I’m NOT joining the Adams out bandwagon
In his latest personal blog, OVF editor Rob Fielding argues that he thinks it’s wrong to call for Micky Adams to go.
Rob Fielding writes…
To some extent I can understand the frustration of fans after Vale made it five defeats on the trot this weekend. But even if we lose on Tuesday night, I firmly believe that this is just not the time to remove the manager.
I wouldn’t argue for Micky Adams to remain simply on the basis of stability. I also continue to back Adams because I think there are a number of reasons for Vale’s poor form…
There’s an awful lot to be said about stability in football – arguably all the local sides’ best moments have been under long-serving managers (Rudge, Pulis and Gradi). But I wouldn’t argue for Micky Adams to remain simply on the basis of stability. I also continue to back Adams because I think there are a number of reasons for Vale’s poor form.
Firstly, the summer transfer business has lead to upheaval. When nine players leave and eight come in, it is going to take time for everything to bed down. Consolidating the best starting eleven also wasn’t helped by delays over the Slew loan deal and Byron Moore’s unavailability (a tragedy beyond the club’s control and which incidentally has been handled exceptionally well by the under-fire Adams).
Secondly, there are the teams we’ve faced. You would probably argue that we’d expect to lose to Peterborough and Cardiff which leaves three bad results. Yes, it’s not great to lose three games you would hope to win, but would it really be fair to dismiss someone for three bad results? I think not.
Thirdly, I would include raised expectations after the summer transfer business. Fans expected the side to do better because of the decent summer transfer business. It’s a double-edged sword as who did that business and increased our hope of a successful season? Why, Micky Adams, of course.
Yes, in the short-term things look grim, but in the long-term I still think Adams will come through this sticky patch and will continue his good work at the club…
Fourthly, there’s the argument that the grass is not always greener. Would a new man be able to do any better with Vale’s resources than Adams did in the summer? Would a change be for the best? Remember that for every John Rudge replacing John McGrath there are numerous occasions (Gannon, Sinnott, Glover) where the change has not been for the better.
So, I’m still backing Micky Adams.
Yes, in the short-term things look grim, but in the long-term I still think Adams will come through this sticky patch and will continue his good work at the club.