Rob Fielding says that following relegation, Port Vale fans now expect actions not sweet talking from the club’s hierarchy.
Rob Fielding writes…
I was pleased on some levels to see the club issue a statement soon after relegation was confirmed. I feel communication has been lacking this season so I would hope the communique is a sign of things to come.
Let’s be clear, we shouldn’t expect to be told everything – the club is a commercial organisation and there’s a need for some things to remain inhouse and confidential – but more frequent communication with the fanbase is surely to be welcomed.
While it’s correct that the board should take “responsibility” for this season’s relegation, they need to take ownership, take sensible actions and complete the tasks. Simply telling the fans that things will be done better and differently isn’t good enough…
However, there’s a caveat to all that. As the club itself says “words alone” really don’t change anything. While it’s correct that the board should take “responsibility” for this season’s relegation, they need to take ownership, take sensible actions and complete the tasks. Simply telling the fans that things will be done better and differently isn’t good enough.
Let’s step back to communication for a moment before we talk about taking action. One thing I hope the club understands is that Port Vale is a wide and diverse fanbase. Yes, it’s concentrated in North Staffordshire but it’s not exclusively based there. Speaking as a Somerset-based fan, communications and feedback need to try and involve everyone not just local, in-person “fans forums.” As an inclusive club, Vale need to remember that when addressing the fanbase. We don’t all live walking distance from Hamil Road.
Now to the “action” part. For me this is all about delivery. Nothing can be solved today but I am at least heartened to hear manager Jon Brady say that preparation for a possible relegation was started some time ago. That’s sensible planning. In my work, I can promise to deliver but I am judged on my results. I think that’s the way the club need to approach this. For too long, there have been plenty of promises but often without any targets and nothing in the way of repercussions if targets aren’t met.
Take the pitch work… surely the target of last summer’s expensive work was an improved surface. I think we can all say that didn’t happen. So, if it didn’t meet its target then what are the repercussions? Did someone at the club bring in the wrong firm to do the work? Did the firm itself mess up? Or was it the weather and something out of both their hands? If it wasn’t the latter then surely there should have been repercussions. Have any occurred? If not, then it’s a lesson that can be carried forward to this summer’s pitch work – is the contract robust, is the tender process comprehensive, are there penalty clauses and so on…
So in summary, the Port Vale board is right – words, while welcome, mean little. Fans will expect concrete action but not just actions alone – actions with clear targets which will have repercussions if they are not met.
What do you think? Decent points or garbage? Share your comments below.
Too little too late! I am out after 50 years of being a passionate Vale fan, enough is enough for me! I predicted the National League under the DM management. I dont see it changing with JB sadly. The whole structure is fragmented and nedds a serious over haul. Good luck for the future.
The communication from the Board is welcome, and says what you would expect it to. For supporters though the damage is done, and sinking to another season of League 2 football is demoralizing. If the season starts with a winning sequence so much the better, but the fixture list won’t include many games to set pulses racing.
Sounds harsh maybe, but I think that the relegation was totally deserved. The 3 other clubs that came up with us all look like they’ll survive – and this is who we need to measure ourselves against. Bradford were always going to be able to recruit better than us for League 1… but it seems like Doncaster and Wimbledon have done a much better job, as have the likes of Mansfield before them. So, why have we ended up doing worse than them? Poor pitch, poor recruitment, and on the football side of things just a lack of decisiveness – whether Moore’s tactics, or from the club hierarchy. That’s the reason. I think Brady will be fine recruiting for League 2, and if we do start well then we can build a bit of momentum. But getting out of the division I don’t think will be easy. But when / if we do, then we have to learn the lessons from this season and really work out what we need to be a competitive League 1 outfit. Flitcroft was a mistake. So was Moore. We don’t want a third.
The owners seem to think hiding behind statements and the wishy washy Hancock is taking responsibility and leadership! This could be the exact same statement that was released two seasons ago “when we were championship level”. Does anyone care or believe a word that comes out of the their mouths anymore. We lost £6 million last season, this is after record loses the two previous seasons, WHAT HAS BEEN DONE TO STOP THIS, NOTHING ! Unless you count the stroke of genius from Hancock “we will save £30,000 a year by not producing a programme” “we will save tuppence ha’penny a season on not issuing season ticket cards every season”. NOTHING EVER GETS DONE! If it wasn’t for the pressure of the supporters almost certainly Flitcroft and Moore would still be there. As Rob has said, why haven’t people been held accountable for all the disastrous decisions and actions that litter our club. Add to the pitch and financial losses, how about the toilets being condemned, HOW can the maintenance on a toilet block be so bad they get condemned. Port Vale is run like a local council where everyone is untouchable and hidden from criticism. Personally I do believe Vale will go up next season, not because of the owners but because of Brady. He has brought leadership to the playing side of the club. He has brought organisations and battling belief in what they are doing, and they are now playing some football. If a clown like Moore can win promotion I have no doubts Brady can . As for the club, I just expect that to continue to have massive losses season after season until they get rid of these hordes of employees, including Hancock, and bring in a smaller professional team who know what they are doing.
Just been to one game this year
I’ve supported Vale since me dad took me in 1973.
Ups and downs yes, but the last few seasons I feel that the youth system at Vale is non existant and sadly we are getting players at the end of their careers. Football ability, yes, lack of pace and prone to injury yes.
This club needs young players and a structure. Just look at Stockport and Wrexham.
Stockport were non league a few years ago, now they are miles ahead of us talk about frustration!
The owners haven’t learned the lessons of two seasons ago
I have supported the Vale since the mid fifties. Over the many years I have seen them play in the lower leagues many times against teams like Bournemouth, Brighton, Brentford and Coventry. Makes you think doesn’t it.
Ok ok this is where the buck stops lack of investment in players of quality, I don’t blame the board but Darren Moore & his lacklustre performance in management. Sacked 2 months too late Jon Brady has brought more belief to the squad IMO, but I would have kept Rauri instead of farming him to St Johnstone. Looking forward to seeing who Brady brings in , just think where would we be if smurf was still in charge? Probably playing conference north. Before anyone says Carol out who the hell would buy us.
Gerald, Darren Moore isn’t to blame for being “sacked two months too late” – that clearly is the fault of the board. While Moore was the manager I don’t think you can absolve the club hierarchy from blame. I’m not seeing too many “Carol out” pleas but I am seeing plenty of comments from people concerned about how they are running the club (the non-sacking of Moore being just one example) and are looking for improvements.
I would argue that the club owners are ultimately to blame and need to make some major changes if the club is to realise anything like its potential.
Spot on Rob feels a bit like too little to late and no individual wanted to put their name to it !
Totally the boards fault we are going down… selling your top scorer to a team that are also struggling. Tojal’s 16 goals he’s scored for Plymouth would have kept us up. Ended up having to put up with loanees Faal and Sherif who would be better selling pies…
Listening to the Vale Plymouth match on the radio. I agree with everything you have said living in Scotland and unable to travel l rely on onevalefan and The Valiant to keep up to date with what’s happening. Vale’s communication with the fans is pathetic the Club seem to think that giving the occasional happy happy news item will satisfy the fans. There is absolutely no openness by the Club which has got worse season after season.
I thought Vales fans forum (or whatever it’s called) would help the Club to develop a dialogue with the fans possibly via Vale News on the app but nothing happened.
The Club have a lot to do now talk is cheap it has to be matched quickly by action.
i have but its never used so i just waste my time i have been a vale supporter for more years than i can remember good luck only print what you want to thats not good for the vale