Rob Fielding shares his thoughts after the Valiants bag six points from two games over the Easter weekend.
Agree or disagree? Post a comment at the end of this article with your thoughts.
Fitting tributes to Lee Collins both on and off the pitch
The tragic news of the passing of former Vale defender Lee Collins was a sad precurser to these games. While Vale did an impecably observed minute’s silence before the game, their performances on it were also an inadvertent tribute to their former star. The Valiants backline held firm through both games to secure two cleansheets – both of which were, in my view, fitting tributes to the much missed 32 year-old defender.
A good weekend to break droughts
Well, who would have thought that on Tuesday we’d be looking back at goals for Theo Robinson and Kurtis Guthrie. The much maligned striking duo have certainly answered some of their critics. It is yet to be seen whether their long-term future will be with the Valiants but if they continue to work hard as they did over the weekend, you never know…
No fuss about female referee’s performance
Rebecca Welch was the perfect referee on Monday. In command but allowing the game to flow, she did a great job. After some of the awful male referees Vale have suffered this season, her performance was very welcome. It’s good to see the FA embrace the idea of employing the best referees regardless of gender. I hope we see Welch in charge of another Vale game in the near future.
A great team performance
Darrell Clarke deserves praise for the way he has transformed the team’s performances in recent weeks. It may also be noted how this turnaround coincided with the appointment of coach Andy Crosby too. Well done to both of them. It’s interesting that the whole side are performing at the top of their game right now. From Shaun Brisley at the back to Devante Rodney upfront, it looks like the starting eleven are determined to keep their places while the likes of goalscoring sub Kurtis Guthrie are doing their best to break into the starting team. It’s the perfect scenario as the players push each other and after a trying campaign, it looks to be a positive end for the Valiants. As far as this column goes, it’s certainly nicer to talk about the positives rather than the negatives. Long may it continue.
Agree or disagree? Post a comment at the end of this article with your thoughts.
I only think DarrellClarke came to the vale to get manager of the month award. Can you remember when the vale claimed a top 3spot earlier in the season these 5 wins make me think the good times are on the way back even though it’s to late in the season to get anything out of it.
Think we can safely say that Clarke has now started to get the team to perform how he wants,I said on here a couple of weeks ago that he would need time to implement the changes get players back from injury ,the players are also showing they can adapt systems but also to conditions which is good to see ,Clarke also seems to be getting the best out of players that a few weeks ago people were slating, so I’m very happy with how things are looking now and for the future ,we are in safe hands not only in the owners but also the manager .UTV
What a difference a decent back four makes.Center halves can get on with their own job instead of having to cover for full backs who can’t do theirs. Midfielders can now do both attacking & defending ( except Joyce who gives away a foul every time he tries to tackle ) So please D.C. leave alone until next season and get rid of the previous backs that have been used before (excluding Gibo of course) .Anyway thanks D.C. for bringing some life & co-operation
& effort back into our team
I agree wholeheartedly the trouble was IMO no real leadership. ASKEY did a good job ie saving the club from relegation & on the verge of playoffs till the league was suspended. The summer recruitment was a bit erratic Rodney the exception, ok we started well but injuries & lack of fitness was their too see. Pugh did well but (I dont say this was happening) a lack of discipline in the squad. Clarke saw this & started to iron out the problem & you can start seeing it, given a full pre season & good recruitment it will be a bett season. Thankyou Carol for bringing Darryl to the club & Colin Garlic .