Finnish team.

Graham makes his debut for TPV Tampere in a derby match against FC Ilves this week. If Graham likes the surroundings, he will sign a long-term deal with the Scandanavian outfit, who are coached by former Hearts player Ian Crawford.

The veteran has been without a club since being released by Clyde in the summer. He also played for Albion Rovers for a spell last season and has previously turned out for Ayr United, Motherwell, and Clydebank.

qMORTON defender Peter Cormack, whose career had been in doubt, has returned to training for the first time in five months.

Cormack, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury in February, feared he may be out of action for a year. However, the 25-year-old is already one month ahead of schedule. ''I've set the target of playing again within the next four months,'' said Cormack. ''Considering my career was in doubt, I have to happy with that.''

qCHARLIE Adams has signed a one-year deal with second division Queen of the South - so he can go back to school.

Adams quit Clydebank at the end of the season after they refused to offer him a part-time deal, but the 22-year-old striker will be able to combine his move to Palmerston with a place at university.

''It's exactly the kind of deal I was looking for and I'm looking forward to the new season,'' said Adams.

qBERWICK Rangers, who are unbeaten in their two pre-season openers against Darlington and Lincoln, will show several changes for tonight's match against a Hearts select at Shielfield Park as new signings Colin Campbell and Neil Irvine are both doubtful after picking up knocks.