Time will tell if Vale deadline deals were good business
It’s difficult to judge whether Vale’s moves in the transfer window will help or hinder the club.
Rob Fielding writes…
Financially, the club have done well to secure a reported six figure sum for Anthony Grant while the apparent sell-on clause for Jak Alnwick could be highly lucrative in the future.
Vale now have three goalkeepers in Ryan Boot, Leonardo Fasan and Harry Pickering with just two senior appearances between them…
However, in the short-term there are questions about whether Vale have effectively replaced the duo.
Vale now have three goalkeepers in Ryan Boot, Leonardo Fasan and Harry Pickering with just two senior appearances between them. While Boot is regarded as a top prospect his debut against Bury wasn’t without its hairy moments including one incident where Nathan Smith cleared off the line as Boot misjudged a run forward. It could have been “opening night nerves” but Vale fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that the team don’t come to rue not replacing the dependable Alnwick with an experienced keeper to help rookies such as Boot.
A six figure sum for Grant is great business financially, especially when the player could have left for nothing in the summer. But If Grant cannot be replaced in the midfield then the move will look to be a mistake. Many fingers will be crossed hoping that Danny Pugh stays fit and manages to forge an effective partnership with Callum Guy.
Many fingers will be crossed hoping that Danny Pugh stays fit and manages to forge an effective partnership with Callum Guy…
If not then Michael Brown may have to look to another veteran – himself – to fill the gap. He may be 40 years old but Brown would be a decent short-term option in the holding role. He may have had a poor game earlier in the season (when he was still coming back from a serious injury) but I think Brown still has something to offer on the pitch.
The other signings are really unknown quantities, but if they have anything like the impact that Tyler Walker and Guy have had then they will at least be a good indicator of caretaker Michael Brown’s canny eye for talent.
However, the proof of the pudding will be Vale’s form in the closing stages of the season. Should they suffer a slump of form following the exit of Grant and Alnwick then the moves will be seen as a disaster, should the club survive then the Valiants will hopefully be able to use the addition funds to strengthen in the summer.
It goes without saying that all eyes will be on Saturday’s match – against Anthony Grant’s Peterborough.