“Stick by the lad” – Jon Brady offers defence of under-fire Jordan Shipley

Port Vale manager Jon Brady says that midfielder Jordan Shipley, who has been the subject of much criticism this season will “come good” and that private personal issues may be playing a part.

Sometimes you don’t know the context of what’s happening with people in their lives off the pitch. That’s all I’ll say on that. Stick by the lad, he will come good…

The former Shrewsbury midfielder joined Vale on a two-year contract this summer. However, Shipley was rounded criticised for pulling out of a tackle in Vale’s 3-1 defeat to Exeter City.

Brady told a fans forum that rather than a lack of commitment, the player had just picked up an injury and therefore couldn’t make a committed challenge. Brady told the supporters Shipley had injured his groin – although he did say that the player was at fault for not flagging it to the bench as soon as it happened. Shipley was subsequently withdrawn on the hour mark.

Brady also explained that personal circumstances may be playing a part in Shipley’s form and he is confident that the player will “come good”. Brady commented: “I know there was a comment earlier about the tackle and Jordan. He has unbelievable technique. Sometimes you don’t know the context of what’s happening with people in their lives off the pitch. That’s all I’ll say on that. Stick by the lad, he will come good.”

Shipley has been left out of recent matchday squads by Brady presumably due to those personal circumstances and his groin injury.