Vale need to channel that revived community spirit as play-offs near
Port Vale currently sit just outside the League Two play-off spots, undefeated in six games.
Four points clear of Bradford City in ninth, Vale are level on points with both Colchester United and Northampton Town in sixth and seventh respectively. And, with just 11 games remaining for Vale, a play-off place is not a far-fetched dream.
Vale face a crucial tie against Cheltenham Town at the weekend, with the Stoke-on-Trent side 16/5 to beat the Robins. In fact, Vale are 8/1 to earn promotion, though you may be able to find enhanced odds with the best free bet offers uk.
As it comes round to the business end of the season, just what do Port Vale need to do to cement a play-off place?
Score goals
It might seem a bit ironic, but scoring goals will always win matches. Though Vale haven’t exactly struggled in front of goal this season with 48 goals in 35 matches, that is still the lowest tally of the top eight sides in League Two with the likes of Swindon Town on 60 and Crewe Alexandra on 62.
Vale’s main problem has been a prolific goalscorer. Forward Tom Pope has the most goals for the club in the 2019/20 season so far, but he has netted just ten times. To put that into perspective, the fourth tier’s top goalscorer is Eoin Doyle with 23 for Swindon Town. And, only six of Pope’s haul has come in the league. In fact, it’s midfielder Jake Taylor that leads the scoring chart for Vale in the league with just seven.
That isn’t good enough for a side that wants to earn a play-off spot and promotion at the end of it. Perhaps boss John Askey should have delved deeper into the transfer market in January, but considering the club had only recently got out of financial brinkmanship, Askey may not have had the funds to spend.
Keep the community spirit going
Prior to the Shanahans taking over in May 2019, Vale Park was a miserable place. Under previous owner, Norman Smurthwaite, Port Vale was a club desperately close to insolvency with only that sale saving the club’s existence.
Owners of local IT firm Synectics Solutions, Carol and Kevin Shanahan not only purchased the club, but the ground and the surrounding area, ensuring any money made at the ground goes straight into the club.
The couple put the community essence back into the club, even aiming to make one of the stands at Vale Park a family stand. The way in which the Shanahans have turned the club around has been nothing short of spectacular.
And, fans have bought into it; the average home attendance has gone up by approximately 400 as Vale continue to play attractive football under more responsible owners. If the club can maintain that bond through all levels at Vale Park, then it could just give them the momentum and heart to make it. The cut-price tickets for their next two home games may do just that.