Leaderboard

Bought a ticket for an excuse to go on the lash in Manchester. Might get the train to the ground, boo the players on to the pitch then leave.

3 clubs he’s done well with. 2 of those had big resources in relation to the league competing in. This season looks 2 poor outcomes however at both clubs he’s not had much of a transfer window to bring in his own players so I do think it’s a bit harsh judging him on both Huddersfield and Vale. I would also point to the fact Huddersfield have continued to look a poor team despite a transfer window and a new manager. That’s suggests the problem wasn’t necessarily the manager but poor players for the level… sounds familiar! I can’t argue with you on the outcome of tactics but for balance he has tried every single formation to get these players going and it’s just not worked out. The quality of the players is just not there nor is the squad depth. This current squad is the worst we have ever had in L1 and I think would struggle to get mid table in L2 I don’t think Moores deficiency is tactical to be honest. It’s not as if he’s been wed to a particular system like we’ve seen many managers before him. He just doesn’t have the tools as his disposal.

The club has, what, nearly 500 members of staff? But Colin Garlick, a man who was said by Carol and Kevin (remember him?) was an incredible asset, an invaluable resource etc etc No room for him at the club. His departure from the club had to be hastened. We need to add 50-60 members of staff every year but League Two CEO of the Year Colin Garlick? Yeah, get him out of the club ASAP. We NEED 20% increases in staff numbers year on year, but Colin Garlick? Nah, don't need him mate, he'd be a spare part wouldn't he? Get him gone. Actually, you know what? I don't buy that horseshit for a single second mate.

Sorry about that Nippy, I know you’ve had it tough but as I said anything can happen at this stage of the season. We’ve effectively thrown away the automatics and will now have to make do with the play offs but after a terrific first half of the season where we had points on the board and games in hand, since January we’ve been awful and not just because of injuries, in fact had we had an equivalent first half we’d be nearer the bottom than the top. If your players have any character at all they’ll play like the Shrews did on Tuesday when to be honest we were lucky to get a point. I’ve been in your situation, worse in fact a few years ago when we nearly went pop so I can understand your frustration. Actually thought you’d do well this season but clearly that hasn’t happened but it isn’t over until the fat lady sings so if your guys put some fight in it on Saturday we are more than beatable, though I do hope we’re not. 😁

It will be life changing, I’ll have a heart attack from the shock.

There is a question mark. He was getting stuck in v Wycombe without a doubt. He may be someone who is a good player in a good team and gets frustrated when others around make mistakes / struggle. I look at L2 and I do think we could power out that division again next season. The tough clubs are getting promoted and hopefully MK Dons will go up. Then there is no one down there to fear provided PV runs itself well. I'm not saying it will be easy, but with three auto promotions and a play off position, we surely should be able to be seriously in contention. I suppose Crewe might still be around!

Yay!

I don't really trust or have any faith in anything at the Vale at the minute Lots to do

I’d love to hear a genuine case for us winning this because I’ve been trying to use my imagination all week to come up with a way it could happen but just can’t see it. This team has been so bad I had more hope in my heart for a win when we played Man City.

As was alluded to in an earlier post, please do not waste £2 on a lottery ticket as you will win far more putting the £2 on the Vale to win. With very generous odds of 270,887,923 to 1 it's a steal. Of £2.

While Ojo would be good in league 2, his attitude absolutely stinks. He’s downed tools two seasons in a row now, and can do one as far as im concerned. What’s more worrying is how many people would keep sang. The only defender i would keep through choice is smith, as hes proven at league 2 level and Clarke if he can stay fit. The rest are genuinely atrocious.

Yep. Most overrated player in league 1. Got the turning circle of a tanker, which would make him the fastest player in our defence. We haven't got that gutsy performance in us that lots of teams down at the bottom have in them at this time of the season. If we keep it to 3-0 we have done well. Bolton are pretty unlikely for one of the auto spots now, but they'll still outplay us without putting in too much effort. I'd quite like them to miss out though for 4 fold: 1) They think they're an absolutely huge team but without the Premier League years I doubt they'd be getting the crowds they are now. 2) When they near enough got promoted at our place they sang 'we'll never play you again'. But then did about 2 years later. 3) I lived in a halls of residence with a Bolton fan at University and he was a complete chump. Put me off ever since. 4) Ian Evatt is the most dislikeable, arrogant so and so. Apart from that I think they're great!

Yeah I remember that. I'm sure I remember one of your lot setting something on fire in The Vine as well.

To allow anyone who hasn't seen the various statements today I can offer a summary below. As usual I may well be wrong on some facts but as I see it... 1. The FA issued a statement saying the EFL were consulted on the changes: a) Negotiations that have been going on for a year b) It was approved by EFL representatives. In the words of the FA statement "The calendar for next season was approved last month by the Professional Game Board, which consists of four EFL representatives and four Premier League representatives and then by the FA Board, which includes Premier League, EFL, National Game and grassroots representation. This is the process we undergo every year to approve the calendar." 2. The EFL have now issued a statement challenging that: a) FA Cup changes have been part of negotiations over financial fair play but nothing was agreed. b) The approval of the four EFL people who are on the Professional Game Board is NOT consulting all the clubs. The Game Board is merely there to sign-off on the fixture list, they are not there to agree a change of format. The EFL statement says that even then, when those people voiced concern, their comments were brushed aside - "As part of the discussions the EFL representatives did challenge the position and were told that Clubs would be comfortable with no replays. They were effectively advised that, as a result, of it being an FA competition, the fixture list needed to be agreed as presented." If the EFL is right then that's a quite extraordinary statement from the FA earlier. How on earth did they think they could convince people that consultation with and sign-off from the EFL had taken place when the clubs themselves know that isn't true?

Would you trust this lot to build a wall?

I can see Darren Moore is a good manager. He's not been able to get defenders who can't defend and strikers who don't score to perform better. It's because they are not good enough. The defence in the first few mins v Wycombe were taking the P. I nearly walked out after Wycombe scored. The whole team were taking the P v Exeter in the second half. And so it goes on, including super hero Smith passing to the opposition striker from our defensive free kick in his first game at home. I am hoping he will be in charge next year, and head up a promotion season. If he leaves, it will seriously bring into question whether I renew my season ticket. I'm not up at all for another manager appointment, and don't think that would end well.

Looking at results, we were holding our own until New Year. Since then the wheels have come off. Lost the good young players and failed to replace with equivalent. Injuries. Inability to score or defend properly. We've been in a crash dive. It does make me angry, because we didn't need to be that much better than we are to have garnished a good wedge of points. Let's suppose we had retained Ellis Harrison and he scored the same number of goals as last season with Garrity and Chislett at their level and more recently Dipepe coming through. We would be in mid table and therefore the gross mistake in not retaining or signing a striker who scores is stark.

Angry statements from Peterborough, Tranmere, Accrington, Exeter, Grimsby, Crawley, York, Chester, Eastleigh, Dorking and Farnborough so far, + Millwall’s manager criticising it in interview. Also seen one non-league club say they won’t enter the cup next season. We’ve got to get on this tomorrow surely?

Just to bring you up to speed on Wanderers, we should be pretty much at full strength after resting a few with knocks against Shrewsbury. For whatever reason that led to a dreadful performance but not just by the players who came in, the whole team just flopped and in the end we were lucky to get a point. Santos is the only doubt and if he’s still missing I suspect you’ll get a chance to see Will Forrester again who apart from Tuesday has been tremendous. I’m really surprised and disappointed that Vale are where they are I expected much better from you but obviously things haven’t turned out well and sadly since Saturday is a major must win game for us I’d be surprised if we don’t really go for it, including goals to have even a chance of overtaking Derby. Still you never know footballs a funny game but whatever happens I wish you well next season wherever you are. If it is L2 I think after a clear out and recruitment summer DM should have a much better chance of turning you around.

There’s no way we keep the likes of Grant, Sang, Yak etc. AND sign players better than them to push them to reserve spots. How’s that going to work, they’re on L1 wages, players better than them would want at least similar wages, and I assume the cloth will have to be cut to accommodate Salford replacing Derby etc. in the away end. We either negotiate some deals that send the 2 yearers on their way, or make do with a squad with very little scope to improve. The only place that is not the case is strikers. Only Loft and Dipepa contracted, so surely, SURELY even our recruitment team will be able to improve that situation.

Main pitch not replaced, just stage 1 drainage completed. Training pitches require drainage attention to cope with increased rainfall due to climate change. Sent from my SM-A715F using onevalefan mobile app

Disgraceful. Their greed knows no bounds. EFL clubs should boycott all loans from Premier League clubs so they're all stuck with massive squads of players who can't play games.

My relative is a Bolton fan. Says they struggle against <ovf censored> sides at home. With that in mind I will go 6-0 Bolton.

The point I'm trying to make is when you compare the squads against other squads within the same division I would argue this is one of the worst we have had. I'm talking post Jan.

Scrapping FA Cup replays sucks bigtime, some of my most memorable moments supporting Vale are from FA Cup replays. It seems like the decision was made "Solely between the FA and the Premier League" and if so should be overturned and reviewed and overturned. Statements like, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his responsibility is to "protect our players" show a lack of knowledge about the FA Cup and English football history. The answer is simple for EPL clubs involved in Europe, put out your 2nd string payers, FFS you horde enough of them or even don't enter the competition. What happened to the saying, "Football is all about the fans". https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68856480

Yes all those pints have been essential this season.

