An end to a magnificent Port Vale spell on and off the pitch – Rob Fielding reflects on Port Vale’s loss to Grimsby Town.
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Gibbons injury a real blow
It’s always a disappointment when James Gibbons is missing from the starting eleven. It’s an even bigger blow when it turns out he’s suffered another long-term injury. While Darrell Clarke was making encouraging noises about solving the injury “once and for all” it’s still a bitter blow for the side. There’s plenty of places up for grabs for next season but Gibbons, alongside the likes of Tom Conlon and David Worrall would have been a certain starter if fit. Not only that, but Clarke may need to look not just for a back-up for Gibbons but possibly an alternative if he continues to suffer from his hamstring. However, I’m sure that like me, all Vale fans will be hoping a replacement isn’t neccessary and will be keeping everything crossed for a full recovery for the full-back in the summer.
A goalkeeper indication?
It was interesting that Darrell Clarke took the risk of starting this match without a back-up goalkeeper. If we presume Scott Brown will be handed a new contract then Vale must be looking at a back-up and it appears Tom Scott’s chances of being that back-up are receding. After all, if he was in contention, surely he would have been on the bench at least and possibly challenging for a start in the last couple of games. The fact that Clarke felt it was more valuable to hand bench seats to other squad members he wanted to check out could be telling.
Straight-talking Clarke tried everything to win
Well, you can’t blame the Port Vale manager for not trying everything to win the game on Saturday. Vale ended the game with Rodney, Pope, Swan, Amoo, Worrall, and McKirdy on the pitch as they pushed for a goal. In the post-match interview, Darrell Clarke said “I like to roll the dive. I’d rather be beat two, three, four nil than not chase the game. That’s what I do, that’s the way I like to approach it.” I personally like that never-say-die approach and I also like the way the straight talking Vale manager has been speaking to the media recently. It’s direct and honest and leaves no-one under any illusions. He repeatedly says that big changes are needed, that this is a big job and no-one should get carried away. I agree with him on all three points.
Goodbye to an unhappy hunting ground
So, farewell Grimsby Town. Let’s hope your exit from the Football League is a brief one. While relegation is clearly heartbreaking for the Mariners it does at least mean one less bogey ground for the Valiants next season. It’s now five games since Vale won at Blundell Park so it’s definitely goodbye to an unhappy hunting ground.
An end to a magnificent Port Vale spell on and off the pitch
The Valiants could arguably have got something from this game but sometimes it just doesn’t work that way. This seemed to be one of those days. However, it’s worth reflecting on a marvelous spell for the club. On the pitch we’ve seen the emergence of Tom Conlon as a key creative talent, the rejuvenation of the defence and a magnificent unbeaten run. We’ve seen Darrell Clarke prove his worth and offer us hope for the future. Off the pitch, we’ve seen a club legend recognised by the Football League and the club deservedly named community club of the year. Despite this blip, it’s been a magnificent and heartwarming end of the season and my thanks to everyone who has made it possible.
Agree or disagree? Share your views by posting a comment at the end of the article.
Well that was a timely reminder of where Port Vale are at, definitely work in progress!!! Vale struggled to impose themselves against a poor Grimsby outfit but the game once again highlighted our weak forward line with both Rodney and Robinson having little or no impact throughout. So onwards and hopefully upwards, let’s get the retained list sorted out and then we can have a look at what players can be brought in, definitely need some fire power and anither holding central midfielder so that Conlon can be released to push forward where he is far more effective. Credit where credit is due, Mr Clarke went for broke which is encouraging and indicates that he wants to win every game we play. Our last game of the season will allow him another look at some players that will hopefully be desperate to impress and remain part of Port Vale’s future. Once again well done everyone at Port Vale Football Club for giving us hope for the future.