Retained list 2021: which wingers 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 Wingers
The Background
Port Vale’s wing-based play has really been dominated by two players this season. Last season’s player of the year, David Worrall, had a quiet start but then again started to perform at his consistent, high level. Alex Hurst, a player at the other end of his career, made his breakthrough into the League squad and was rewarded with a extended contract. Other than Worrall and Hurst, it’s been a mixed bag. David Amoo’s season has been disrupted with injuries, while Harry McKirdy was not even registered at one stage. Forward Devante Rodney has been deployed wide sometimes but we’ll come to him when we look at the forwards. We’re also not including Cristian Montano as he was covered in the full-backs feature.
The Stats
- David Worrall: 35 appearances / 1 goal – under contract
- Alex Hurst: 19 appearances / 1 goal – under contract
- David Amoo: 24 appearances / 1 goal – under contract
- Harry McKirdy: 6 appearances / 0 goals – out of contract
League appearances only – stats as of 27th April 2021
The Players
David Worrall
He’s undoubtedly been Vale’s main thread on the flank this season. It may be interesting to see exactly where he is deployed next season – with Darrell Clarke opting for a back three, Worrall has been used as a wingback and as an attacking midfielder – but he’s surely one of the first names on the teamsheet. Vale fans will be keeping fingers crossed he stays fit next season.
Status: Under contract
Alex Hurst
The breakthrough player of the season and a strong contender to be the club’s young player of the year. Hurst has lots of energy and skill but it may be premature for Vale to rely too heavily on him next season. In other words, it will be good for the likes of Amoo and Worrall to stay fit and Hurst will then have to compete with the senior players for a starting place. To gain a start, Hurst needs to ensure his delivery is consistently good and the odd goal will help too. He’s got time to develop those skills and we’re sure Darrell Clarke will be looking forward to further developing his game.
Status: Under contract
David Amoo
A player whose value to the side sometimes divides opinion, Amoo can switch between anonymity and match winner. He’s had a frustrating season with injuries but fit and on form, he can be a potent thread on the flank. Will Darrell Clarke get the best from him and will he return to his best form? Only time will tell.
Status: Under contract
Harry McKirdy
An odd signing, McKirdy was added to the squad following the shock departure of Rhys Browne. It seemed an odd choice to add a maverick to a close-knit squad and frankly, it hasn’t worked. For whatever reason, McKirdy hasn’t been picked regularly and wasn’t even registered for the squad at one point. He was handed another chance by Darrell Clarke when he returned to the squad after injury to Zak Mills, but again appearances have been limited and his future at Vale Park looks bleak.
Status: Out of contract
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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?