Adams critical of players after defeat
Manager Micky Adams did not hold back in his criticism of his side describing the 3-0 defeat at Southend as “one of our worst performances I have ever seen.” Adams told the official Port Vale website: “There was one side that thought they could win the game, and us, who didn’t think we could win it, and that was from kick-off.
“If you don’t do the basics from set-pieces, then you have got no chance. Last week against Cheltenham, we were well in the game, then we conceded a goal from a set piece, and we have done exactly the same here – a free header from a corner.
“So if you are going to give goals away, cheaply, against one of the top three teams, then you have got no chance.
“It’s a day you want to forget and that was one of the worst performances I have seen from a Vale side, certainly since I have been at the football club.
“I was disappointed with their attitude; we paid Southend too much respect and it is a bitterly disappointing result – there is a lot of soul searching to be done.”
He added: “We have got youngsters that are itching for an opportunity.
“I thought Kingsley James and Sam Morsy, when they came on, added a bit of a spark, because they wanted the ball to impress and I felt today that there were too many players hiding away today.
“I respect supporters that have travelled the distance today, and the money that they have spent.
“It’s embarrassing, but I feel more disappointed today than I ever have, since I have been at the football club.”