Rob Fielding offers his views on Jon Brady’s reign and looks at some of the looming decisions he’ll need to make during a vital pre-season.
Rob Fielding writes…
I know some fans have shown some disquiet with manager Jon Brady. I understand some of the criticisms – such as the absence of forwards at Wycombe, for instance. The team performances have also been hit and miss
However, as far as transfers go, I think Brady was given a hospital pass in January. A team destined for relegation won’t attract decent players, he lost several of his key performers and could only attract loanees and free agents.
As a result, I personally think the key judgement for the Vale manager will be summer as clearly there needs to be a major clear-out of players plus the chance for the new man to bring in some signings of his own.
How will it pan out? Here are some of my thoughts on the key decisions…
Goalkeeping
GoalkeepingIt’s ironic that Vale started this season with three senior goalkeepers and yet when it comes to the summer they may need to make a first-choice number one their priority. Loanee Joe Gauci hasn’t done enough, in my opinion, to be considered as an addition. Furthermore, after being bought by Aston Villa for a six figure sum he’d probably be out of our price range even if he was available.
Meanwhile, veteran Ben Amos has looked shaky and Marko Marosi has frankly looked a bit of a panic buy. All three could leave and while Arron Davies and Dougie Blight look potential players for the future, this isn’t the time to blood either of them. So, Brady will probably need to release Amos, either loan or agree a termination with Marosi and then bring in a new, experienced number one. He will also need to decide if Davies or Blight can offer back-up cover or if a second keeper (possibly on loan) is required.
Possible decisions – Gauci loan deal to end, Amos to be released, Marosi loaned out or termination agreed?
Defence
The defensive ranks is one of the areas where Darren Moore’s erratic signing policy has left Brady with quite a quandary. He’s got Kyle John, Jordan Gabriel, Cameron Humphreys, Liam Gordon, Jack Shorrock and Jaheim Headley all under contract and so he’s likely to keep them – but three of them play on the left which already creates an unbalanced squad. Also, with the exception of the hard working John, there’s been little consistency from the contracted players but Brady is seemingly stuck with them. As a result it may take longer than the summer to sort out the defence and the next window may be seen as something of a sticking plaster.
So, what does he need? It depends a bit on what formation he favours. The plethora of wingbacks suggests three at the back in which case Brady clearly needs centre-halves. Brady seems to like Connor Hall so I can see him getting a new deal which would mean Vale have two solid centre-halves (Humphreys being under contract) plus the versatile Kyle John to select from. Does he also offer Ben Heneghan or Tyler Magloire deals? It’s perhaps more likely he will seek reinforcements elsewhere?
Ironically given the choices on the left, Vale are short of numbers on the right. Presuming Mitch Clark leaves then if John is deployed in a back three, it leaves only injury-prone Jordan Gabriel on the right. He will need competition and cover from a new right-back.
One thing Brady clearly needs to avoid is a Moore-esque situation where the club could field seven players at left wingback last season but had only four recognised centre-halves to populate the back three. In short, he needs some fresh blood and a better balance to the defence. However, due to contracts it may take longer than one window to sort out.
Possible decisions – release Sam Hart, Mitch Clark, Ben Lomax, Jesse Debrah, Tyler Magloire and Ben Heneghan, offer a new deal to Connor Hall. Bring in at least two experienced centre-halves and a right-back.
Midfield
MidfieldProbably some of the most difficult decisions for Brady are in the midfield. The two that stick out are what to do with Funso Ojo and Ben Garrity. Both are certain starters when fit and in form but Ojo will be 35 next season and Garrity has been plagued with injuries lessening his influence. It would be a big move if both were allowed to leave but there would be reasoning behind it. I suspect of the two, Garrity, being younger and club captain, is most likely to get a new deal.
While the futures of Ojo and Garrity may be in doubt there are some more obvious decisions – reliable and hard working Ryan Croasdale deserves a new deal, especially as he thrives in League Two. Grant Ward, who has featured little since being signing looks set to be released.
