Four thoughts on Port Vale’s transfer window: “a season changer” and a “challenge to keep the squad happy”

Rob Fielding thinks there are both positives and negatives to be had from Port Vale’s busy transfer window. Here are his thoughts…

Rob Fielding writes…

Cole signing could be a season changer

I must admit, I felt the signature of Devante Cole would be beyond us. I’m delighted to be wrong as he’s exactly the sort of proven goalscorer that I’d argued that the club needed just days before. Kudos to everyone at the club involved in getting the deal done.  There were worries after the sale of Lorent Tolaj but it could be argued that Vale have come out of it stronger. After all, Tolaj, for all his promise, is an unknown quantity at League One level, Cole most definitely is not. And although some of the £1m+ banked from the Tolaj sale will no doubt go on Cole’s wages, the club will come out of the whole thing a little richer and with a proven striker. Perhaps most importantly of all, a decent striker stands Vale in a much better state to remain in League One this season. One of the issues in recent matches has been that Vale do create chances but their assortment of raw loanees or “hybrid” forwards (Ronan Curtis) were not able to convert them. It may take him a while to get up to speed (be patient Vale fans) but in that regard, Cole could change Vale’s fortunes this season.

Sidelined Rico moves on

I’ve always liked Rico Richards. I think he offers something the rest of the midfield doesn’t and that he changed a number of games late on last season. He’s not alone in being one of the unlucky players in the squad this season. The formation has meant Darren Moore has preferred more defensive midfielders in the centre while the return of Ben Garrity from injury plus the signing of George Hall would seem to see Richards slip further down the pecking order of attacking midfielders. It’s a shame he left on loan but who knows the reasons – perhaps rather than being “shipped out” Richards himself left for more first-team football? Anyhow, all he can do now is force the matter by impressing at Walsall. As a fan of his style, I hope he does well.

Moore faces challenge to keep squad happy

Having already addressed Rico Richards’ problems in even getting in the squad, Darren Moore now faces similar issues across his squad. When Ben Amos returns, he’ll have three senior keepers. There are five players competing for left wingback. There are at least five central midfielders. There are now five recognised strikers. They can’t all play and one has to feel for the likes of Ben Lomax and Sam Hart who seem miles away from even making the squad. It will be an interesting challenge to keep all the players happy and (although much maligned) a run in the Football League Trophy competition may help in that regard – giving those fringe players a chance to impress. If that fails, perhaps loan moves to the National League (whose market remains open) may be the only opportunity for some to get first-team football.

Three reasons to be happy

Without singling players out, I think this window’s business has been a bit of a mixed bag for the Valiants. Some players are definitely “squad additions” and while perhaps improving on last season’s squad players such as Jason Lowe and Tom Sang, don’t set the pulse racing. I won’t name names here as it would be unfair. However, there have been three stand-out successes during the window in my opinion. They are:

1. Clearly the marque signing of Devante Cole is a coup and should give Vale a cutting edge. In that sense, it could be a season changer.
2. Speaking as a big Nathan Smith fan, I have to say that the addition of the classy Cameron Humphreys is a major upgrade. I personally would have kept Smith as a squad player but I can understand why Moore feels Humphreys is a better option for his starting XI. His calmness on the ball and sensible passing reminds me of times of Dean Glover. In my book, there is no higher praise. I think he could turn out to be a hugely valuable addition.
3. Finally, this isn’t an addition but a player who has stayed. Alarm bells rang when rumours of bids for Rhys Walters circulated. Fortunately, he stayed and Vale have the benefit of his skills until January at least. Walters continues to get better and better. With a long-term contract at Vale the more he plays then when the (inevitable) time comes for him to leave for a bigger club, the more the Vale will bank.

What do you think? Sensible stuff or a load of nonsense? Post your comments below.