Five questions following Port Vale’s friendly defeat to Blackpool
Following Port Vale’s friendly loss to Blackpool, we’ve drawn up five questions which arose after the final whistle.
This is not a comprehensive list and you may not agree with our choices. If you don’t scroll to the bottom of this feature and click on the button to have your say (or add questions of your own) on the dedicated forum thread.
Which of the trialists will remain?
It’s fair to say it was a mixed day for the Port Vale trialists. Dino Visser had comfortably the best game of the four and may well earn another chance on Tuesday to prove he can be a back-up to Scott Brown. It was a different story for the others. David Fitzpatrick looked uncomfortable against the pace of CJ Hamilton but as an experienced pro and someone John Askey knows well he could earn another chance. It may not be the case for Ethan Beckford who struggled to impose himself on the game while Kieran Hayes only had a brief cameo at the end.
Will Vale move any players out?
The Valiants face a tricky task working out what to do with the likes of Alex Hurst and Dan Trickett-Smith (right). Both showed some good moments on Saturday but the question is – would a sustained run in a first-team elsewhere benefit them more than being on the fringes of the Vale squad. To further complicate things, delays to the non-league season may make it difficult to secure a loan move now. It may even be that Vale opt to keep them both on for now and give them some first-team minutes in the cup competitions.
Is Crookes now a future prospect in the centre?
From a paucity of options last season, Vale suddenly look to have loads of options at left-back (Montano, trialist Fitzpatrick, Campbell-Gordon and Mills) so it was no surprise to see Adam Crookes start in central defence. After garnering some criticism last season, it’s high time for some praise. Crookes looked an accomplished performer at the back and can offer a longer term option when time calls on Messrs Brisley and Legge. Crookes’ left foot is an asset as is his composure on the floor while his aerial abiity and positioning good. He looks a prospect at centre-half.
Do Vale now have strength in depth in several positions?
This Vale side looks especially strong in a number of positions. In central defence, Legge, Smith, Brisley and Crookes all impressed. Zak Mills looks like he will be a genuine contender for James Gibbons at right-back. In the wide positions it’s two from Browne (right), Worrall and Amoo while there’s five players (six if Oyeleke regains fitness) pushing for three places in central midfield. Those are all good headaches for John Askey to have. However, there is one area which is surely causing concern to the manager.
A forward remains a priority?
This is perhaps Vale’s burning question – can the club bring in a fourth striker who will be in genuine contention for a starting place when the season proper kicks off? Vale look light upfront. Tom Pope faces a lenghty suspension, Devante Rodney showed promise but perhaps needs more time to develop rather than being thrown into the deep end while most worringly of all, Mark Cullen (right) was ruled out through injury. It’s surely inconceivable that the Valiants will begin the season with only Rodney as an option and with John Askey clear he wants four frontline strikers, the question remains – who will the club bring in?
Are there any we’ve missed?
Have we missed a point? Is there another question to address? You can chip in with your comments and questions on the forum. Click on the button below: