Leaderboard

I dont have much to add that Bede and Mellor haven't already said however I would like to say something about my own experience of Monday and the few days since. I am as guilty as anybody of bashing out my opinion on the Internet without any regard for the people I am talking about. Many people give the impression that they would love to have the opportunity to "put the owners right" on a few things. It was not pleasant seeing first hand just how much the situation is affecting Carol. I think we all forget sometimes that the people we lambast are just that, people. We often think its OK to scream all sorts of things into the Internet but it really isn't. I have had a very strange week, where I have seen people take a statement and add their own conotations to it and talk about them like they are fact. I have seen the absolute worst of people on all SM platforms, screaming all sorts of made up theories into the ether. I understand the clamour for detail and there was alot of debate behind the scenes over what, if anything we should say further. We have been under alot of pressure to get this right. One part of the official joint statement that seemed to attract alot of critism was the part about urging fans to put aside frustration to help give the players and management a boost. I will hold my hands up and say that I wrote that part and not the club. It was never meant to insinuate that fans hadn't been supportive and was only intended as it was written. It was simply asking people to but it on the back burner to deal with later whilst we try to slavage league one status. I felt that there was pertinence in acknowledging we are in a relegation battle and also in acknowledging there is fan frustration. I got that wrong, so please don't bash the club for my misjudgement. Some of the critism we faced was too much. As I have said, I have been massively guilty of this myself and after this week, I must be better in future because I now know first hand that things we say on the Internet do effect people personally. Meeting Carol under these circumstances has reassured me that the whole family are absolutely the right people to look after the best interests of the club. I have not changed my mind about David Flitcroft, I am still of the opinion that he cannot come back from this. I wanted to just calrify and apologise for my part in the statement and also to appeal to people to think a bit more before they sit at a keyboard. I can't see how we stay up but one thing I will say from Monday is that Carol and Paddy have an absolute belief in Darren Moore, so until the fat lady sings, I'll be crossing my fingers that we are still a league one side next season. I would say, let's get behind them on Saturday and see if we can't get 3 points to put us back in the race... but perhaps not.

Perhaps we "nearly" signed him.

I had previously stated how absolutely demoralised I'd felt recently concerning the performances on the pitch and the feeling of disconnect with the Club itself. However after Bede's brilliant post detailing aspects of the meeting held with the Club and the rallying call from DM I am now prepared to swallow my pride and see if this is all hot air or do we really mean business in attempting to stay in Division 1? I've supported the Vale for over 40 years at home and away. Yes it is so difficult not to knee-jerk but I was not alone in my way of thinking. Honestly I was suffering lost night's sleep as a fanatic I replayed every game and every post that came out of the Club and it took it's toll on my sanity. I have a 60 mile round trip each game at Vale Park, along with my wife(another season ticket holder) so I do feel sometimes a little out of things as I'm not local so to speak. I therefore rely to a great extent on OVF for any snippets or discussions. By the way I think Rob does an absolutely first class job of running such a great fans site, thanks Rob. I will be there tomorrow to back the Team and I ask that similar minded fans like me , who had previously suggested they were finished to do likewise. Let's experience whether what DM and the players have said are trustworthy. For my position this may be last chance because if I witness another shambolic, lacklustre, couldn't care less game then that will be it. I can so easily find something more fulfilling and worthwhile to do on match days. Let's hope and pray the players have an overnight pang of conscience and actually perform the way us Valiants want them to!

I thought Moore’s press conference was brilliant. If that doesn’t motivate the players nothing will. In fact, he has motivated me to buy a ticket for Saturday.

Bloody Hell, Lads! What are you doing to me? I've watched every game and slowly slipped into the Trough of Despond, especially after last Saturday's abject surrender. Then, reading all the posts on here this week, I had waved the white flag and genuinely built myself up to, "Meh, not really bothered....we're down. Just watch each game as it comes and DON'T get so het up!" NOW, after reading this thread, I'm starting to get up for Saturday. I've sniffed some optimism in the air. i'm believing we can win and it will kick start a mini revival which will see us safe. I can't believe I've just written that If even the diehard Grumpies are sensing something, how can I resist? Come on Vale, let's be havin yer tomorrow! 2-0 Vale! (Followed by immediate disillusionment/disappointment at 5.00pm...)