I suggest she won’t open her purse and will get hammered because of more debt due to nobody going to watch awful league 2 football. I don’t get this idea from where she will be generous with spending. The money on the squad should have been spent in the summer after we had a season of record gates and momentum.

I think those 3 in garrity, Chislet & dipepa are the most likely to leave as they’ve had decent seasons in a poor one overall. I’d like to see dipepa develop a bit more for at least another season with us. Chislet will have some interest with his goals & assists return same as Ben with his goals & work rate. Wouldn’t suprise me to see Ben stay tho & try get us back up. Can see how much the vale means to him & he seems a loyal character 🙏🏻

The thread is, by dint of being read and replied to "front and centre". It's the top of the Hot Topics section. It's had over 1,700 views now and growing... However, I don't want to set a precedent by moving something into the wrong category. I think Other Football Issues is the right place. I'd also point out there are three articles on the OVF front page about this all of which contain a link to a Change.org petition as well. This subject is being pushed on here.

I’m sure this is not the first time it’s been suggested but would having a fan rep/director or two on the board be a way forward to rebuild fan relationships with the owners? Who that might be would be the challenge- elected by 1876 club and season ticket holders (ie club ‘members’) perhaps with annual/seasonal elections? Get the impression our CEO may be up for it but don’t know if anyone else currently on the board would be. Found this posted by an Everton fan group a few years ago. Food for thought? Fans on boards, the benefits, challenges and how it can be achieved THEESK.ORG

Yes. Well done Vale! “Only goes to protect the minority” – Port Vale statement condemns Premier League driven changes to the FA Cup WWW.ONEVALEFAN.CO.UK

The players we have got will be highly competitive in L2. There is a need to address the wing back / full back positions and find a striker who will score goals at L2 level to go alongside Garrity, Chislett and Dipepe. Actually, it is only viable to retain Dipepe if he plays. Otherwise let a Championship club sign him. The throw everyone out tantrum isn't viable in real life. What is viable is trust Darren Moore.

Suppose we could always drop the rubbish off in a field and drive off. Half of them will fall and be injured and never move again. The other half would not follow you if you dawdled to the van, as they are not that quick or any gumption/fight in them to catch you up. Feel a big clear out is needed and then DM will need to find players to replace those who move on to other clubs as they are the better players we would really want to keep. Hopefully this will happen and mistakes wont be made like they have been in the past 2 years.

I don’t think Carol ‘owes’ us a personal funded title bid in order to win fan’s forgiveness. She definitely shouldn’t operate that way next season - will lead to poor decision making built upon ‘winning the fans round’. She’s effectively undone 21/22 so is broadly level in terms of net positive and negative, probably edging positive as the club is in a better overall place than 2019. Title bids aren’t as simple as ‘owner spend money’ and I think we’re more than a summer away from sorting out this mess, considering contract lengths.

Be honest we are not going down because of DM we are going down because we deserve to the players are nowhere near good enough. 2-0 up at half time and people actually think that we threw it away because of something DM said at half time? Lets get real we lost it because we conceded a sloppy goal and then our fragile weak minded players panicked and went to pieces like they always do. There was nobody on the bench who would have made the slightest difference subs haven't made a difference in any game, we go behind we lose its been an issue all season.

Vtid, whilst I agree with you, we’re not a club that raids other clubs for decent fit players. It’s not part of our business model, that would mean investment. We’re a L2 selling club that soon won’t have any saleable assets.

This season we lost 7 nil away at Barnsley and we're going lose this game 6 or 7 nil. Next season we will be back to our annual 5 or 6 nil thrashing at Swindon. I honestly think in 12 months time if we have finished 3rd from bottom in league 2 with this set of players we will have done well. Unfortunately most of them are under contract so it's either pay them up or freeze them out and don't play them and obviously if you do that you are basically paying wages to players you don't want. I can't see many of these waste of space players getting football league clubs. Who is going want Wilson when he's injured half the season and only scores 4 a season. Who is going want uche or loft who have played about 30 games each in all competitions and scored 2 goals. Who is going want Dan Jones injured half a season in all 3 seasons at the club and even though sometimes he does have good games he makes alot of mistakes and gives loads of penalties away. The only players that will attract clubs attention are the ones we want keep that are garrity,chislett,Di pepa and maybe Ripley.

