Crewe boss bemoans Vale’s youth policy
Crewe Alex manager Steve Davis says that Vale youngsters “have to look elsewhere to develop” as they are not pushed into the first-team.
Davis is the father of Vale youngster Joe Davis who has decided to leave Vale Park after 11 years and join Leicester City.
The Crew manager’s remarks will no doubt anger Vale boss Micky Adams who has been keen to defend himself against allegations that he doesn’t allow youngsters to flourish. Adams will no doubt point to the development of young goalkeeper Sam Johnson who is expected to push Chris Neal for the number one spot at Vale Park and the emergence of Ryan Lloyd into the first-team frame.
He was always used when people were injured, but not pushed into the first-team enough…
However, while that pair’s development continues, Adams’ critics will note that promising youngsters Joe Davis and Jordan Hugill have both left the club this summer.
Savis Snr commented: “He would have liked to have stayed and was offered a two-year contract, but he felt that the offer was a little bit derisory and not an offer that was going to keep him there.
“He was always used when people were injured, but not pushed into the first-team enough, from his dad’s perspective. I think he has got a huge potential to improve.”
Davis also commented on Hugill adding: “Along with Hugill, they are coming to an age where they need lots of games, and if that is not there then you have to look elsewhere to develop.”
However, many Vale fans will argue that both Davis and Hugill will have considerably less first-team opportunities at their new club.
In the case of Hugill, many would add that the striker’s decision to leave Vale Park appeared to be largely motivated by money and his agent rather than a lack of first-team opportunities.
In the light of Davis’ comments, we await Micky Adams pre-match comments for the Crewe fixtures with interest.