The flipside of possibly losing influential players like Ojo and Garrity is that Jordan Shipley (who has failed to reach the heights this season) and George Byers (potentially an expensive, injury-prone luxury in League Two) are both still under contract. There’s also the thorny issue of what to do with returning loanee Rico Richards. The future of those three could determine how many new midfielders Brady brings in. It may be tricky to move any of them on meaning that (just like the defence) with players under contract, it may take Brady more than one window to sort out Moore’s mess.
Possible decisions – release Funso Ojo and Grant Ward, offer deals to Ben Garrity and Ryan Croasdale, transfer list Rico Richards. Bring in one central midfielder.
Attack
AttackRuari Paton, Ben Waine and the versatile George Hall are the only forwards under contract for next season. I suspect Paton will be on the move or transfer listed. Both Waine and Hall are likely to be regular starters in the new campaign. As for the others, I have doubts whether veterans Andre Gray and Onel Hernandez will be retained. However, Brady could opt for a new deal for Jayden Stockley, who despite his age, could be invaluable in League Two.
If the above happens then there’s clearly a need for at least one new face upfront – especially as Vale’s forward line has been padded out by the likes of loanees Mo Faal, Dejaune Brown, Ethon Archer and Martin Sherif this season – all of which will return to their parent clubs.
Possible decisions – release Gray and Hernandez. Move Ruari Paton on. Offer Jayden Stockley a new deal. Bring in a proven League Two forward (which is easier said than done) or perhaps a prospect from non-league?
Youngsters
YoungstersAnother decision that will be closely observed by fans is how Brady deals with the club’s youngsters. The likes of Jack Shorrock, Charlie Bussell, Arron Davies and Joe Williams will be on professional contracts. The latter three could probably all do with regular game-time at a decent level – something that is sometimes harder to achieve than may be thought.
Perhaps the thornier issue is what to do with Shorrock. He’s now 18 and has shown flashes of real quality. However, with Gordon and Headley still under contract will he make the starting eleven? Furthermore, if Brady opts for a back four is he suited for left-back? Or could he be utilised further up as a left-sided attacking option? If none of those apply can he get some regular gametime at a decent level – National League would be ideal.
Possible decisions – local loan moves for Bussell, Williams, Blight and Davies and a season-long National League loan for Shorrock?
Where does that leave us?
If my guesswork is anything like, it would be something like this…
Under contract (17): Marko Marosi (transfer-listed), Kyle John, Jordan Gabriel, Liam Gordon, Jaheim Headley, Cameron Humphreys, Jack Shorrock, Rhys Walters, Jordan Shipley, George Byers, Rico Richards (transfer-listed), George Hall, Ben Waine, Ruari Paton (transfer-listed) Charlie Bussell, Arron Davies and Joe Williams
Released (11): Ben Amos, Sam Hart, Mitch Clark, Ben Lomax, Ben Heneghan, Jesse Debrah, Tyler Magloire, Funso Ojo, Grant Ward, Andre Gray and Otel Hernandez
Loans expired (5): Joe Gauci, Ethon Archer, Dejaune Brown, Martif Sherif, Elijah Campbell
Contract offers (3): Connor Hall, Ben Garrity, Jayden Stockley
That would potentially leave the Valiants with (taking the three youngsters out of the equation) around fourteen contracted professionals (with several transfer-listed).
Sixteen leaving (including loanees) is not a complete cull but still a significant clear-out and a chance for Brady to bring in some players in key positions to bring his squad size to a more reasonable twenty-odd (give or take) senior pros.
Those new additions would hopefully include a proven keeper, a couple of solid centre-halves, a right-back and at least one striker. It then leaves loan moves (and possibly the odd homegrown youngster should they impress on loan) to cover any gaps. Even then, due to contracts it may not completely solve all the problems and Vale fans may have to resign themselves to a consolidation season before any more unwanted players can be moved on.
Good luck Mr Brady – given the complete mess you were left with, you may need it!
What do you think of these views? Are they sensible or a load of nonsense? Share your views by posting a comment.
I agree with most of your observations however my views on some of the players are:
Ben Garrity not the dynamic force he was a few seasons ago now quite injury prone and when he plays I think he tends to fad in and out of games Offering him a new contract could be a bit of a gamble much rather see how he performs in the final few games of this season.