I wouldn't have appointed Moore personally. I preferred Derek Adams as he has been successful with small budgets. Not getting Wednesday promoted from this league would have been poor considering their budget. I don't think we should sack any manager without 18 months in position. Football results aren't just down to how good a manager is. There's players at their disposal and frankly luck plays a large part in it. A big part of luck is key players being injury free. First half of the Adams promotion season we were fortunate JMW, Vincent, Morsy, Pope and Neal were largely injury free prior to Christmas. All 3 Rudge promotions involved key players like Earle, Walker and Beckford having full seasons. Luck in games also evens out of time but often not in a season. Although I don't want him sacked it must be said I think he has probably done worse than Crosby would with the players available. I believe his win %age is significantly below Crosby, Brown, Sinnott, Buttler and even Dean Glover. He's certainly not a miracle worker but we will see how he does next season with a preseason to set his own mark on things.

That’s a shame our only chance was if Santos was playing.

Anything less than 10-0 will be a good performance. I am feeling positive so I had a few bucks on just 8-0 to Bolton, with Will Forrester to score at anytime paying odds of 1447/1. I will be watching live from Koh Phi Phi until the 3rd goal then I will be off firedancing to drown my relegation sorrows.

They’ve won 4, 3 of them in the first 5 games after he left (they’ve not won since Feb) - arguably they got the new manager bounce that we didn’t. He got relegated with both West Brom and Wednesday (when both in the relegation zone when appointed) was sacked by WBA when in the play offs (with 10 games to go) the following season, was poached by Sheffield when Doncaster were in the playoffs of L1 then got Wednesday to the playoffs in the 2 successive seasons (promotion the second time) following their relegation. Guess it’s debatable if play-offs following a relegation is because of improving his squads but he had no transfer windows to avoid relegation and at least 2 transfer windows to achieve play off positions at 3 of his 4 clubs. Are his last 8 months a ‘blip’, in what ‘til then has been a relatively successful 6 year managerial career, or are they a sign of things to come? No one knows but I’m happy to be patient enough and give him at least one transfer window to find out, whichever league we’re in. UTV

True.

Well they did start the rot at the start of the season, so only right they finish it off. Just can't get interested in this match or the squad anymore. Just want the season finished as we know were relegated. Next season with the loss of Ifollow - even as bad as it was, you could get and listen to the match most of the time, so that is another kick in the ⚽. With Sky taking over, we wont be able to listen to the game now either. Well done EFL for selling out and not thinking about the fans.

The excitement of the FA Cup has gone, strangled by the Premier league, back in the day getting a draw at Liverpool and bringing them back to Vale Park on the Monday was better than Christmas day for me, yes we lost to a late extra time goal but I still remember the atmosphere. Same with the Arsenal game the excitement and anticipation, to me as an old codger seems to have been slowly rubbed out, who remembers the Leeds v Chelsea replay at Old Trafford, beats anything Sky puts on now, Fa Cup final day is just another fixture, shame really the worlds finest Cup competition devalued.

Not sure how Leutwiler gets your criticism? He's only played in Pizzapaintpotpennychew Cup.

I noted this point in a Guardian article: And there you go - the FA has sold the soul of the FA Cup for £33m.

Same here, makes me really angry when things like this happen. Once again it looks like the Premier League are meddling in games that have nothing to do with them. What effect does a round one or two replay have on the Premier League? They aren't even involved at that stage. It's probably all down to the Premier League throwing their toys out of the pram and threatening to reduce payments unless they get their way. It was the same when B sides came into the Football League Trophy. The sooner a regulator comes in and levels the financial playing field so the EFL clubs aren't so cash-strapped and can stand up to these bullyboy tactics, the better. Oh, and while they're at it - how are the Premier League getting on with the 100-odd financial mismanagement charges levelled at Man City from as far back as 2009. Or do only Forest and Everton get docked points nowadays?

Derby have only won two of their last five. Any club three points behind with an inferior goal difference playing a woefully out of form Vale side are going to play a full-strength squad and hope they thump us and Derby slip up again. I personally think there's no chance that unless someone is carrying an injury that they are going to rest any first-team regulars. Afterall, how would the Bolton fans/the press react if Evatt rotated his squad, they subsequently struggle against us and then miss out on a promotion spot if Derby happen lose? He'd be absolutely slaughtered by them. He's surely not going to take that risk. He may not play injured players (that's slightly different) but he's certainly not going to rest any for the play-offs when there's any chance of automatic promotion.

i just want it over, but i reckon we win this then lose at home to Cambridge just for sh*** and giggles. 🙃

Jeez, that's the most wishful thinking I've seen on here in a long time. Erm, Bolton are only three points behind Derby, who are in the automatic spot. With that sort of gap there's frankly more chance of a Ryan Loft hat-trick than of Bolton resting players for the play-offs...