Whilst undoubtedly he's been poor on many occasions ( haven't they all ) I warmed to him more when he started getting booed onto the pitch. Appalling. He's been a victim of being thrown on or indeed started literally anywhere . One week wing back, then as one of three up top, back to one of 5 in midfield etc. Versatility has done him no favours.

Listened to Moores press conference. He says the players have come to blows. In as many words anyway. As he says people had to step in and it shows they care. Now is that because they care or is that dressing room fractured? Im looking at leaders and good characters and don’t see many. Conlon and Pett lifted that play off trophy. Now I see a half arsed Ojo and Smith. Garrity is the only real leader I see. Certainly on the pitch. So prove us wrong. Another thing I took from it was that he said they’ve taken a step back from what matters and that’s fight and passion. Now, I’ll say that this is because of the philosophy thrown upon these players by the DOF and Crosby. I said it after Middlesbrough. It was pathetic. Pass, pass, pass, tippy tappy crap. We’ve done it all season. We don’t make a <ovf censored> tackle. So hopefully we’ll see some blood and thunder from now to the end of the season. His “war cry” to the fans was really good. I like how he’s trying to create a bond. I like the fact he acknowledges the superb support all season. All of that can only be a good thing. And after all of that we get to the young lads. And I’m just rolling my eyes. It’s almost convincing the fans that they are world beaters and deserve to be there!! It’s like a script from Carol and David! Im sorry Darren but not one of them are good enough right now and shouldn’t be in this dog fight. And therein lies the problem. Because some of them are keeping senior players out of the team. And make no mistake those senior players aren’t good enough either! But. That being said. Fresh start on Saturday. He’s had a full week on the training pitch. So let’s see who is up for the fight and who isn’t. A win gives us hope. A draw will be deflating. A defeat and you may as well turn off the lights. It really is last chance saloon.

A win Any win I don't care if we are sh*TE But please,give the fans something to cling to. An early goal to give us something to sing about...and none of this,"How <ovf censored> must you be, we're winning 1 nil" nonsense Let's do our bit by singing the players names. And the managers And the players do their bit by winning a game It's not too late. Don't let us down

I genuinely don't have a problem with Massey as a squad player in fact the games we have played well in this season he has performed and made a difference. Doesn't have much time off injured and I think he tries his best. Flicroft Out.

What I do not get is Flitcroft saying he was so close to getting people in , but because of whatever the club where the player was could not let the player go. That is where he failed things should have been lined up in December, so we had them the start of January. If we could not get the said player/players go after another choice. Not wait untill the last few hours of the window.

Thanks Doha. I have to stress though that there is a network of damn fine people behind all of this that give so much to make it all happen. Neil Baldwin is my father’s cousin by the way, so I’ll give him a ring to see if he fancies it!

Not sure if people have watched the pre-match interview, but they really should. It's genuinely one of the best I've ever heard as a Vale fan. I've pinched this off Bagger's blog which is an extract from it. If this doesn't get everyone up for Saturday, I don't know what will. Saturday is do or die in my opinion. We need everyone, fans and players on it from minute one. No one leave anything out there. “When this place is in full voice, it is a fantastic stadium to be in. Vale fans, you have been magnificent since I have arrived. I thank them all personally for the reception they gave me and the support they are giving me now. “This is a personal message to all of them. Please come and help us, we need you. Do it more than anything for the badge. You have supported this football club through years, through generations of your families. “This badge you see me now touching – do it for the badge. The club needs you. You have been there through thick and thin for this football club and, no doubt whatever happens on Saturday, you will come here again and be in full voice. You are a credit. “One thing I have said to the players is the one consistent is that Vale fans will turn up, it is their club and they are passionate. They will show that. “What we have to do is match on the pitch that energy in the stadium. Saturday gives us that opportunity. “If there is a fan sitting next to you and they are quiet, man or woman, boy or girl, give them a little nudge and get them to be in full voice. That would be greatly appreciated.”

