Four thoughts after Port Vale’s away draw with Carlisle Utd
What changes will Clarke make? Rob Fielding shares his thoughts after Port Vale’s unbeaten run stretches to seven games.
Agree or disagree? Post a comment at the end of the article with your thoughts
What will be Clarke’s next moves?
Manager Darrell Clarke has said there will be changes after Vale’s winning streak. He told the media “I want to have a look at one or two more players, certainly in the Tuesday, Saturday game. There are only four games left, so I can make my mind up on certain decisions and there is no better than seeing some players in competitive games.” It will be interesting to see who features and by featuring is arguably on the Clarke “undecided” list.
It’s impossible to tell who Clarke is referring to but David Amoo, Tom Pope and Harry McKirdy all came on as subs on Saturday. Goalkeeper Tom Scott is also yet to be seen in action – is it worth giving him an opportunity? Loanee Mustapha Olagunju is out of contract at Huddersfield – will the Valiants give him a go? Perhaps some of these names will feature? Who knows! However, if he’s fit, the performances of Jake Taylor could be the most illuminating element to come out of the close of the season. Vale have invested in a long-term deal for him and the ideal scenario would see Taylor link up effectively with Tom Conlon in the final games.
Solid backline turn around their season
While we’re on the subject of contracts, it will be fascinating to see Clarke’s decision on the future of Shaun Brisley and Leon Legge. Both are out of contract at the end of the campaign but have performed immaculately during the winning streak. If they can maintain their form it may make sense to keep the pair on the books next season. Vale clearly need younger, long-term options in defence but having experienced players in the squad is also important and both defenders have proved their worth in recent matches.
Adaptable Gibbons proves his worth
One left wing move from James Gibbons drew admiring comments from the Carlisle commentary team as they admired his “quality”. The full-back has been employed on both flanks recently and used as both an attacking wingback and as a more conventional full-back. He’s looked top quality since his return and Vale fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for an injury-free season next campaign.
The run is over but the side still deserves credit
With a little more good luck, Vale could have been celebrating seven straight wins on Saturday. The recent run has been tremendous and credit is certainly due to Darrell Clarke and the coaching staff for re-energising what was a demoralised and despondent side. It’s not quite seven wins, but seven unbeaten is still a great run and it would be fantastic if Vale can maintain the unbeaten run till the end of the season.
While we’re on the subject… if you want to read about that seven game win in 1893, well, it’s a cracking read and we did a story on it some months ago. You can read the special feature here.
Agree or disagree? Post a comment at the end of the article with your thoughts
Keith Dawson
18th April 2021 @ 10:35 am
It wasn’t a game for the football purist’s amongst us but the grit, determination and resilience shown by the Vale back line was to be admired. There wasn’t much creativity form either side in fact the ball went off crying at half time having been thrashed around the pitch mercilessly for the first 45 minutes. Second half was better for Vale and we might have even pinched all three points but with a front line as impotent as ours it was always going to be difficult. So running Streak over let’s see what happens in the next few weeks, I feel there are a number of Vale players still with a point to prove to Mr Clarke and I am sure he will give them an opportunity to do so. Well done Vale, league safety achieved and things are looking much brighter.
Bob Norbury.
18th April 2021 @ 2:28 pm
The Vale back line must surely be as good as any back line in League 2 and I think Darrell Clarke should and will keep them together. New contracts for Legge and Brisley so that they and Smithy can continue together next season.
Gibbo, Conlon, Worrall and Taylor all have a touch of class about them and will be there next season.
There are several problems about the remainder although Joyce and Montano once he gets his injuries sorted out could also be in the running. We will have to wait and see.
Scott Brown is as good as any goalkeeper in the EFL so I would think his future is assured Let’s see what the next few weeks produce beginning with the match at Barrow on Tuesday night. UTV.
Bob Norbury.
19th April 2021 @ 10:49 am
I am sorry not to have mentioned Alex Hurst in my previous article but in view of the fact that he has agreed a new two year contract with the Vale then clearly his future at least for the next two years is with the Vale and I have no doubt that he is going to make his mark.