What could happen at Vale Park during the January transfer window?
OVF explores some of the January options for the club – from what to do with loanees, forward options and even the future of the manager…
Rob Fielding blog
OVF founder Rob Fielding offers his own opinion on all things Port Vale.
Opinion: the pressure is building on Darren Moore after awful Port Vale slump
Rob Fielding says a scenario which seemed ridiculous just a few weeks ago is now being considered more seriously after Vale’s dreadful slump in form.
Opinion: no-one’s perfect but talk of replacing Darren Moore right now is ridiculous
Rob Fielding says that while Port Vale manager Darren Moore should not be except from criticism, talk of replacing him is ridiculous.
Opinion: would less squad rotation stop Port Vale’s slump?
Rob Fielding wonders whether a consistent first eleven selection will help the club and stop their recent slump?
Opinion: have the Premier League and FA destroyed the romance of the FA Cup?
The first two rounds of the FA Cup have been pretty uninspiring and it’s something that can be explained by the removal of replays argues Rob Fielding.
Five thoughts after the Crewe game – would it have been better to persist with Stockley after Harper’s red card?
Rob Fielding wonders if different substitutions may have resulted in a different scoreline on Monday night? Here are his views on the 1-1 draw with Crewe.
Karren Brady says a regulator may create a closed shop, that’s nonsense, it’s a closed shop right now
The barrage of Premier League spin and misinformation about the Football Regulator bill continues with West Ham vice chair Karren Brady the latest to scaremonger and spout nonsense about the possible implications of the bill.
Opinion: Rotation, rotation, rotation…
OVF editor Rob Fielding says Darren Moore’s relentless squad rotation is working and the Vale manager’s comments earlier in the season have also proven to be right.
Opinion: continued loan success for Valiants but there’s less risk this season
Rob Fielding says this is the second season in a row that the Valiants have brought in excellent loan additions – but this time the club won’t be affected as much should any return to their club early.
Four thoughts after Port Vale’s win over Notts County – Ripley proves his worth
Rob Fielding shares his views after Port Vale’s “smash and grab” three points at Meadow Lane last weekend…
Five thoughts on Vale’s win over Chesterfield – Tolaj revelling in number ten role…
Rob Fielding shares his thoughts after the win over Chesterfield – touching on classy contributions from Lorent Tolaj and Ethan Chislett along with Jesse Debrah’s key role at the back.
Five thoughts after Port Vale’s goalless draw with Tranmere Rovers – hail Heneghan and Chislett’s welcome return
Rob Fielding shares his views after Port Vale’s goalless draw with Tranmere and he’s full of praise for “calm” defender Ben Heneghan.
Five thoughts after the Bath friendly – midfield creativity lacking, green jersey up for grabs?
Having had the chance to attend a rare South West based friendly, Rob Fielding shares some thoughts on the friendly defeat…
Opinion: summer business so far shows startling difference in Port Vale’s 2024 and 2023 summer moves
Rob Fielding says the Port Vale summer transfer business in 2024 has been “eyebrow raising” and a stark contrast from the previous year.
Opinion – the Ryan Loft move is great news for all concerned
Rob Fielding says that while the playing efforts of Ryan Loft were much maligned it’s worth remembering there is a human being involved – and he hopes the move will work out for both parties.
Opinion: yes, it’s true, Port Vale has finally had a good transfer window
Rob Fielding says the club have had an excellent transfer window so far and it has helped to mend the differences between club and supporters.
Port Vale Opinion: Moore brings in an experienced spine but still has more work to do…
Rob Fielding reflects on Port Vale’s transfer business so far this summer. In his view, Darren Moore has brought in three decent signings but there’s plenty more for the Vale manager to do.
Opinion: we agree with Bolton chair’s “arrogant” and “greedy” Premier League claims
Rob Fielding says that Bolton Wanderers chair Sharon Brittan’s comments that a regulator is needed because of the “arrogant” and “greedy” Premier League are spot on.
Opinion: good to see youngsters progressing but Vale need to learn lessons on over-reliance
While it’s good to see youngsters earning professional contracts, Rob Fielding says it’s important for the club to manage their development and ensure there is a balanced squad.
Opinion: Port Vale retained list illustrates huge summer challenge for Port Vale
The stand-out from the 2024 retained list is the sheer number of under contract players – something that really restricts the club’s hand during a crucial summer of rebuilding.
Port Vale’s potential path to bouncing back – nine areas for the football club to correct
I’ve already explored some of the reasons for relegation, that pointed out what went wrong, I now move on to how the club can correct its mistakes and move forward.
Port Vale’s 2023-24’s failures – eight reasons for the club’s relegation
In a special feature we take a look at some of the factors which resulted in Port Vale’s relegation from League One in 2024.
Opinion: Premier League employing increasing desperate measures to try and avoid regulation
What should anyone who plays fairly and by the rules fear about being examined by a regulator asks Rob Fielding. Perhaps that question should be put to the desperate, self-obsessed Premier League?
Opinion: Flitcroft exit may be too late to save relegation but it’s surely good for the long-term
Rob Fielding says that the departure of David Flitcroft as director of football bodes well for the future but it has potentially come too late to save the team’s season.
Five thoughts after Vale’s loss to Oxford Utd – no case for the defence and who’s to blame…
Rob Fielding reflects on Port Vale’s latest loss including a worrying defensive display, concerns over contract lengths and an analysis of who he thinks is ultimately to blame…
Opinion: it’s obvious, but Vale need to learn the lessons from an awful January transfer window
Rob Fielding argues that a terrible January window was by far the biggest factor in Port Vale’s relegation struggle and the club need to learn from it and act quickly to address their mistakes.