Absolutely spot on. Too many people spill their bile on social media platforms without really thinking about the consequences, mostly with very little background knowledge of what they are talking about. Its not acceptable that people are abused like this. Carol is a good person and Port Vale has been a huge project for her. Has she made mistakes, yes she has and has admitted as such, but she doesn't deserve some of the comments I have heard about her on social media platforms. This week I have heard some awful comments about our supporter representatives who attended the meeting. All these guys, Bede, Mark, Paul and all the other supporters there work extremely hard for their groups and for the club. All genuine guys who all have the same concerns as the rest of us. All the same they were derided by a section of fans on message boards without waiting to find out the facts. It does make me cringe sometimes but i am grateful we have these kind of people in place. As always UTV.

Love a bit of punctuation, me.

I agree with you. Loved the interview. But as per Lincoln. Go a goal down and we shoot ourselves in the foot. Flat as a witches from then on. Atmosphere v Fleetwood for one of our lowest crowds was excellent at times. No more moronic booing of our own players would be good. By all means boo them off as a collective but I really dislike the booing of Massey and Loft.

To be fair it was a really good battle cry from DM but talk is cheap the players have got to go out and there and do the business show passion and fight and we'll back you to the hilt 👍

If anyone nudges me I'll jump out of my skin if as normal I'm dozing off through tedium ! In all seriousness I like what he's said but it feeds from the pitch. The pre Lincoln atmosphere was excellent then look what happened. The crowd will respond to what is on the pitch. Just want to see full commitment from them all and I'll give it back.

