Outstanding – Darrell Clarke praises Brad Walker’s performance
Port Vale manager Darrell Clarke heaped praise on summer signing Brad Walker after a commanding performance in the Vale back three against Carlisle Utd.
Walker has often been employed as a defensive midfielder but was swapped into the back three after Aaron Martin withdrew through illness. Walker was a commanding figure and displayed excellent passing skills as the Vale secured a 3-1 win.
I thought he was outstanding and I thought he defended really well as well, which you have to obviously…
Speaking to the media Clarke said: “Brad has played in the middle of a back three a couple of times and his passing range is probably different to what we have at the football club.
“The fans will have seen the range he has, with no backlift. He gives you a different dimension in that middle. I thought he was outstanding and I thought he defended really well as well, which you have to obviously.
“Certainly played his part in a good team performance.”
The Port Vale manager also had praise for James Wilson whose skills were to the fore through the game. Clarke commented: “Yes, he’s coming to the boil nicely. It takes him a couple of games to get going, unfortunately, but I think in the last couple of games he has been outstanding.
“His work rate has been outstanding. I rate James Wilson. I think he is a top class player and I am pleased he has got his goal tonight.”