The Guardian: OVF’s half-term report
We’re pleased to have been asked by the Guardian to contribute to their review of the season so far for League One clubs.
You can read Rob Fielding’s review below:
Port Vale
Season in one word Encouraging
How’s it going? After a fairly slow start, Vale have certainly found their feet in League One. I think most fans would have expected a relegation battle and to be in the top-half challenging for the play-offs has more than exceeded our expectations. The players and management deserve much praise. It’s unfortunate that the odd off-field issue has occasionally distracted attention from the fine work that Micky Adams and his coaching team have put in. It’s been a learning process for owner Norman Smurthwaite and hopefully he’s here for the long-term as that would give Vale some much-needed long-term stability.
Who’s been the star? Like the team, Chris Lines had a slow start, but as the season has progressed his skillful link-up play has given Vale a new dimension in midfield. He’s been compared to Vale legend Ray Walker which is high praise in these parts. Doug Loft and Chris Neal have also done very well.
Biggest disappointment? On the pitch – none. Almost every player has played a part in our impressive start to the season. So no issues there…. Off the pitch there was the debacle of the third-shirt (which was delivered months after it was promised) and a spat with the local paper thankfully both are now resolved.
All we want for Christmas is… It’s not a Christmas gift but a birthday gift. My birthday falls on the 5 January when Vale entertain Plymouth in the FA Cup third round. I’m hoping we win and net a big club in the next round – thus providing some extra cash for Micky Adams to strengthen the squad.
Rob Fielding
And you can read the views of other Football League bloggers through these links: