Opinion: does the FA Cup win give Darren Moore food for thought over starting XI?
Have the likes of Rhys Walters, George Hall and perhaps even sub Funso Ojo given Darren Moore a welcome selection dilemma for the game against Bolton Wanderers?
Rob Fielding blog
OVF founder Rob Fielding offers his own opinion on all things Port Vale.
Opinion: Darren Moore’s poor tactics and player selections are exposed by Stockport
Rob Fielding thinks there’s a “flawed rotation policy” in place while Vale’s tactics are far too one dimensional after they are soundly beaten by Stockport County.
Opinion: Port Vale’s goalkeeping and striking strength means two summer signings are currently out in the cold
Football can be such a fast-moving sport that fortunes can turn around rapidly. That seems to be the case for two recent Port Vale signings as Rob Fielding claims.
Four thoughts after the Exeter game – have some starting positions been sorted?
Rob Fielding has praise for the strike force, is pleased to see Ben Garrity back and thinks some players have cemented their places in the starting line-up.
Opinion: 26 players used in seven League games – is it any wonder Port Vale haven’t found cohesion and consistency?
A look at the stats for this season shows that a mammoth twenty six players have featured in Port Vale’s opening seven League games. Rob Fielding says is it then any surprise the team are lacking cohesion and consistency?
Opinion: Port Vale have an unbalanced, bloated squad and with the window shut that’s a real worry
Rob Fielding says that Port Vale are stuck with an unbalanced squad as that’s a concern as it can’t be rectified until the New Year.
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…
Opinion: this is no time for unproven forwards with potential, Vale need to try and add an experienced player
Rob Fielding says the shot-shy Valiants may have to think about paying over the odds for an experienced forward – as it may be worth it in the long-run.
Opinion: have Port Vale not learned from the lesson of last season?
Constant, seemingly knee-jerk rotations led to disjointed performances in the first-half of last season – is Darren Moore doing the same thing again? Rob Fielding thinks so.
Four thoughts after the loss to Stevenage – Tolaj looks the part but needs a partner
Rob Fielding is thrilled for Tolaj, waiting for Walters and overjoyed by Ojo – here are some of his thoughts on the Valiants following the home loss to Stevenage.
Opinion: the addition of Faal may have solved a problem upfront
Rob Fielding thinks that new loan signing Mo Faal fulfils a role that Vale had previously failed to address over the summer.
Three thoughts after Port Vale’s loss to Rotherham: starting selection and Walters absence are puzzling
Rob Fielding says Darren Moore’s selection of three upfront was puzzling. Here are his thoughts on the opening day defeat to Rotherham United.
Pre-season views: Paton shows the right spirit, competition on flanks and goalkeeping gap…
Rob Fielding shares some thoughts on Port Vale’s summer including views on striker Ruari Paton and the goalkeeping situation.
The football regulator isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a welcome step in the right direction
Rob Fielding says- ignore the self-serving complaints from the Premier League, the new football regulator bill will help serve fans’ interests better.
Opinion: the Premier League ditched cup replays but are happy to play in a meaningless summer borefest
Rob Fielding says that the revamped FIFA Club World Cup competition shows the hypocrisy, the greed and the self-serving nature of the game’s elite.
After the retained list, where do Port Vale need to strengthen?
Rob Fielding takes a look at where he thinks Port Vale will need to strengthen following the release of the retained list.
Port Vale summer transfer activity – some thoughts on what may happen
Here’s some thoughts on who may leave and who may come into the Port Vale squad over the summer months.
Opinion: the Port Vale road to promotion may have been bumpy at times but the end result deserves an awful lot of praise
Rob Fielding says the promotion campaign “wasn’t flawless” but there were “certainly a lot of positives” after Port Vale returned to League One.
Opinion: Walters has been a revelation after his first-team return
Rob Fielding writes in praise of midfielder Rhys Walters, who has made an impressive return to Vale first-team action.
Opinion: play your best players in the best formation
Rob Fielding says the manager has to take the lion’s share of the blame for Tuesday’s defeat to Barrow.
Three thoughts after Port Vale 2-1 Salford City – a win’s a win for understrength Valiants
Rob Fielding shares some thoughts after an injury-hit Port Vale side’s battling 2-1 home win over Salford City.
Opinion: is Darren Moore reaping the rewards of a more settled starting eleven?
Rob Fielding says a change to a more consistent starting eleven has paid dividends for under pressure Port Vale manager Darren Moore.
Opinion: did Port Vale make a mistake by not adding an experienced forward in January?
Rob Fielding is concerned at the lack of experienced forward options especially with Jayden Stockley picking up an injury recently.
Opinion: have Port Vale not learnt the lesson of lengthy contracts?
Rob Fielding says that lengthy contracts could hinder Vale’s transfer business for a second summer in a row as he asks – have the club not learnt the lessons of the Flitcroft era?
Five thoughts after the win over Accrington – forward pair gel, rough ref, wingback cover needed…
Rob Fielding looks at what are largely positives after Port Vale’s ten men secure a valuable three points at home to Accrington.
Five thoughts after Vale’s win over Newport: classy Clark, strength on the bench and a striking contrast
Rob Fielding shares his thoughts after Vale’s win over Newport County with both wingbacks coming in for praise…