Rob Fielding reflects on Port Vale’s transfer business so far this summer. In his view, Darren Moore has brought in three decent signings but there’s plenty more for the Vale manager to do.
If you go back a few weeks then it’s pretty certain that all Vale supporters would be in agreement – this was a massive rebuilding summer for the club. The desperately poor relegation, the removal of underperforming Director of Football David Flitcroft, the installation of Darren Moore on a long-term contract, a crop of poor signings still under contract, a paucity of striking options – there was so much to do…
In terms of incoming, Moore seems to be following that classic managerial move of establishing an experienced spine to his side…
Well, so far the moves from the club appear to be largely positive. On the outgoing side… five players have gone – three were released while Lewis Cass and Uche Ikpeazu have also departed at the end of their contracts. It’s likely Moore will want more to go too but it’s not easy when the other unwanted players are under contract.
In terms of incoming, Moore seems to be following that classic managerial move of establishing an experienced spine to his side. All three signings thus far – Ryan Croasley, Ronan Curtis and Jayden Stockley add experience, nous and have proven records at this level.
There’s still work to do. Stockley adds a targetman and experience upfront but a forward line-up currently consisting of Stockley, Baylee Dipepa and Ryan Loft isn’t one that guarantees goals and one to strike fear into League Two defences. Dipepa, for all his promise, lacks experience, Loft lacks a goal threat and may still leave while Stockley shouldn’t be expected to bear all the goalscoring responsibility alone. At least one more reinforcement, more if either of Dipepa or Loft leave, is required.
There’s need for replacements elsewhere – in many fans’ view that list includes a left-back, an experienced centre-half and (perhaps less importantly) a back-up keeper for Connor Ripley. Then there’s another striker to add as well. Those seem to be the minimum requirements if Vale can keep hold of prized assets such as Ben Garrity and Ethan Chislett – if either of those leave the list gets longer.
So, what’s my view of things so far? It’s cautious optimism. The three signings look to be solid ones but this remains a huge summer. There’s still a number of key positions to fill, key players to try and keep hold of and (if at all possible) players to move on.
So, it’s been a good start but there’s still plenty more to do.
What are your thoughts on Vale’s summer transfer business so far? Post a comment below…
Who’s Jordan Ripley?!
No-one’s perfect… corrected
Yeah agree with you 3 really good signings in terms of experience would like to see an experienced central defender next but everything is never as easy as it seems but so far so good
We need another 2 strikers and
2 defenders at least
The signings so far have been good. Cover for Connor Ripley is an absolute necessity. We can’t rely on him going all season with no injury or suspension. A left back is essential if we may go with a flat back four at times. Connor Grant and Jack Shorrock, may get by as wing backs but certainly not as an orthodox left back. A new powerful, experienced centre half may not be essential but would certainly help to build confidence in a defense which appeared to have none.
At least one extra striker is needed but, now that we have Stockley, we could probably risk going for a young prospect or even take a punt on someone from non-league.
There’s still plenty of time and we may have trialists lined up for preseason training and games.
That’s what JR did spine first
A commanding central defender is required to go alongside Smithy. The problem is the injury prone players on long contracts.