I wrote the following account yesterday but decided to sleep on it before posting. I feel I must now clarify, given the responses since the release of the official statement. OK, so to first explain how this has come about. I am the co-founder of the Black & Gold Group, but also current sitting Secretary of the Supporters' Club. The SC, B&G and NLV have all been interwoven for many years, simply because we are all Vale fans with the same ultimate aims. We all offer differing viewpoints on things but remain active together to provide a widespread view on situations. B&G have remained active, albeit in the background, for many years, mainly as observers and researchers. With my SC hat on, we have been increasingly frustrated with everything at the club, same as everyone else. We therefore requested a committee meeting a couple of months or so ago with the inclusion of Matt Hancock, who has offered himself up to the SC as the conduit between us and the club. The relationship between SC and club has drifted apart as we feel that the club have not wanted to engage with us, and it seems that they have hijacked events that the SC have traditionally held, on behalf of the fans. We all feel that the club are trying to control everything. This meeting was intense. I'm not slow at coming forward with my views, and neither is Paul Dixon, and Matt got absolute pelters. To his credit, he took it all very well. Never argued, never complained, never flounced off or made excuses. He took it all in. Following that meeting, Mark Porter, Paul Dixon, and I have remained in constant contact with Matt, intensely pointing out the level of unrest amongst the fanbase. He could quite easily cease communications with me because I have hardly been complimentary at times, but I have tried to reflect the level of anger, frustration, disappointment, and downright disengagement from the club. Matt has actively sought to understand all of that. We then held another meeting with Matt to delve a little deeper into the supporter discontent. This then led to Matt setting up a meeting with Carol for him relay the mounting concerns to her, with her full attention. It was then mutually agreed that a meeting should be held between us to face this head on. During this period, other fans have also been voicing their concerns in their own ways to the club, so we therefore asked them to join in a collaborative effort. Matt then gave us a list of dates that Carol would be available, and the meeting was set. At no point were we given a time limit, a limit on numbers of members that could attend, or any actual pre-requisites at all. All that was asked towards the date looming was a list of names of those attending. The meeting was initially going to be between us and just Matt Hancock and Carol. A couple of us then debated the merits of also requesting the attendance of Paddy. We decided against it, but then as the meeting approached, we were told that Carol would like him to attend. We ran it by our groups, and it was agreed that he should attend. So, on Monday evening, we held a meeting between 7pm until just gone 10pm. The burning topic, of course, was David Flitcroft. My view remains that I cannot see his position anything other than untenable. A sentiment held by all of us on our side of the table. Let's not dress that up any other way. The overwhelming evidence of fans in the ground, fans in the pubs, fans on social media, forums such as this and radio phone-ins, is that very few have remaining faith in our Director of Football. You must understand that, had we sat down and screamed that Flitcroft is a w***** and he needs to f*** off, a 3-hour meeting would not have lasted 3 minutes. And we would also be doing a dis-service to the other points that needed addressing. We went into the meeting well researched, with a formal agenda from which to raise our points. After lots and lots of debate around the obvious, we then discussed the other topics; those being the communications coming out of the club, the problems with ticketing, the matchday supporter facilities and overall 'experience' and the potential for better fan engagement with the club going forward. The club seemed surprised at some of the issues raised. They did admit failings in communication, they also saw a different viewpoint on the other topics that they had not considered. Above all else, they appeared genuinely shocked and saddened at what we were telling them, in terms of the overall disconnect between fans and club. Now, we all know that admitting failure, and expressing shock and sadness at things is all well and good, but they need to let their actions do the talking. We hope that they now understand that loud and clear. It's over to them to deliver results. So please let me make it abundantly clear. We recognise that fans are not happy. This season, we have seen fans fighting amongst themselves in the stands. We have seen much anger directed at Flitcroft, at our players for abject performances. We have seen growing complaints against the disparity of ground improvements. We have an utterly unworkable relationship between the Supporters' Club and the club. We have seen an alarming lack of respect shown to us fans by the club, not least by way of Carol's letter, David Flitcroft's Podcast, and the ignorance displayed towards our concerns at the last fans' forum. We are taking those issues to the club because they all need to be fixed. Do not think for one moment that we are easily pacified. But we must be logical. We cannot just rock up with a list of demands. There will have to be compromise and understanding from both sides. The first step in that healing process is to meet and hit the problems head on. Monday's meeting was exactly that. We don't have any answers, or results to report back on, from one solitary, intense meeting. But it is the start of some much needed honest and frank dialogue. How this pans out is yet to be decided. We've been in much worse states. We have battled to remove two rogue owners in the last 13 or so years. These owners are not rogue. But it's fair to say they have misaligned their focus. Please support us in regaining that. And please understand our respect for the Shanahan family, despite all our current differences. We've hopefully now opened doors and we look forward to the club holding much more open dialogue with the wider fanbase.

Just heard the gaffers press conference. Loved it! A win would be massive tomorrow for obvious reasons but I’d genuinely be buzzing more than anything for Big Dave to get his first win! Come on Vale 💙

Connor Wickham has signed for Charlton today…… meanwhile we just sit and hope with what we’ve got.

The best post I’ve read in this topic for sure. The recent messages put out by Carol herself, the club and the various fans groups are appeals for unity, the rest of it is background right now. Fans need to put all their efforts into supporting the team in an effort to maintain our League 1 status. There’s plenty of time for any inquest can begin afterwards.

Yes he was involved in a 10 v 10 session yesterday as was Loft. No real clues to the line up Saturday it was mix and match on both sides. Interestingly though Ojo and Chislett didn't take part. They were involved in the light training drills with Uche which makes me even more convinced Ojo hasn't thrown it in but is managing his injury.

No necessity for any apology at all. Just doing your best for everyone and giving up your own valuable time. A well written post.

I think you will be in for a nice surpise. He's been running on the grass for at least 2 weeks and had started to do more drills. I haven't seen him yet involved in the 10 v 10 games yet but if he's not on the bench in at least the next 3 games I will be amazed.

Beden’s probably going to be on a disciplinary on Monday morning for an undeclared second job with how much he’s put into this, he’s shattered. He was the same during NS, the same during Deakin/Miller and the same during V2001. I bumped into him at Wembley after full time and hugged the <ovf censored>, from administration and liquidation threats and nil paid share gate and late night meetings in pubs co-ordinating protest actions and paying for solicitor advice, to the tricky whites hitting the back of the net 5* times in a Wembley final. He’s just a bloke who sits in the Hamil like so many reading this are. He’s not particularly a fan of the disparity in funding between the executive areas and the regular seating plebs to say the least, so please believe me when I say the claims being made of Carol selecting agitators to manipulate into a fleet of obedient flying monkeys could not be further from the truth. She’d be more successful in trying to get Neil Baldwin to run the team out tomorrow. * sort of

Doesn't even need to be an early goal. Just an early massive tackle. Let the fans know they're up for it. Get it right up em!

I wondered if he was fit, wanting to play etc but judging from the Charlton press release he has been training for a couple of weeks which means he must be there or thereabouts. I completely agree with you @MBE if he was fit and looking for a club he should have been exactly the sort of proven forward Vale should have been looking to add. I think considering our desperation for a striker we've definitely missed out there.

I actually think it was a fantastic rousing press conference and i will state now you wouldn't have got that with Crosby....lets do this all as one

Well I'm a Shotgun and Firearms licence holder, I know a bloke who owns a tank, I have a mate that is very high up now in the army and has spent the last few years travelling the world training snipers and infantry units in various types of warfare, and my grandson also has a new sword from yesterday's world book day costume. So we're pretty well set for a war. In all seriousness, it is our complete aim to resolve things amicably. If that doesn't happen, then it's down to the will of the people. It's not for me, or any of us, to spoon-feed you what to think. As in the past, we will harness whatever the fans' feelings are and act accordingly. How that looks right now we simply cannot say.

I've thought about my initial post, and I apologise to Mark - my experiences from afar are not positive but that is my own impression and he is far more actively involved in the club than I am and deserves credit for that, so Mark, I apologise. That said, my indignation came from the perception that the club had again tried to mount another PR exercise to enhance Flitcroft's reputation, I acknowledge that was wrong, but we've seen so many of these attempts to get across the idea that he is the best thing since sliced bread. Bede, thank you for the update, which was more comprehensive than the one the club provided.

I've not really said anything so far but keep seeing the recurrence of people "having their belly tickled" "smoke blown up their arse" "not asking the hard questions that fans want asking". Bede, Dicko, Tony and myself were there as part of B&G. If you think we are the type of people that would have our bellies tickled and not ask the hard questions, then I'm not sure how to change your mind, epecially people like Spunkers who have seen us on multiple protests, meetings, etc... Collectively we have got rid of two lots of disgraceful owners, yet went into the meeting to offer an olive branch to the club to try and resolve current tensions. This is because the Shanahan's, in my opinion, truly have the best wishes of the club at heart and it is not them that is the problem. We want to work with them to try and sort this current discontent and anger out. Of course the main topic was the director of football. But do you think you can really go in and tell Carol to get rid and walk out? The meeting would be over in an instant. The club now realise how deep rooted this is and they have to try and alleviate the tension. How they do that is up to them. We know what we want to happen, but Carol owns the club and we can't hold her by gun point, but we can try and make her realise the massive feeling of discontent. What the club do now is their decision. We have started the conversation. They know how the fans feel, trust us. Now while the club decide the next steps, the only thing we can do is get behind the team wholeheartedly on Saturday, like we have all season and try and retain our League 1 status.

I watched 20 minutes of training today and can honestly say it’s the loudest and most intensive session I’ve seen this season. Admittedly I’ve only watched a handful of sessions this season, 20 minutes is a small sample size but it looked really well organised. Gives me hope for Saturday the lads are finally going to be up for it. The manager certainly is! 1st win of the year incoming 🤞

Still not quite understand why our Paddock mob haven't swapped ends and gone to sit by the Bycars. Makes for whole better atmosphere with some edge to it.

