Deadline Day opinion – the obvious question is where are the forward reinforcements?

Rob Fielding addresses Port Vale’s deadline day business with the obvious question being – where are the forward reinforcements?

Rob Fielding writes…

Well, that was an unexpected deadline day. I think everyone expected a striker, even if it was only an untested loanee. But we ended up with none. What would have been equally unexpected would have been for Vale to end the day with less players than they started. But with three out and two in that’s also what they did. So, here are my thoughts on the final day’s moves…

Striker light?

There was clearly a recurring question on Thursday – when’s a striker signing? Those staying up late in the hope of a striker, any striker, signing would ultimately be disappointed. If that really is it then it is worrying times at Vale Park as many of those clubs around us have strengthened upfront while Vale would only have James Wilson, Ryan Loft and rookie Baylee Dipepa as options until Uche Ikpeazu is fit again.

However, all is not lost. Clubs have to sign players by a deadline but there’s no requirement to announce them. Sometimes paperwork has to be cleared which can result in a delay. Having said that, it’s unlikely. Another more likely option is that Vale have agreed a free agent move. There are several available including veteran Dwight Gayle, released by neighbours Stoke City on Thursday.

Whatever the approach, Vale fans will be desperate to see a new signing and not have to rely on paper-thin striking resources. It’s understandable that Vale are operating on a budget but Ikpeazu could be out for three months and to not bring in any cover, not even a rookie loanee, would seem to be a bizarre move.

An odd twist at the back

Of all the players leaving Vale Park on deadline day, I bet not many fans would have selected loanee Rhys Williams. The Liverpool player didn’t play a single minute before returning – apparently due to a long-term injury.

It seems like an embarrassing move for the Valiants. The warning signs were there with Williams barely playing for Aberdeen in the first-half of the season. The warning bells duly chimed when Williams didn’t make the squad for the Portsmouth match. Now the escape hatch has been opened.

Rumours swirl that injury may not have been the sole cause of the early exit, but we can only take what the club says on face value. If it is purely fitness related then there really needs to be some investigation as to why a player with such a serious injury issue was passed fit.

You could say, all’s well that ends well as Vale swiftly replaced Williams with Kacper Lopata. However, how many resources did it take to make this move? Did it take time and effort away from the striker search? If there was a medical mix-up at the club then it potentially had far-reaching repercussions.

Mighten looks a good move but is he a good fit?

On the face of things, pacy Alex Mighten looks to be a good addition to the squad. The Forest youngster has played plenty of first-team football already so won’t be coming in as a rookie.

However, there’s more questions about where the newcomer will play. Mighten is listed as a winger but the Valiants’ formation doesn’t incorporate wingers so it’s unlikely to be on the flank. Will Mighten come into the forward line as part of a three? Possibly but recent games have shown that Vale are more effective with two upfront. Will he be employed as a wingback (as he has on occasion elsewhere)? Again possibly, but would that be playing him out of position and potentially not getting the best of him?

It’s likely more will be revealed on Saturday but let’s hope the youngster delivers the goods wherever he’s played on the pitch!

Duo leave with fans’ best wishes

I think it’s fair to say that the departures of Lewis Cass and Tommy McDermott were greeted with plenty of good luck messages from the fans.

Cass has arguably been unlucky with his appearances this season and remains popular with the fans. A move to promotion chasing Stockport in League Two looks to be a good move for him.

Tommy McDermott’s move to Burnley was greeted with some surprise mainly because it was a Premier League side and involved a fee. But to my mind, it’s more of a sideways move. As David Flitcroft said on the official site, McDermott is looking for gametime and hasn’t found that either with Vale or with loan moves. A move to Burnley’s U21 set-up allows him matches and a chance to reset his career. Good luck to the youngster!

What are your thoughts on the window? Should Vale have brought in a striker? Scroll down to add a comment.