The OVF editor thinks new Plymouth Arygle signing Ronan Curtis’ parting shot at Port Vale was “crass” and “unnecessary”.
Rob Fielding writes…
I liked Ronan Curtis’ spell at Vale Park. He was clearly a character and at times could produce a spark of magic. The player would probably admit that consistency was a problem and as a result he never really nailed down a spot in the side. In the player’s defence, that could well be down to Darren Moore’s tactical inflexibility which often saw Curtis played out of position as well as in and out of the starting line-up.
Nevertheless, Curtis performed at a decent level for Vale and I have fond memories of his time here – it’s therefore perhaps a pity that the same doesn’t seem to be true of the player. In his interview on Argyle TV, Plymouth’s inhouse streaming service, Curtis reportedly said he “wasted two years” at Burslem. It’s an odd thing to say when you consider that the only promotion of the Irishman’s eight year Football League career came at the end of his first season with the Valiants. Perhaps you want to hand that medal back, Ronan, if it means so little to you?
To me, it’s a crass, rude and most importantly an unnecessary thing to say. The interview was from a Plymouth perspective to introduce a new player to their fans. So, it could have been a forward-looking, “here’s what I hope to achieve” message rather than one which makes the player look, well, frankly ungrateful and somewhat bitter about the club who paid his wages and the fans who supported him.
Curtis may well have had a frustrating spell at the Valiants. But it would have perhaps have been more mature to keep your mouth shut and to take the professional approach of not criticising your former employers.
Crass is the correct word Rob. Like you I enjoyed some of his time at the Vale. Think this is a case of not engaging brain before speaking. Suggests to me he is a little short in the intelligence department.
Maybe we’ll give him a warm welcome whenever we may meet again sometime in the future . We’ll welcome him in the same spirit he’s voiced about Boslem.
Rated himself! I thought he was always giving the impression that he was too good for us, not correct. Apart from the goal against Cheltenham away and morecambe at home he was not and dont forget it was his assist at wigan that started the sorry run of form. Glad he’s gone!
I hope it all goes wrong and is next job is in the national league tosser
Not the sharpest knife in the drawer so I’ll forgive him as I think the comment was aimed more at Moore – hard to argue with him tbf
I wasted 2 years waiting for him to show consistent form…. Rather than flashes off the bench
Always thought he had something missing to make him a good player. In his head he was championship player, in reality he was a good division 2 player. Wish him well but will give him some grief when he comes to the Vale.
Ronan Curtis has let himself down. Vale fans love to see a player play with a bit of passion. Ronan had attitude and a belief he was too good to be at PVFC. Anyway, let’s see when he is picked to sit on our Irish bench again?
I thought Curtis was a top signing when he joined Vale, and surprised when Moore didn’t play him consistently. Was this because of Moore’s muddled selection and tactics, or was Curtis’s attitude partly responsible ? Either way, what he said Plymouth TV was somewhat belittling to Port Vale, players, and supporters, who can only conclude he is best out of the club.
I think Curtis turned up thinking he would he in the side every week and basically did what he wanted to do. But it does not work like that you have to do a bit more in lower leagues, he had got a bit of a attitude about is self and perhaps moore saw this in him, but moore playing him at wing backs on occasions did not help his cause, so I think is game time was limited, he did play well on occasions but not enough for me to say he was brilliant, new coach comes in either he didn’t fancy him or the other way round
Y he is right, wasted, he was a disruptive influence in the dressing room and had a rather large chip on his shoulder.
Produced some memorable goals and assist but after opening his gob like that he will be remembered just for that.
Its a good riddance tbh
He can join Tolaj another one with a chip on his shoulder but possessing a far better opportunity to progress but we have seen him throw his dummy out already at Plymouth
So same Goid riddance.
To play for PVFC you need to have it tatooed in black ink on your heart
Very unwelcome comment,if he was consistent he would have perhaps been a regular.No respect for Vale who have paid him for two years.Disgraceful
Curtis is only guilty of saying in public what he and probably a number of other players have said in private, over their time here playing under Darren Moore. No doubt Ojo, Croasdale and Walters to name a few, won’t look back on the first half of this season to fondly, and more than likely have spoken out about their concerns and disappointments. Ive said on numerous occasions Moore is a master at ruining players careers, with his ridiculous team selections and systems. I’ve not read the article, but if a player wants to leave a club then obviously it’s because he’s not happy there, and if supporters can not accept a player giving his honest opinion about his time at the club and would sooner read a load of bull on how wonderful everything was that’s up to them. No doubt Curtis came to the Vale with thoughts of being a leading part in the club’s success Supporters openly criticise players so I see no reason why players should not be allowed to have their say.
Never liked the bloke despite him seeming to be a decent footballer. I, for one, won’t miss him
I would disagree with that Ian. There’s some huge differences between fans and players – one group are professionals who are paid, the others are paying to see something that they care passionately about.
So, from that perspective, a player should show some professionalism and show some respect to the club who have paid him a decent salary. It’s only what would be expected in any other paid job where you don’t badmouth your former organisation in public when you leave.
For me, it’s nowt to do with Darren Moore – it’s simple immaturity, rudeness and entitlement by Curtis and he should have known better.
Rob , what is the point of players giving interviews, if alls you want to hear is the same old nonsense spewed out all the time, about how wonderful everyone is, and how the sunshine’s out of the managers backside. How many players have come to the Vale saying “they need a new challenge” because they’ve become stagnant at their previous club. I don’t see you ever criticising them.? Isn’t that what Curtis is saying? We live in a world of free speech or should do! Are doctors and nurse being disrespectful when they speak out about the state of the NHS or is it just footballers who should be gagged? As for the comment about its “nowt to do with Darren Moore” He’s the clown who signed all these players, players who came here with good playing records, and reputations, only for him to not play them or play players out of position. As you have criticised him for on many occasions. I suppose being relegated and leaving us bottom of the league “has nowt to do with Darren Moore” either? One minute you are criticising Moore, then the next you’re defending him. The guy was a walking disaster!! As for Curtis, he’s just saying “ he’s had a wasted two years here because his career hasn’t gone the way he had hoped it to, and to me that’s fair enough . No big deal ! Regardless of our opposite views, I still think you do a remarkable job with your onevalefan.