I just hope we can shut them up, I'm sick watching away supporters celebrate Sent from my SM-A217F using onevalefan mobile app

For those who have slated DF's press conferences since he has been here please listen to the latest one,you can see how he fired sheff wed up in that play off semi final,tbh i would run through a brick wall for the Vale tomorrow after hearing it. Come on big D lets all do this

He surely must have been worth trying to sign, If we didn't at least approach him or his agent that would be shocking. 😲

It may well be that DF's hands were tied for various financial reasons, wage structure, signing on fees, agents fees etc. That, along with actually getting players interested in joining Vale and moving to this area could well be stumbling blocks for many a signing. I'm not trying to defend DF but we are all pretty guilty of "assuming" and yes, the last 3 transfer windows go a long way to adding to what we percive to be failure on his part. Maybe now that Carol and the top brass are possibly looking at things from a different perspective as discussed at the meeting, aligned with perhaps new investment and the new managers wishes, DF may find another role within the club, or have a better base to work from when trying to attract players - Carol obviously sets a great deal of store with DF and maybe he's not entirely to blame. Let's hope that whether or not DF is involved in recruitment going forward to next season, its for League One players we are chasing. UTV

As Sean Bean would say. DO IT FOR BURSLEM 😀

Shrewsbury Town have kept 1 clean sheet in the last 16 games. 2-0 to the Vale tomorrow

I was at the game against Derby and there wasn’t much shouting from tge players when that third goal went in except from the fans shouting get Flitcroft out of thour club and its time to redress that on Saturday as a win is essential

Many sensible fans thank you for your efforts mate. Great stuff.

From my point of view my reaction was to the statement issued by the club, it was a good while before we established on this forum who had actually attended from the fan’s side. The statement from the club didn’t actually state what questions were asked and how they were answered whilst it did acknowledge frank dialogue. Up until it was confirmed by certain regular and respected contributors to this site I suspected a bit of a sham, a charm offensive by the club, if you will. Surely you can appreciate that there is a certain amount of sugar coating and ambiguity emanating from that club statement? Whilst I now know real dedicated, honest and forthright fan’s were in attendance I can calm down and can only hope some good will come of it, especially as folks gave up their valuable time to be there. Whilst I have on rare occasions questioned the judgement of our chairwoman, she has my total support and gratitude with regards to her ownership of our sacred club.

I don’t think bad mouthing Mark Porter was funny.

Hi all don’t post very often and don’t really like engaging but thought it was about time. Carol is a very shrewd business woman, I have a number of instances from her dealings at buying the club when I have been impressed with her short term and long term strategies. In short you don’t mess around with her or she will take advantage. She will be hurting as much as us with our position as all this reflects on her. Loads of mistakes have been made by the club. But the mistakes we are talking about is the failed attempt to get a striker, the wrong manager appointment. We are not talking about Boardroom power struggles and administration or rogue owners pocketing income. We have a club that is well run but got decisions wrong which happens at every football club. I’m not a happy clapper and I’m not saying I’m happy with the club but, I am VTID and as someone who was dragged around to meetings about the club by his parents to ensure it’s existence I feel we need some reflection. From me a thank you to those who requested and attended the meeting. The club need to reflect on the discussions and make changes. Now we all need to hope, pray and demand a win on Saturday

If Port Vale lasts for 1000 years, tomorrow people will say that this was our finest hour (referee allowing), This old codger will be there, don't panic Capt Mannering.

DM you mean mate 😉

Finding it really odd after Mr Flitcroft categorically said we were exploring all avenues. Not for a minute suggesting we didn't approach Wickham but it's certainly frustrating.

Well said and Thank You.UTV!

I think we will if they do it alphabetically...

Looks like Andy Crosbys arm holding that sign 🤣