Four thoughts on Port Vale after the season’s first four games
After three games in the League and another in the Cup, we look at some talking points including the formation and the role of David Worrall within it…
Striker light or chances at a premium?
The Valiants have yet to score in the League this season and there has been much focus on the strikers. Darrell Clarke has said there will be a further addition but does the problem lie with the likes of Rodney, Wilson and Proctor or is it with the service? Some fans have pointed out in the forum that the lack of goal threat is more to do with the service to the frontline rather than the men upfront. If that’s the case then a new addition isn’t going to solve the problem, a change of tactics will.
Settling on the right formation would help
And with that last thought in mind, is there a formation that can provide the chances and therefore the goals? Darrell Clarke has been flexible with his line-ups pointing out that his players are versatile and adaptable. Switching formation is all very well but wouldn’t it be more effective just to start with the right one in the first place? With Captain Tom Conlon absent arguably the best providers of chances are going to be widemen David Worrall, David Amoo and presumably loanee Dennis Politic. With that in mind, the most suitable line-up could be one that employs four at the back and allows Worrall to attack from further up the pitch. Many fans feel that using the willing Worrall as a wingback diminishes his attacking threat and he needs to be employed further upfield. Would a switch to a back four with one of Lewis Cass, Nathan Smith or the returning James Gibbons at right-back be better?
Transfer business may help
With the Valiants still to catch fire this season the moves in and out of the club before the transfer window could be key. For example, removing Theo Robinson from the wage bill could have a big effect on which striker Darrell Clarke brings in as it presumably frees up more wages for the Vale manager. Robinson along with Danny Whitehead and Scott Burgess, is not going to play for the Vale this season so if Colchester do show interest in him I do hope he moves – for the good of Port Vale and the player himself.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but you can’t afford to be too off the pace
Having said all the above it is worth remembering this is very early days. Darrell Clarke has already said that his sides are generally slow starters and this has proved to be the case with the Valiants. Now is not the time to judge but with the amount of signings, money spent and changes at the club, there will be no free pass later on in the season. If this form is continuing into the festive period then there will be no excuses so the sooner the team come up with a consistent formation, style of play and run of the form, the better.