A few ideas following this sorry mess…
Even by Port Vale standards, it has been a remarkable week, here we look at a few ways to mend bridges and maybe help get Vale back on track.
Rob Fielding writes…
1. Praise not grumble…
instead of focussing on the negative focus on the positives…
The problem with many of the press articles that have been produced is even though Norman Smurthwaite mentions that it is a tiny minority who are involved in racist abuse or violence, that fact can be missing in the national press reports and that crucial omission can then damage the overall reputation of the club. Anyone causally browsing a tabloid this week will no doubt think Vale Park is a very unpleasant place indeed.
So, instead of focussing on the negative (we all know that like most clubs we have a minority of idiots) focus on the positives. Such as the devotion and loyalty of the genuine Vale fans. The supporters who travelled to Exeter or Colchester, for instance, could be something that would encourage potential new owners to get in touch wheras racism and violence is hardly “bigging up” a club that’s currently open to offers.
2. Keep it in-house…
As a previous article has already stated, it would be a wise move to keep announcements in-house from now on. As I’ve mentioned in point one, if you go to the press, they can amend an article as they see fit. You’re no longer in control of the statement. Keeping it under control and in-house solves that at a stroke…
3. Focus on the main event…
I think it would be wise to focus solely and only on the potential sale…
Selling the football club is a big deal. It has raised concerns and questions in equal measure. That’s the main event – what happens to Port Vale, to the Vale Park stadium, is anyone interested, what happens if there are no reasonable offers and so on…
Were comments on Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, fan attacks or the manager’s position particularly relevant? I know that they were probably used to illustrate the disillusionment with the club but was it a wise move? If the press continues to be involved, I think it would be wise to focus solely and only on the potential sale and make sure all other comments are strictly not for publication.
4. CEO ASAP…
I thought OVF user VantaaVale made a good point when he mused that as Norman Smurthwaite’s relationship with fans is damaged right now, it may be wise to bring in a CEO this season rather than wait to the summer. An experienced figure who is used to PR, the media and managing a club may be the steady hand on the tiller Vale require right now. Just one note though – if your name’s Perry, please don’t apply…
5. Don’t put the cart before the horse…
I’d love to retire to Devon and help out my local football club in my dotage. It sounds like a fantastic idea but I’ve got unfinished business first. Similarly, it’s strange to talk about offering a potential financial lifeline to Torquay when the Vale sale has only just been announced. I really do think any talk of Torquay needs to wait until Vale are sold (if indeed the club is).
6. Don’t forget the day job…
A run of fine form on the pitch would be good for everyone right now…
A run of fine form on the pitch would be good for everyone right now. The manager’s clearly under pressure after the weekend remarks and gawd knows what the players are thinking of the turmoil of the pitch. If it carries on it’s going to affect everyone.
Surely it’s time to focus on the day job and my, how a win over Scunthorpe would give everyone a boost. It won’t solve everything and heal all wounds but it sure will make everyone feel a lot better.