Vale put faith in youth
Chairman Norman Smurthwaite says that the club will bring in more young players as it continues to put the focus on youth.
Smurthwaite told the Sentinel: “I have uncovered a rich vein of opportunities with players who have been overlooked by other clubs. Premier League clubs need instant success. “Academies provide players, but players from 19 to 24 can be overlooked. So, I am looking to bring in kids with talent.”
I have uncovered a rich vein of opportunities with players who have been overlooked by other clubs…
“We have a good structure. If it is a player with first-team potential then I relay that to Rob Page and if it is a development player then I relay that to Mick Ede in the academy. They do the sifting.”
“Our average age was 29 whereas in the rest of League One it was 24. At our level these players are all good players and there will be more.”