Sixth favourites – are Port Vale a good bet for promotion?
The bookmakers are rarely wrong the saying goes, so after they announced that John Askey’s Port Vale side are sixth favourites for promotion, does that mean the Valiants can battle for a promotion place.
The omens are certainly looking favourable. Practically no-one can remember a summer when all players offered a contract, even highly rated defender Nathan Smith, accepted the offer of a new contract. It has led to a settled squad albeit one with some fresh faces. Zak Mills will strengthen the defence, Danny Whitehead is a versatile midfielder while Devante Rodney is potential upfront.
So it’s all looking rosy right? Well, not quite. There’s a reason why Port Vale aren’t runaway favourites. We’ve already had worrying summer knocks for Mark Cullen and Manny Oyeleke while Tom Pope will miss the first six games after his social media comments. What’s more there’s still question marks over a few key positions. Is Cristian Montano the right man for left-back or is a new recruit needed? Who will be the back-up keeper to the ageing Scott Brown? Who will Askey bring in as the fourth striker?
An experienced striking face is surely a must and several names have been mentioned…
It’s this last one that’s arguably the most important. With Cullen’s fitness in doubt, Pope suspended, then it’s surely asking too much of the raw Rodney to shoulder all the burden. An experienced striking face is surely a must and several names have been mentioned. Arguably, if Askey does well in this respect Vale could be credible contenders. They boast a well drilled defence, the midfield is dynamic and the flank players full of flair – what’s more they have options in all areas.
Has that all convinced you? Well, don’t forget you can get all the latest odds updated constantly on the Betiton Sportsbook UK. It’s one way of keeping track of Vale’s chances and popping a bet down whenever the odds looks favourable.
You can rest assured that they are regulated by the Gambling Comission in UK so your money will be safe. However, as a word of warning, please only bet what you can afford to lose.
But away from the team, there’s also factors away from the pitch to consider. Why empty stadiums is undoubtedly a blow, it’s understandable, but the buzz created by the caring owners, the Shanahans, should not be under estimated. There’s a real feel good feeling around the place and clubs who are united and in a good place tend to be successful.
So are they worth a bet? Well, there’s some big spenders in League Two with the likes of Bolton and Salford seemingly looking to buy promotion. So perhaps automatic may be a step too far. But as for the play-off places? Well, why not? They only finished one place off last season and with a settled squad and progressive owners, why shouldn’t Vale be challenging? It should be fascinating to watch!