With 18 out of contract in the summer, Vale’s management team are set for some key decisions
Now that the club have put a management structure in place, it’s likely that the pair will begin to plan for the future.
Who do you think the club should retain or let go? Share your thoughts by posting a comment at the end of the article.
Port Vale’s new-look management team of Director of Football David Flitcroft and manager Darrell Clarke have vowed to turn around the club’ fortunes. If they manage to pull it off, it may be worth checking out a Bet365 bonus code and having a punt on Vale’s fortunes next season. However, it’s likely that the squad will need a complete overhaul in the summer months if it is to be ready for next season.
The duo are at least now in place and now have the remainder of the season to reach some key decisions on the Port Vale squad. It’s a squad which potentially has eighteen players out of contract at the end of the season and it will be fascinating to see how many of those are offered fresh deals.
In this article, we take a look at who’s under contract and who’s not at the end of the season. Please note that some players may have appearances clauses and may be eligible for an automatic renewal of their contract.
Players under contract after the end of the season
- James Gibbons
- Nathan Smith
- David Worrall
- Tom Conlon
- Theo Robinson
- Jake Taylor
- Danny Whitehead
- David Amoo
- Scott Burgess
- Devante Rodney
Players out of contract at the end of the season
Note: this list does not take account of any clauses to extend contracts
- Scott Brown
- Adam Crookes
- Luke Joyce
- Leon Legge
- Manny Oyeleke
- Tom Pope
- Cristian Montano
- Mark Cullen
- Kurtis Guthrie
- Zak Mills
- Shaun Brisley
- Harry McKirdy
- Ryan Campbell-Gordon
- David Fitzpatrick
- Daniel Trickett-Smith
- Alex Hurst
- Dino Visser
- Tom Scott
So, what are the decisions facing the Valiants managerial duo?
Players under contract:
While keeping the likes of Devante Rodney and Tom Conlon is simply common sense, what will the pair do with the likes of Theo Robinson and Danny Whitehead, both contracted past this campaign? Will they try and turn the form of the players around or cut their losses and agree moves elsewhere or, if all else fails, contract settlements?
Another issue that may not be so urgent but worth bearing in mind is the contracts for the club’s “crown jewels.” Is it worth offering the likes of Conlon and Rodney even longer deals to ensure they stay or are such contracts beyond the financial means of a League Two club?
Players out of contract:
While a Port Vale exit looks on the cards for the likes of Harry McKirdy and Dan Trickett-Smith there are some more difficult decisions to be made…
Firstly, there’s the question of the veteran players – Scott Brown, Leon Legge, Luke Joyce and Tom Pope. Are the quartet now surplus to requirements or does the team still need some experience in its spine?
Secondly, there’s the question of the squad regulars. Do the club keep faith with the likes of Cristian Montano, Shaun Brisley, Kurtis Guthrie and Dino Visser as useful squad players – or does the duo think better alternatives could be brought in?
Finally, there’s the youngsters. Winger Alex Hurst has had a breakthrough season and arguably deserves a new deal. What about the largely unused Ryan Campbell-Gordon? Is rookie keeper Tom Scott a first-teamer of the future? Will Football League squad rules limiting older players play a part in the decision?
Who do you think the club should retain or let go? Share your thoughts by posting a comment at the end of the article.