Funso Ojo 2 relegations in succession doesn’t look good on his CV. Don’t know what happened at Shrewsbury but I think he has done well this season fitness levels have been good all season gets around the pitch even Vales 2026 ploughed field. Worth retaining for another season.
Ruari Paton followed Paton since he played for Queen of the South he has an eye for goal think sending him out on loan in January was a massive mistake I’m confident that he would have put away quite a few of the chances which were not taken which could have given Vale a better chance of avoiding relegation. Paton has been badly treated by Vale since his arrival 2 years ago wouldn’t surprise me if he wants a move away from the club with the club losing yet another goal scorer who could score 10 to 15 goals in a full season. Not confident that the recruitment team could bring in a proven goal scorer . I would retain him for next season.
Rico Richards sent out on a year’s loan barely had any game time. Last season he did show he could be an impact player coming off the bench. Would keep him at the club he could benefit from one to one coaching. Retained for another year
Very depressing, I find it difficult to remember a time when so many Vale supporters have just given up. All this comes down to the running of the club and what has been allowed to happen. Out of the remaining 17 pro’s personnel there’s no more than a couple I’d want to keep. There are very few of them who seem capable of throwing a run of any consistency together. For me a lot of them need to be loaned out, even if Vale have to make some of their wages up. We need a team that will turn up every week, and not a squad of players who get chosen by who made the fewest mistakes in previous weeks. Ojo and Croasdale have got to stay, even at 35 Ojo is the fittest player we have, and Croasdale can score goals. A Keeper for certain, A captain and organiser at the back, then the rest depends on whether certain players will show some consistency. I’m a big fan of Gerrity but because of his injury record, can we afford to keep him, he just never seems capable of regaining his old sharpness. So at least one if not two competitive midfielder with legs. Which means there’s no place for Byers. The forwards line is in need of some intensive care. We need a centre forward capable of the performance Stockley put in at Northampton. Waine has surprised me with his goals return but he’s so lightweight I go to games expecting nothing from him. We need forwards with pace and a good engine to be able to play a pressing game. Close teams down in league two, make them make mistakes and your halfway there. Desperate for some winners in the team!!! And the club even !!!! What a cockup you’ve made of this club Carol and Hancock!!
I mostly agree, although I’d favour Ojo staying and Garrity (always injured) to be released. I’d also transfer list Shipley and cancel his contract if we couldn’t move him on. He’s one of the worst players I’ve ever seen to represent our club.
Stockley, I’d keep for sure!
Excellent analysis that accurately covers everything. A new reliable keeper is essential, and experienced ex Coventry and Sunderland keeper Lee Burge who’ll be out of contract at Northampton could well be the answer. I would retain Paton. Brady will be hard pressed to easily find a better League 2 striker. I would bring Shorrock back into the first team squad, and play him on the left flank in an attacking midfield role. Garrity to be retained too, alongside the excellent Croasdale.
I agree with this assessment. The loss of Tolaj was fatal for us this season.
With an experienced stockley I would say we should look into national league again. Someone like Josh Stones, only 22, 15 goals is an example of a similar Tolaj opportunity. A stockley of the future.
I want to see Shorrock but agree he probably needs to adapt to playing midfield as well. It means he can slip back into wing back of needed later in the game. Hart I always liked when I saw him so maybe not give him the boot if he’s willing to stay? Right back cover for Gabriel then.
If Ojo is a good mentor, then keep him to support Walters development if we can hold on to the latter. Ojo has european experience etc.
I too agree with a lot you say Rob, it’s only now we are getting a clearer picture of the problems at Port Vale,Who brought this deadwood into the Vale in the first place,yes I do know , where was Mr Hancock or even Carol, I will cut this comment short,Throw Carol and Mr Hancock or with the rest of the rubbish.This should of been a very special season for Vale fans, the powers that be have made a right pigs ear of it, in my 65 years of supporting the Vale , I have never seen so many gutless and talentless in one side, this season will take some getting over, Good luck Mr Brady you are going to need it.
Was mulling over who would be my vote for player of the season. To me it is Funso Ojo!!. Be just like the Vale to release our best player.