After the retained list, where do Port Vale need to strengthen?

Rob Fielding takes a look at where he thinks Port Vale will need to strengthen following the release of the retained list.

Rob Fielding writes…

Goalkeeper

After taking over from Connor Ripley, Ben Amos was relatively solid if not spectacular. He also turns 36 next season so he’s approaching the end of his career. The only other keeper on Vale’s books is teenager Arron Davies and he’s likely to be loaned out for experience. It means Vale only have one experienced keeper right now. It’s surely likely that Darren Moore will look to bring in someone with experience who can challenge Amos and potentially be his successor.

Prediction: a loan move for rookie Arron Davies and the addition of another experienced keeper

Defence

Following the departure of Nathan Smith (thanks for your long service Smudge!), it’s clear that new faces are needed at the back. Vale have Jesse Debrah, Ben Heneghan and Connor Hall plus youngster Ben Lomax on their books. Of those, Lomax is likely to be loaned out while Hall and Debrah both struggled during Vale’s League One relegation season. Admittedly, that was in the past and both may have learned and improved since then. However, it looks clear that a couple of proven League One performers would be a welcome and sensible move.

Prediction: a loan move for Lomax plus the addition of two League One savvy defenders

Wingbacks

On paper, Vale seem reasonably well stocked. Jaheim Headley, Kyle John, youngster Jack Shorrock and (likely back-up) Sam Hart are all under contract. If Mitch Clark signs, it will mean five players on the books. However, it’s arguably a little more complex than that. Headley has a poor injury record and that prompts the question what to do with the highly talented Shorrock? If he is loaned out for experience then what happens if Headley is ruled out? If he stays, what happens if Headley is fit (will he sit on the sidelines and not get the match experience he needs). I think it’s likely Shorrock will be kept on, that Vale think he’s now good enough to compete with Headley. With the injury records of Headley, John and Clark, Vale probably do still need another player in as cover – perhaps on loan?

Prediction: a loan wingback to come in to provide cover

Central midfield

This is an area which has seen a number of players released and therefore it’s no surprise that it’s likely to see reinforcements. Tom Sang, Ethan Chislett, Rakeem Harper and Jason Lowe have all departed. It’s reasonable therefore to expect at least two replacements brought in. In the holding role, it’s two from four in Funso Ojo, George Byers, Ryan Croasdale and the impressive Rhys Walters. However, it’s likely Ojo may be loaned out again while Byers’ injury record would be a big concern so it’s likely Vale will want some cover there. In the more attacking role, there is captain Ben Garrity while Ronan Curtis can play that role too. However, after the departure of Chislett another attack-minded player would help. Could Vale move for former loanee Rico Richards who is out of contract and impressed last season?

Prediction: Ojo loaned out or sold with at least one more holding midfielder coming in and a possible move for Rico Richards

Forwards

Again another area where Vale are likely to seek reinforcements. Lorent Tolaj and Jayden Stockley are the leading lights but Stockley’s injury record is a worry, especially as his hold-up play is so important. It could be that expensive summer recruit Ruari Paton will not be discarded. The forward may be reintegrated as competition upfront following his loan spell. However, more players are still needed. Last season, Vale went into the loan market with mixed results. Will they do the same or look for permanent additions? In an ideal world, a younger back-up for Stockley (in other words, a hold-up player) and a striker with pace, who would be a good bench option, would be ideal.

Prediction: Paton to come back into the squad plus two more additions, either loans or permanent

Summary

Incoming: an experienced goalkeeper, two experienced defenders, a wingback on loan, a defensive midfielder, the permanent signing of Rico Richards, a back-up striker for Jayden Stockley and a pacy striker.

Outgoing: loan moves for Arron Davies, Ben Lomax and Funso Ojo.

What do you reckon? Sensible or a load of nonsense? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.