Talking Point: young midfielders stake claim for regular partnership?
Rob Fielding says that strong performances from youngsters Scott Burgess and Jake Taylor could see them both establish regular starting places in midfield.
Category: Rob Fielding blog
OVF founder Rob Fielding offers his own opinion on all things Port Vale.
Opinion: Vale benefit from Trophy games as Askey demonstrates advantages of squad rotation
There’s usually not much to talk about after a Football League Trophy game but this season has proved somewhat different for Port Vale, says Rob Fielding.
The overlooked Port Vale January signing who may just be a key player next season
Rob Fielding says it’s a long shot but will a recent signing be a canny piece of business by the club?
Port Vale efforts to promote diversity deserve praise not moans
Rob Fielding says fans should be applauding not criticising the clubs attempts to promote diversity at Vale Park.
OVF opinion: a club owner willfully damaging the club should be condemned
OVF founder and editor Rob Fielding utterly condemns Norman Smurthwaite’s intentions to put the club into administration if an acceptable bid does not come forward.
Protests show majority want change – but it may take patience to bear fruit
Rob Fielding hails the thousands appealing for change at the club but says this could be a long-term protest campaign.
I am supporting Black and Gold as things have to change at Port Vale FC
OVF founder Rob Fielding says that the the club needs to be sold to a new owner and for that reason he is backing the Black and Gold protests.
After Charlton fans get the Valley listed as community asset, should Vale fans be next?
After Charlton Athletic fans successfully get their Valley ground re-listed as a community asset, Rob Fielding thinks it’s something for Port Vale supporter groups to consider.
Another transfer window damp squib for Port Vale
OVF editor Rob Fielding feels the club’s League future could be in danger after a desperately underwhelming transfer window.
It’s vital Port Vale select the right man to succeed Neil Aspin
OVF Editor Rob Fielding says it’s vital that the club gets its next managerial appointment right.
It is obvious but Vale desperately need quality January additions
Vale may have to pay over the odds to bring in proven quality and avoid the failures of the last two windows.
Malcolm Clarke is right, Potteries fans need mutual respect, not mockery
OVF editor Rob Fielding applauds the views of prominent Stoke City supporter Malcolm Clarke on Tuesday’s Checkatrade incidents.
It may be loathed but is the Checkatrade Trophy benefiting Port Vale?
Is the much maligned Checkatrade Trophy helping Neil Aspin’s side this season?
Five areas for Port Vale to concentrate on following the win over Crewe
Rob Fielding ponders how Port Vale can keep the forward momentum after ending their away hoodoo at the Alexandra stadium.
Youthful and dynamic Port Vale midfield sees veterans rightly sidelined
One of the changes made by manager Neil Aspin on Saturday was the lack of veteran faces in the Vale squad says Rob Fielding.
Longest serving list shows continuity breeds success
Rob Fielding says the club should learn a lesson by perusing the longest serving managers list.
Opinion: despite the Q&A, Port Vale’s finances don’t add up
Rob Fielding says that one conclusion that many fans will draw from the Q&A meeting with Norman Smurthwaite on Thursday is that the club’s finances just don’t seem to add up.
Port Vale need clear long-term plans and if not, a change of ownership
Rob Fielding says the club need to either produce a long-term, coherent vision or sell to new owners who can deliver that vision.
Opinion: Hugill fee shows that having a clear transfer policy works
Rob Fielding says that the Jordan Hugill fee justifies the creation of a development squad and that fans and owner should now show some patience with the club’s focus on developing non-league talent.
Opinion: Struggling Vale cannot afford another deadline disaster
Rob Fielding says that a second successive appalling transfer window could send the club spiralling into danger.
Aspin is taking Vale in right direction but he is no miracle worker
OVF editor Rob Fielding says some fans have unrealistic expectations of the Port Vale manager.
A few words of praise for Port Vale’s unsung stars
Rob Fielding would like to praise some unsung members of the Port Vale FC’s backroom team.
A good Friday for Port Vale FC
OVF editor Rob Fielding praises two positive pieces of news from the club.
Yes, Vale are in trouble but Aspin is still the right man for the job
Rob Fielding thinks Neil Aspin deserves to be backed and reports of calls for his head are frankly, ridiculous.
Can the locally produced class of 2017 bring Port Vale a bright future?
OVF editor Rob Fielding is delighted to see a Vale squad which now contains a spine of locally developed talent.
Closed transfer window leaves Dream Team with unbalanced squad
Rob Fielding says it’s going to be tough to turn fortunes around with the squad that Vale possess and an inability to change it until January.
Opinion: the best possible appointments, I’m backing the dream team
OVF editor Rob Fielding praises the joint appointment of John Rudge and Neil Aspin.
Port Vale need experience not another managerial gamble
OVF editor Rob Fielding believes it is vital an experienced manager takes charge of the club.
In my view Coleman would bring success to Vale but would he want to come?
OVF editor Rob Fielding would love to see John Coleman in charge at Vale Park but he can’t see it happening…
Dear Norman Smurthwaite, you misquoted me, here’s what I actually said…
On BBC Radio Stoke owner Norman Smurthwaite said that OVF’s editorial had asked for an owner with charismatic charm. The actual editorial appealed for something quite different.
