Smurthwaite backs Page to rebuild Vale
Norman Smurthwaite has told the Sentinel that he wants Rob Page to be the Vale manager next season and to rebuild the side.
Smurthwaite commented: “Rob is doing a good job and I think he has earned the opportunity to represent the club as manager for next season. He has done a good job with what he has had to work with. Next season he will have his own structure in place and his own people that he wants to sign.”
Page’s squad mainly comprises of Micky Adams signings but with most players out of contract in the summer it will give the manager a chance to remould the Valiants in his own style.
OVF Opinion
Rob Page has done a good job since taking over and deserves the chance to manage next season.
Some signings, such as Ryan Inniss have proved to be inspired, the re-introdution of Louis Dodds in his favoured position has generally worked well while the slow and careful reintroduction of Byron Moore has also to be proved correct.
The manager has been criticised in some parts for his lack of faith in loan signings and striker Achille Campion, but this fan prefers the slow, “don’t change for change’s sake” approach and feels that Page is generally fair with his players.
Fans have also probably enjoyed Page’s less combative approach to media duties but the Welshman has undoubtedly been hamstrung by an experienced core of defenders who seem unable to defend. It will be interesting to see how Page deals with the likes of Duffy, Dickinson and McGivern who are all under contract next season.
Rob Fielding – OVF Editor