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[SuperValiant1876]

The fact that we actually payed a fee for a player Aspo really wanted, gives me hope! And they have payed up a lot of the dross that was signed under Bruno as well.

But even Aspin said, that fans say ‘sign this and that player from National League, but nobody actually knows what kind of money they wanted for him’. Giving me hope, that he knows what kind of players he wants, (unlike the last two managers who just signed anyone who drove past Stoke-on-Trent), and that he actually enquired about them in january. But no, we can’t and should never pay silly money for a player!

 

Some fans believe a price tag makes a player better for some reason.

[Paul6754]

The majority of new signings Vale make should be seasoned Lge1/2 pros who know the game at this level together with some promising non-league players.

 

If we sign too many National League players that's exactly where we will end up, no more Bruno Ribeiro transfer tactics please. Notts County didn't sign 3 Lge 1 pros from Vale for no reason.

[Erniemossrules]

I'd only be looking at keeping either Boot or Hornby and, with recent form and a 2 year contract in his favour, it would be Hornby for me. I'd been looking at an experienced keeper to come in and battle with Hornby - maybe someone who has played at a higher level and is looking to do some coaching qualifications. I'd also give Slinn a contract to allow him to develop further but I honestly don't know how good he is.

 

Defensively you're looking at Gibbons and Montano (if he's happy to continue there) as wing backs. I don't see the point of paying up too many contracts and I think Davis should be able able enough to cover both right back and centre half. I'd love to see Knops stay in this capacity on the left but that depends on a number of factors (If he's happy to stay, if he's fit enough, and whether Aspo rates him). If he goes I'd certainly be looking to replace him with a similar type of defender who can cover both positions. Smith and Howe at centre half and I'd also be looking to bring in an older head to lead the line.

 

The midfield is an absolute mess and could depend on whether Pugh and Tonge decide to stay and waste part of our budget. I'd keep Kay as I think there's another good year in him but I'd look to bring in a younger player in a similar mould to cover him. We could also do with a left winger, another box-to-box man like Hannant, and someone with a bit of creativity (a no. 10 if you will). Big ask to pull all tht off...

 

Up top Pope needs a partner and then with Angus and Turner to hopefully develop that should hopefully be enough. Maybe a young target man too (like Hugill when he was here) from non-league to come in and learn.

 

As previously mentioned I wouldn't pay up too many contracts but I would do with [possible] big earners such as Lainton and Barnett.

 

Lainton and Barnett must go to free up space and budget for new signings.Davis isn’t mobile enough for full back and not tall enough or strong enough for centre back especially if Smith is playing as we lack height at the back.Baldrick Brown to blame for these signings not Bruno.

[valiant steve]

How about Billy Kee?

[JohnJames]

How about Billy Kee?

 

Kee by his own admission can’t play for anybody other than Accrington because of his mental health issues and acknowledges how the club gave really helped him. Norman makes the most carefree depressed! So I should imagine he would avoid us like the plague even if he left Stanley.

[PV1973]

Lainton and Barnett must go to free up space and budget for new signings.Davis isn’t mobile enough for full back and not tall enough or strong enough for centre back especially if Smith is playing as we lack height at the back.Baldrick Brown to blame for these signings not Bruno.

I’d put my house on Davis staying and not being paid up to leave. It seems like Aspin likes his attitude and commitment.

[aspin for england]

Danny Rowe from Fylde please Mr smurf, get ya cheque book out

[Erniemossrules]

Billy Knott is free at the end of the season.

Just what we need in midfield and should fit Aspins idea of a grafter.

[Andyregs]

Not that old chestnut again. Are you still in denial about the fact that Mr Smurthwaite appears to be a far worse owner?

 

Are you still in denial that v2001 gave away a chunk of the club to two con men for free and would have taken the club out of existence were it not for the council? But hey, free tickets with mar mate!

[Rampant Zebra]

No I realize that after the failed attempt to take over which ruined the balance of the board things went very bad. As I have said before I never had any free tickets, I said that to wind you up with massive success obviously.

[werstayinup]

Billy Knott is free at the end of the season.

Just what we need in midfield and should fit Aspins idea of a grafter.

 

If you had asked me after his loan spell i would agree 100% BUT he seems to of done very little since then,i would sooner see a player come in even if its from the conference who has been playing and scoring from the middle

[Rampant Zebra]

We could use a player like Billy Knott was when he left us, not sure he is as good now, things move on.

[TheSage]

I haven't followed all this thread but without question we need to focus all our efforts on bringing in 4 quality players. Proven quality. A 'keeper, centre half and vocal captain (if Howkins is beyond our means), goalscoring box to box midfield player, and a 10-15 goal partner (ideally) for Pope.

What little we have must go on those 4 positions and not get frittered away on 12-14 journeymen who are way past their best.

Quite honestly, I'd rather sign only 4 good 'uns than a dozen mediocre ones but the problem we have is that we need much better in all the key areas of the pitch and it costs a lot if you can even find these types.

Fingers crossed for miracles in the summer from Aspin, Rudge and the team.

[For Us All]

You are joking?

Boote is 23 and been at Vale since 2013.

He really should have not been given a contract last year as even Baldrick Brown collected goalkeepers for fun rather than play Boote.

Brown signed Lainton and Hornby then gave Boote a contract.Really after signing Hornby he shouldn’t have offered Boote a contract.

We really need a quality keeper as No 1 and Hornby as No 2.Chris Neal is far better than other goalies we have had and played well before he was injured and Alnwick bought in.

Maybe Alnwick will be available if Rangers sign the Scottish keeper but is probably too good for Div 2 and on big wages.

 

Jak might be rushing back to Vale Park after today.

He's finally got a game for Rangers.

Celtic 5 Rangers 0 (after 52 minutes)?

[SourceOfTheTrent]

After yesterday's loss with a whimper I can't wait to see Aspo's retained / offload list. I think it will be brutal but unfortunately that's what's needed. Once we know what we're left with in terms of a squad we can speculate (dream?) of exactly who and what we need. I wonder if we can see the midfield sorted for the first time in years? We've been rubbish in the middle of the park for donkeys.