Weekly Digest: O’Connor on the mark with Page praise
In our latest edition of the weekly digest, there’s an editorial on Michael O’Connor, a smattering of former player news plus our OVF pick of the week…
Comment: O’Connor’s comments ring true
Midfielder Michael O’Connor sung the praises of manager Rob Page with the pertinent comment that “To do it in his the first full year of management is credit to him.”
It’s perhaps easy to forget that Page is still a relative rookie in management terms…
It’s perhaps easy to forget that Page is still a relative rookie in management terms. In these fast-moving times, managers are often given months rather than years to prove themselves but there is a lot to be said for keeping faith with someone who can only improve given time and experience.
For me, Page’s team play better football than the brand given to us by Micky Adams and the majority of his signings have been decent ones – notably the likes of Jak Alnwick, Anthony Grant and Sam Foley. He has also proven doubters wrong with adding players like AJ Leitch-Smith (roundly criticised at the time).
Yes, Page has made mistakes but I can’t help but feel these are leapt on and over-exaggerated by some. Just remember, if Page was to be replaced it would more than likely be by another rookie or someone who has failed elsewhere. Perhaps the grass isn’t always greener and it’s best to celebrate Page’s successes (while still hoping he will improve on his failures) and keeping faith with a manager who has shown glimpses of real promise.
Time to vote…
Which of these goals do you think deserves to be named as Vale’s goal of the month for February?
Voting will close at 5pm on Tuesday 15th March. To vote, simply send an email to [email protected] with the title ‘Goal of the Month February’ and name your choice in the main body.
Former Valiants – Beadle close to fairytale final with Hereford
Step back a couple of years and Hereford were in very real danger of ceasing to exist. OVF blogged about the awful situation here and the club itself did cease to exist. But thanks to the efforts of fans, a phoenix club was set up and the managerial reigns handed to former Vale striker Peter Beadle, who had enjoyed a successful spell with the Bulls some years ago.
Now, less than two years after their lowest point, Hereford are a game away from reaching Wembley in the FA Vase. They lead Salisbury 1-0 in the first-leg of their semi-final in the FA Vase.
Best of luck to Beadle and his team in the second-leg…
Former Valiants – Sinnott sacked
It was a bad week for former Port Vale boss Lee Sinnott who was dismissed by Altrincham on Thursday. Sinnott was the second longest serving manager in the National League but was dismissed after a run of seven games without a win.
Altrincham chairman Grahame Rowley said: “It has been a privilege to work with Lee, a man of integrity and honesty.”
Former Valiants – O’Sullivan rejoins Newport
Cardiff City midfielder Tommy O’Sullivan seems to have quite a thing for multiple loan moves.
After spending two spells with the Valiants last season, the Welsh youngster has joined League Two side Newport County for a second spell this season.
Pick of the week: Vale Park’s quiet centurion
Our favourite OVF feature of the past seven days concerns the Vale Park Family Stand which holds a unique claim to fame.
Video Vault
A rare Kevin Kent header of all things…