Should Vale gamble In January and push for promotion?
Last season was one to forget for the Valiants but they can’t be said four months into the new season as John Askey’s men sit two points off the play-offs and with over half the number of points they achieved all last term.
The club has enjoyed a good run in recent weeks, including an FA Cup victory over League One side MK Dons. The play-offs are in sight, and with January approaching, should the Vale twist and go for it?
It’s a gamble, particularly after last season, but the upturn in fortunes is akin to playing an online slot machine. You’ve taken a spin on the online slots UK offerings and you’re just a few nudges away from a jackpot.
As it stands, Askey’s men are just a win away from a play-off place and only six points from league leaders Forest Green.
It’s believed the club are looking to secure Nottingham Forest loanee Jake Taylor until the end of the season, with the 21-year-old midfielder scoring four goals in a string of 13 impressive performances.
That would nudge one reel into place, while fans are hoping their good work in the cup competitions can add a bit of a transfer kitty to strengthen in January.
It’s a league in which anyone can beat anyone but victories over Bradford and Crewe in recent weeks is offering real hope, and should new recruits be added during the window, it could help with a real push in the second half of the season.
At present there are no rumours on the transfer merry go round, but as we approach Christmas it will become almost inevitable, particularly if Vale are keeping up with the pack.
Tom Pope has marked his intentions to push for one of those places, and with Askey and the new ownership working together seamlessly, it’s bringing a feel good factor and an attitude of, “why not?”
He’s found a system that works and should the club get past Swindon or Cheltenham in the FA Cup Second Round, then budget could well be there.
Of course, to be simply having these thoughts at this stage of the season will make Vale fans happy and a mid-table finish would certainly be progress. It could be more though. It feels like the club are just a few nudges from a real push in the second half of the season. Let’s see if they land the jackpot…