Retained list 2021: which strikers should stay?
It’s arguably one of the biggest decisions of recent years as manager Darrell Clarke rebuilds the Port Vale squad in the summer. In this series, we’ll look at the side position-by-position and ask you to vote on who you think should stay and who should be released.
The Strikers
The Background
The central forward position is yet another position which has provoked plenty of discussion during the season. Devante Rodney is the only forward to have enjoyed a decent season but he still remains a “work in progress.” Rodney should be even more dangerous next season as he continues his development – but which of his teammates will be there to see it? Much maligned Theo Robinson will still be under contract but the futures of club legend Tom Pope plus team mates Mark Cullen and Kurtis Guthrie are all firmly in the balance.
The Stats
- Devante Rodney: 39 appearances / 11 goals – under contract
- Theo Robinson: 28 appearances / 3 goals – under contract
- Tom Pope: 18 appearances / 3 goals – out of contract
- Mark Cullen: 18 appearances / 2 goals – out of contract
- Kurtis Guthrie: 17 appearances / 1 goal – out of contract
League appearances only – stats as of 4th May 2021
The Players
Devante Rodney
A player rich with potential, Vale fans will simply wish for Rodney to continue his development next season. He clearly needs to work on his consistency and the jury’s still out on his best position but on his day he can be near unplayable with his physicality and pace.
Status: Under contract
Tom Pope
A bona fide modern day legend, Pope has been the heart and soul of Port Vale sides since 2010 but is the final curtain drawing near? He has been sparingly used by manager Darrell Clarke and with squad limits set to be in play next season is there room for a player who will be 36 next campaign? Having said that, many fans have argued that had Vale played Pope would have guaranteed more goals than some of the other Vale forwards and it’s a fair point as he averages a goal every four games over his Valiants spell. Our OVF decision (below) is a reluctant one and if he should go, we hope there’s a testimonial to allow him the chance to have a proper goodbye in front of his fans.
Status: Out of contract
OVF verdict: Leave
You decide:
Mark Cullen
A less contentious decision, after a season which started promisingly but soon fell victim to injuries, Cullen’s time at Vale Park looks set to end. When fit, the striker clearly has talent and the knack of finding the net but with squad limits set to be in play Vale will need a forward who can feature more often than Cullen’s eight starts this campaign.
Status: Out of contract
OVF verdict: Leave
You decide:
Theo Robinson
One of the most castigated players in recent years, it made no difference to manager Darrell Clarke who stuck with Robinson upfront and was rewarded by hard work, effort and two goals in the last six games. He was brought in to be a regular goalscorer and has clearly not managed that this season but will that all turn around next season? Or will Darrell Clarke look elsewhere to inject goals upfront? To do so, he’ll have to arrange a contract buy-out or a transfer elsewhere, so it’s more likely Robinson will be a part of the Vale squad next season.
Status: Under contract
OVF view: Undecided
Kurtis Guthrie
Kurtis Guthrie took a gamble in leaving Bradford to switch to Vale Park but is it enough to earn him a new contract. Well, on the plus side he did end a seemingly endless goalless run (actually 38 games) with a goal. However, that was his sole strike in seventeen games and for all his workrate, Vale surely need a more prolific figure upfront?
Status: Out of contract
OVF view: Leave
You decide:
More votes on the 2021 retained list
- Retained list 2021: which keepers should stay?
- Retained list 2021: which central defenders should stay?
- Retained list 2021: which full-backs should stay?
- Retained list 2021: which central midfielders should stay?
- Retained list 2021: which wingers should stay?
- Retained list 2021: which strikers should stay?