Opinion: is it all pretence?
2018-03-20
Columnist Malcolm Hirst says ahead of the supporters’ meeting it’s time to “stand down Norman, stand down please…”Read More →
Opinion: fighting Port Vale fans should be banned for life
2018-03-12
Columnist Malcolm Hirst says there are simply no excuses for the fans hell-bent on violence at the Grimsby Town match…Read More →
Opinion: worrying times for Vale fans are owner’s not manager’s fault
2018-02-25
Columnist Malcolm Hirst says that the club’s Football League future could be in serious doubt and that one person will be to blame if it does go down…Read More →
Opinion: now the Hugill deal is done where should the money go?
2018-02-04
Columnist Malcolm Hirst says that the Hugill money should be split between investment in the squad and paying off directors’ loans.Read More →
Malcolm Hirst: what we require at Vale Park is a period of stability and unity
2017-10-11
Columnist Malcolm Hirst says that following the appointment of Neil Aspin and John Rudge Port Vale now need to build for the future.Read More →
Malcolm Hirst: despite the owner’s tweets, this mess isn’t the fans’ fault
2017-10-02
Columnist Malcolm Hirst says that despite tweets from owner Norman Smurthwaite, most Vale fans know where the club’s current problems stem from.Read More →
Malcolm Hirst: Rudderless Port Vale are suffering from a lack of leadership
2017-09-07
Columnist Malcolm Hirst says that the rudderless club are in danger of having just non-league football to look forward to.Read More →
Opinion: Michael Brown needs to improve his tactics
2017-08-17
Columnist Malcolm Hirst feels that the Vale manager has been “too cautious” and was found out during the defeat to Wycombe Wanderers.Read More →
Opinion: Stoke City and Port Vale can learn much from St Pauli’s principles
2017-08-03
Columnist Malcolm Hirst’s second side is cult German outfit St Pauli so how did he react when they announced a partnership with Stoke City?Read More →
Opinion: Publishing Port Vale accounts would earn respect from fans
2017-07-06
Columnist Malcolm Hirst thinks that publishing the club accounts would earn owner Norman Smurthwaite more respect from Vale fans.Read More →
Malcolm Hirst: fans want Norman Smurthwaite to go
2017-05-15
OVF columnist Malcolm Hirst says it’s clear that there is a mood for change and that the owner should listen.Read More →
Malcolm Hirst: after saying sorry, Norman should now correct his mistakes and write off his loans
2017-05-03
Vale fan Malcolm Hirst welcomes an apology from Norman Smurthwaite but wants him to write off the loans, put a reasonable price on the club and open a dialogue with Synectics.Read More →
Malcolm Hirst: replace the manager and sell Vale at a sensible price
2017-04-20
Port Vale fan Malcolm Hirst has some forthright views on what actions owner Norman Smurthwaite should take.Read More →
Time for Norman Smurthwaite to put a genuine price tag on the club and go
2017-03-08
Long-standing Port Vale fan Malcolm Hirst thinks recent events show that it’s time for Norman Smurthwaite to sell the club at a realistic price.Read More →
Vale’s game against Bristol Rovers will define the rest of the season
2017-02-17
Opinion by Malcolm Hirst. Recent games have shown Vale to be a “chalk and cheese” team and it’s vital Vale approach the game against Bristol Rovers in the right manner.Read More →
‘We need patience both on and off the pitch’
2013-03-08
OVF columnist Malcolm Hirst says that “patience is not a virtue common amongst football fans” but Port Vale need it both on and off the pitch.Read More →
Will Wildes succeed with “community club” plans?
2012-11-21
OVF columnist Malcolm Hirst is relieved that the Paul Wildes takeover has finally happened and is waiting “with anticipation” to see how Mr Wildes brings his hopes of a community club to fruition.Read More →
Love him or hate him: can Adams unite Vale’s fanbase?
2012-08-23
OVF blogger Malcolm Hirst says that although Micky Adams divides opinion amongst Vale fans, he “could be that uniting factor for us as a club…”Read More →