Five thoughts after Port Vale’s excellent away win at Crawley Town

Much criticised Theo Robinson deserves to start: Rob Fielding shares his thoughts after an excellent away performance against Crawley Town on Saturday afternoon.

Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts and post a comment at the end of the article.

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Strike duo proving a real handful

One thing that Darrell Clarke has been quick to implement has been his use of a front two, in marked contrast to predecessor John Askey. In press conferences, Clarke has said he always tries to play two upfront when he can and Saturday’s game was a great example of why he should continue. As the local radio team observed, Theo Robinson and Devante Rodney caused the Crawley backline problems all game.

The pair seem well suited to the role. Rodney has a muscular presence and pace while Robinson’s experience and link-up play was in evidence on Saturday. The pair link well together and this will undoubtedly improve as they play more games together. Arguably it was one of the much maligned Robinson’s better games of the season and he was unlucky not to score after hitting the woodwork. The striker has received much criticism this season and perhaps some of it was deserved, but on current form he deserves to be in the starting eleven right now.

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Conlon a class above

Captain Tom Conlon was named in the League Two team of the season so far and on current form it’s well deserved. He was instrumental in the Vale victory on Saturday. His goal showed his skill as he controlled his left-footed volley when others would have blazed over. His ball control was also in evidence for Vale’s second when he did superbly well to keep the ball in and drill in a low cross for Nathan Smith to convert. Conlon now has seven goals for the season and numerous assists. He deserves the captain’s armband and should be one of the players for Vale to build around next season.

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Old hands playing their part

This was a good game for the old boys. I thought Leon Legge and Luke Joyce were both influential and Scott Brown, while underemployed was back to his best. However, a word too for Shaun Brisley whose return to the backline has coincided with this good run.

Of the four players I have mentioned, Brisley probably has the most “legs” left in him as he’s only 30 years of age. I’m sure that the Valiants will be looking for a younger alternative to Leon Legge in the summer, so Brisley is unlikely to be first choice, but he looks a good squad player to have around next season.

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Clarke silencing the critics, at least until the summer

It’s been a slow start to his Vale managerial reign. Who knows why… perhaps the appointment of new coach Andy Crosby was a factor in the side kicking on? Whatever it was, it has taken some weeks for the side to kick into gear. But  in recent games Darrell Clarke has clearly made an impact.

The new manager’s combative style and “tell it as it is” press conferences won’t be to all tastes and  I think he may always be a “marmite” manager. However, regardless of your views of him, he’s now achieved his first objective which was – League Two safety. Now, his most important test lies ahead which what he does in the summer transfer window. And talking of the retained list…

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What to do with Manny Oyeleke?

This match was yet another example of what a fit Manny Oyeleke can offer the Valiants. There was his early defence splitting ball to Theo Robinson, numerous other key passes and an all-action physical display when defending. He’s clearly a top quality League Two midfielder when fit. So, the question which lots of fans are asking right now is  – do Vale offer him a new deal at the end of the season?

It’s a tricky one to answer. If he can manage a sustained run in the side next campaign he could be a key player. Then again, if he’s out injured and on the sidelines that’s a wage down for the club. The fact that three seasons into his Vale career, he’s only just clocked up fifty League appearances tells a story.

So what to do? In my opinion, it’s out of the hands of fans and manager. I think it very much comes down to the opinion of the medical team at the club. They are going to know best if Manny’s issues are manageable or not and their input will no doubt play a big role in manager Darrell Clarke’s retained list decision.

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Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts and post a comment at the end of the article.