I have big belief – Darrell Clarke backs Devante Rodney to find form
Despite a slow start to the 2021-22 season, Port Vale manager Darrell Clarke has insisted that striker Devante Rodney will “learn and progress.”
Rodney was criticised by some fans after an ineffective performance coming on as a sub against Rochdale but Clarke has urged patience saying that Rodney has “all the tools” to become a player in the top divisions.
I have worked with players like that before that people seem to want to write off. But I have big belief in the boy…
Clarke told a media conference: “Listen, Devante Rodney has Championship clubs watching him. Everybody wants to talk about Devante and what he doesn’t do well.
“He didn’t have a great game when he came on the other day but there are reasons why Championship clubs and big clubs are watching Devante Rodney. It’s because he has all the tools. That’s fact.
“So, we keep working with Devante. I love the kid, he is a great lad. Yes, he has things he needs to get better on but he will learn and progress,
“But only if we want him to, eh? Or shall we just keep talking about what he can’t do?
“Everybody wants to talk about what players can’t do. They can’t do this or that, he doesn’t do this or that, why doesn’t he do this?
“They are League Two players at the minute. Myself and my coaching staff are trying to get these player better. With regards to Devante, knuckle down son, keep getting on with your work, you have the tools, keep your confidence and belief…because he is a confidence player. I have worked with players like that before that people seem to want to write off. But I have big belief in the boy.”