Port Vale Fan Viewpoint: the manager has turned around a squad that finished 20th twice in a row
In the third of a series of features where we ask OVF forum users for their views, it’s Walka003 who offers his insights on the season so far.
Thanks to Walka003 for answering our questions.
1. How happy are you with the season so far?
I’m both happy and frustrated. Happy to the extent that we have a healthy points total and are still unbeaten at home. I think that speaks volumes of Askey as a manager to be able to turn around what is essentially the same team as last year and turn them into a mid-table team after seasons of utter rubbish.
I think that speaks volumes of Askey as a manager to be able to turn around what is essentially the same team as last year and turn them into a mid-table team after seasons of utter rubbish…
However, it’s frustrating that we have been so close in quite a few games to winning and just not pushed on or held on. Salford, Orient, Stevenage and Oldham could and probably should have been 3 points. Those 8 points dropped put us joint top!
Still overall, we’ve performed much better than I hoped at the start of the season and the league table reflects that.
2. Where do you think the Vale will finish?
It depends. If we continue how we have been, I think we will finish about where we are now, 10th-12th.
If we can iron out the above mentioned inconsistencies, the sky could be the limit.
3. What areas should the manager concentrate on in the Jan transfer window?
I’d like to see us bring in a left-back, as I think our options there are weak and we could do with some real competition for Crooks and free up Monty to play further forward.
I’d also be looking to make Atkinson a more permanent offer, he’s been a good option since coming in.
4. Are you happy with the manager / owners?
Very much so.
The owners cannot be praised enough for what they have done for us as fans. We have been saved from the same terrible fate that has been inflicted on Shakers fans…
The manager has turned around the core of a squad that finished 20th twice in a row. We are playing better football than we have been for a while and I actually enjoy going to games again. It’s not all praise though as I feel his game management can be found lacking at times in terms of his subs, and his transfer business has been hit and miss, however overall you cant argue with the League position and standard of football he’s producing.
The owners cannot be praised enough for what they have done for us as fans. We have been saved from the same terrible fate that has been inflicted on Shakers fans. They have brought hope back to our club and a pride in being a Vale fan that has been missing during the Smurf years.
5. Which players have impressed you so far this season?
My standouts have been Worrall, Bennett, Smith and Taylor. Bennett in particular has really caught the eye. Fast, good with his feet, a thunderous left foot with the physique to bully defenders.
An honourable mention to Burgess as well, who seems to have grabbed his first team opportunity in the last few weeks, I’m looking forward to see how he progresses during the season.