Clarke appears to have motivated the entire squad: Rob Fielding shares five thoughts after Port Vale’s away win over Barrow on Tuesday evening.
Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts and post a comment at the end of the article.
Clarke appears to have motivated the entire squad
It’s worth noting that Vale made three changes to their line-up and still proved to be more than a match for Barrow. It shows how keen the players are to impress manager Darrell Clarke. While the likes of Mark Cullen and Kurtis Guthrie had quiet games, sub Will Swan looked lively and was no doubt helped by fellow sub Tom Pope who played the hold-up role with expertise. It will be interesting to see what other changes Clarke makes for the remaining games but it seems like the squad are determined to make his summer decisions over who remains at the club as difficult as possible. That’s exactly the attitude which we fans want to see and the manager deserves much credit for this turnaround in attitude from the entire squad.
Running out of superlatives for sublime Conlon
Tom Conlon’s development has arguably been the Port Vale success story of the season. His influence has grown as the season progresses so he’s now captain, playmaker and goal threat in one player. His goal against Barrow was one of the best I have seen in many years as a Vale fan and this season the captain arguably has the goal of the season and player of the season awards sewn up already. I hope he continues to develop because he’s arguably one of the most skilful midfielders we’ve had since the likes of Marc Bridge-Wilkinson was plying his trade. My only conern would be if his fine form brings him to the attention of higher placed clubs with big budgets.
Worrall – the player who never stops running
Arguably the Port Vale player who will run Conlon closest for the player of the season award would be David Worrall. Tuesday’s performance was another example of his energy and workrate. Pressed into a wingback role in recent games, he never stopped running and tracking back as well as providing a potent attacking threat with his high calibre crossing ability. He’s so good at it all and so consistent that sometimes it goes unnoticed and that’s partially the reason for mentioning it in this article. He’s another player the club will be desperate to keep hold of for the next season as he’s surely one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Vale eye record after defensive turnaround
Tuesday saw yet another rock solid performance from the Vale defence. It was the 27th March when Port Vale last conceded a goal. It’s been a remarkable turnaround by a team which had previously conceded four to Mansfield Town, Walsall and Tranmere Rovers. Much credit goes to Darrell Clarke who switched to a flexible back three and brought back Leon Legge back from the cold. Credit is also due to Legge’s team mates Nathan Smith and Shaun Brisley who have also been instrumental in the run of clean sheets. Vale will set a post-war record of six consecutive clean sheets if they don’t concede against Bradford City and in the team’s current form there’s a decent chance of it happening.
I’d be pleased if Barrow stay up
A word on Vale’s opponents. They may have been “robust” on the pitch but I, for one, will be happy to see them again next season. Imagine what it must have been like for Barrow fans this season… they win their League place back for the first time in decades and then no-one can turn up to see them play. It would have been devastating if the side had gone down and their supporters had missed that season back in the League so I’ll be happy if they stay up. After all, as those executives behind the ridiculous Super League quickly found out, fans make football clubs and it’s desperately sad when they can’t turn up to celebrate historic moments such as Barrow’s League return. I hope Barrow can have a belated celebration at the start of next season. They deserve it.
Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts and post a comment at the end of the article.
we need to get a transfer fee for Jake and give the ;lad a chance as he has no chance here last time scored 7 goals not even any were in site under this manager
Yet again a good show of defensive resilience from the Vale back line, the conditions made it difficult to play intricate football and the referee nearly made it impossible to play any football. Conlon will take the credit for his 2 goals, the first one of his brace was spectacular. So big decisions to be made on who should stay and who should go, we still desperately need a striker, Cullen is as poor as Robinson and so we need to off-load them both, bring in a forward who can bag 20 goals plus and we will be in business. Far better times at Port Vale Football Club with more of the same to follow I suspect, well done to the owners, management and players for coming through.