[League one relegation watch]

We won, so game on on. Really worried about the defence. Bristol had 2 shots and good job they weren't on target. 

Three clean sheets in four though. Didn't see that coming a month ago.

[David Flitcroft Out]

I’m firmly in Flitcroft out camp however if he appoints a proper manager, not a head coach with less experience than Crosby, provides resources for the new manager and also explains the last 2 weeks then my stance softens.
He was very lucky today to get a dubious pen decision go our away otherwise it would have been very loud and angry chanting again.

That was in no way a dubious penalty and the team was good for a point yesterday against a team that must be riding very high.

I don't mean to single you out, MBE, but we do need to stop stacking the deck against Flitcroft. He's got a mixed record in his job, and the last few months have been particularly concerning, but he now has an opportunity to get a very big decision right.

[Ale and the Vale Podcast]

I really enjoyed the podcast again (as always). I think the reason Andy couldn't quite join up the thought process is that it is simply difficult to recruit the right footballers rather than end up with mediocrities in Vale's position. I don't want us to have to push this hard to attract good signings, but I would also not be happy with giving up on the matrix and just signing an easier but lesser target. It's disappointing to have to admit to making a choice between unpalatable options, but isn't that what it comes down to? I can understand the argument that we should have gone for the best target we could secure early, even though I personally prefer the way we've decided to play it.

We're all frustrated that the squad hasn't been completed earlier (and still hasn't been), especially when the team seems to be competing everywhere except in the final third against teams fancied for promotion. But it really does come down to how low down our list of targets we are willing to go while there is still the chance to get players higher up that list. And if we're not willing to take it right to the deadline, it seems to make sense that we would be forced to settle for players we think are less good than those that may still be available, had we waited until the countdown puts pressure on players to sign.

Of course, there are risks involved with doing this - we'll find out by tomorrow if it has been worth taking the chance this time. In general, I'm fairly pleased with how the new recruits are shaping up, and looking forward to seeing more consistent team selections (after which I might yet change my mind about that first bit).

It was really good to hear all this discussed as it was on the podcast - while I come to different conclusions, I felt the guys did a good job of expressing frustrations with this early-season while acknowledging the difficulties our management team are trying to overcome to make us more competitive.  

[Ale and the Vale Podcast]

He should have no input whatsoever into which players we sign. Leave the football stuff to the football people. 

Don't entirely agree with this - if he is or will at some point be responsible for employing the football people, it's really important he understands their decisions and is able to discuss and challenge them. Likewise the football people should be able to explain what they're doing to their employer and even welcome different perspectives from within the club that might challenge them.

I do agree he/Carol shouldn't be telling them to sign or not sign someone. I don't think they have any desire to do that though.