Hot Rat

They were were only a few weeks apart and away was even worse!

Moore was named new boss on 13th Feb. We played Fleetwood at home on the 27th Feb.

And given we couldn't buy a win or even hold onto a winning position after DM's appointment before DM's backroom staff arrived perhaps we should be thanking them for the upturn in form? DM was a bit too experimental in his first few games; the Fleetwood game where we were 2 up and then a triple substitution early in the 2nd half led to clinging on for a draw springs to mind. However just a draw tonight would be a massive result.

As usual I fell foul of the vague pathway that enables purchase of tickets online which requires you to click on the picture to access the seating plan - I have just bought two and there are about 50 left. The shop have also advised that Wigan are supposed to be sending tickets for another block.

My question too - they are not available online but there's no hint that its sold out?

Feedom of speech doesn't mean freedom to be offensive.

I take your point, but thought they did respond prior to the rams second goal. Second half I agree it was very poor but conceding on half time probably knocked any remaining stuffing into touch. And I paid good money too, including the extortionate cost of two pies.

Agreed, while its obvious that the talents of Arblaster & Devine and their ability to raise the team performance papered over the absence of proven striker and LB, when we have had a full squad we were able to go on a run which was curtailed by international call-ups and injuries. Unfortunately we now not only have those positions unfilled but we have a squad so low on confidence some have lost belief, which was evident yesterday. I also get that DM has to change things around to try and find a solution but he has made substantial changes to squad and setup in the last 3 games. I'm not sure if injuries are playing a role in this but constant changes on the wings aren't the answer because whoever plays we cannot prevent the opposition peppering our box with crosses. We started ok on tuesday against Fleetwood until Adams half time sub & our triple sub so why not use the successful formula? I also don't think the teams confidence is is helped by the vocal admission of those loyal Vale fans singing "you're so s**t its only 3" or "we're going down & we don't care". Compare this with Cheltenham fans the week previously for example; ground full and despite going behind twice never gave up singing encouragement. As for those individuals at the back of the stand vandalising seats yesterday, they need to take a long look at themselves and their anger management. they're an embarrassment to their mothers and to Vale.

Agreed. My take was that we were fairly comfortable and would have gone on to win that game until the treble subs. We completely and (based on the opinions of those around me sucking their teeth at the time so I wasn't alone) predictably lost all shape and invited their wingbacks to do what ours cannot. Their no. 5 Lawal in midfield read the game well and anticipated and won most of the second balls and had so much freedom to distribute, particularly after Ojo went off. Our biggest problem (besides the inability to stop crosses before they even become a danger), is anticipation. Not to single him out as others are as culpable, but I lose count of the times Loft is in the wrong position to either defend or to receive. Perhaps this is a confidence thing but its so frustrating to watch opportunities missed that could win games.

I would imagine that they spent well into six figures on the pitch in the summer for starters.

Not offhand and I cant be bothered to look that deeply although I suspect there probably are other examples. However, you said "why do you never hear of a manager resigning" and I was merely providing an example on our doorstep? I should add that I don't disagree that most managers get sacked and paid up, although many probably still think they can turn things around and don't want a sacking on their CV either. Mickey was different in that regard as he said that he'd run out of ideas.

Mickey Adams resigned.

I agree with almost all of your observations but I think the current process doesn't consistently result in possession based football as I believe AC is using experience to tweek tactics more according to our results and the teams we are up against despite our injury list - I see this as a positive as other managers including DC persisted in Plan A despite evidence to show the opposition had us sussed (see Bruno Ribiero & John Askey). Over many years there has been a succession of managers who all had differing ideas on team tactics, but after one or two seasons (or less) due to lack of consistent progress were dismissed, followed by wholesale change in players. Personally I'd much prefer the club to have a long term plan and the opportunity to see our Academy players coming through and the opportunity to see the talented premier league loanees any day than an unpredictable future. I defy anyone to name a season in recent memory when we have consistently entertained and had not had a few matches when it was like watching paint dry!

While I'm as disappointed as the next Vale fan that Devine and Arblaster have departed, I would prefer to look on the bright side and remember those moments of pure football magic demonstrated by some of the best individual talents seen at Vale Park in at least 30 years. Remember Arblasters elf-like side step to dodge the flying two footed tackle then putting the ball on the plate for Chizzy against Wigan? Devines goal against Mansfield? If DF & AC and the organisation that Carol and Kevin have put in place and personally funded continues to unleash gems such as these, even if its only for 6 months, then bring it on. Think yourself lucky we did not go the way of Bury when smurfwaite realised that running a football club costs money and is actually a passion for those fortunate (or daft enough) to buy a football club. I doubt there's a single football club in any of the leagues which makes a decent return for the owner (other than Man Utd and the Glazers means of profit is questionable).