We’ve got really close on one or two – Port Vale manager on striker search frustration

Port Vale manager Andy Crosby told BBC Radio Stoke that the club have missed out on a couple of forward additions.

Crosby spoke to reporter Phil Bowers after the side suffered a 1-0 friendly defeat to Doncaster Rovers with the Valiants looking short of options upfront at times.

We’ve got really close on one or two haven’t managed to get things over the line but the people we are talking to and negotiating with – they will definitely improve our group…

Crosby agreed that the club needs additions in the forward department saying: “We’re certainly lacking numbers in the number nine position. It’s something we are constantly looking at, and evolving and making phone calls and speaking to players. When we’ve got something to announce we will do it (although) obviously the season is getting a little bit closer.

“We’ve recruited some really good players in a lot of other positions, but the centre-forward position and the nine position haven’t been as easy. It’s been challenging for a variety of reasons but we also know that the players we are after, when they get them we will become a more effective team.

“All those things (the player, the agent, the club) have to fall into place. It takes time. We’ve got really close on one or two haven’t managed to get things over the line but the people we are talking to and negotiating with – they will definitely improve our group.”