This is the best time to be a Port Vale fan since 2013
It’s good news and more good news at the moment – Rob Fielding is in celebratory mood…
Rob Fielding writes…
Let’s not beat around the bush – the last couple of weeks have been a really great time to be a Valiants supporter.
After years of protests, controversial ownership, ineptitude on the pitch and a succession of below-par managers and players, things are finally looking up for Port Vale fans.
We’ve had a nice windfall from both our FA Cup and Football League Trophy runs and are still in both competitions for the festive period. Not only that but drawing FA Cup holders Manchester City in the third round will earn the club a huge financial windfall plus the chance of the mother of all cup upsets.
Manager John Askey has impressed with a squad which clearly doesn’t rely on Tom Pope for goals (although clearly if he keeps scoring seven minute hat-tricks he can keep his starting place). There’s a solid spine in Brown, Legge, Joyce and Pope which has been supplemented by youngsters such as Smith, Gibbons and Taylor. I’m sure Askey will be looking to secure Jake Taylor until the end of the season and Vale’ new riches may even see the Valiants make a cheeky permanent bid. Taylor looks to be a gem – a young goalscoring midfielder who could hit double figures this season. Vale haven’t had a central midfielder hit ten or more goals since Micky Cummins in 2006.
Off the pitch, things just keep getting better and better. A high profile Robbie Williams concert in the summer, the addition of seats into the unfinished half of the Lorne Street stand, Vale fans must be in dreamland right now.
It’s back to the reality of the league at the weekend and a win over old rivals Walsall could see the Valiants pushing into the play-off spots. Things are definitely looking up at Vale Park – Carol, Kevin, John, Tom, Robbie and all – thanks and long may it continue…