This is our 2nd season in L1 and I think we’re doing ok.  As long as we keep moving forward it's progress.  Was quite shocked to see Forest Green at the bottom of L2 after their success a couple of seasons ago but were not in that position were holding our own and hopefully slowly progressing.  It's clear a number of supporters on these pages have been Vale fans for many years (as have I) and we endure the rollercoaster but we are Vale, it's in our blood.  I think we have the basis of a good side, I think AC is a very honest and genuine manager, let's remember this is his first managerial appointment and he is also learning.  Results last night show us what we are capable of and can be capable of and hopefully it continues.  UTV.  

Edited December 30, 20232 yr by PVP

11 hours ago, PV1973 said:

Even in victory some still find ways to temper it.

Weirdly when the 3rd went in to put it to bed I wondered if those who openly hoped we’d lose tonight were celebrating that goal and enjoying a good victory? 

I honestly cannot understand anyone who wants us to lose who says they are a Vale fan

I would prefer to see a change of manager, but full credit to Crosby for the change of approach & playing the youngsters. (Also noted that we had 9 players out injured). I thought Smith was much better today & Debrah was poor, as he was playing on the left. We cannot keep playing right footed players on the left, main issue to be resolved in January. Main mistake Crosby made was taking off Wilson so early, which could of allowed Blackpool back into the game. The fans were not booing Loft in my opinion, but booing the substitution of our best player.

6 minutes ago, Essex Boy said:

I would prefer to see a change of manager, but full credit to Crosby for the change of approach & playing the youngsters. (Also noted that we had 9 players out injured). I thought Smith was much better today & Debrah was poor, as he was playing on the left. We cannot keep playing right footed players on the left, main issue to be resolved in January. Main mistake Crosby made was taking off Wilson so early, which could of allowed Blackpool back into the game. The fans were not booing Loft in my opinion, but booing the substitution of our best player.

The "fans" were booing loft no doubt.

Playing Wilson for a longer period would have increased the risk of injury as he tired so I think the subs were just about right.

38 minutes ago, smithie said:

I'll leave it at this - l think we've got a very different understanding of the words "dire" and "terrible". 

We all want whats best for the club at the end of the day; the reason why people get so irate about situations is because they want what they think is best. To me it felt like we were sleep walking into another askey /bruno situation. Nothing would make me happier than being proven wrong. Last night was a step in the right direction.

48 minutes ago, Packmoor_vale said:

Which stand did the booing come from? 
I was in the hamil towards the back and was expecting it but never heard it 

There was also a few loft will tear u apart songs that a few tried to get going 

There was some booing/groans/grunts from the Railway Stand but some cheers too (possibly ironic but also possibly like me trying to drown out the negative Railway contingent). However there was also a brief chant of "Andy Crosbys Black & White Army!" after our third goal which at first I thought might be ironic but on reflection was probably euphoric...  Full credit to all those in voice in the Railway Stand though as the atmosphere was much better than it has been. Their taunting of the Hamil Stand to stand up and sing was brilliant. 

Full credit to AC and the lads for continuing in the same vein as the second half against Barnsley. Clearly the tactics and team shape against Barnsley in the 2nd half was the difference, and not Barnsley's substitutes as some would have us believe. Admittedly Blackpool were not as clinical as Barnsley when they had opportunities but perhaps that can be put down to our defence and the hard work of our wing backs, particularly Shorrock who as well as showing his speed in attack also made some fantastic covering runs (he was was my MOTM at half time). 

We may be saying farewell to the inspirational Arblaster but there's obviously some super talent coming through the development squad. Granted these young players were probably at the club before the appointment of David Flitcroft and the backroom staff he and Carol have bought in, but, it is the system and backroom staff he and Carol have bought in that is bringing the best out of these young players and that should not be forgotten when the first team are misfiring and questions are being asked about striker recruitment.

Here's to 2024, steady ascent of the league. UTV. 

 

As many have already mentioned, Crosby must learn from last night. 

Pretty, possession-based football isn’t the be-all and end-all, and doesn’t always win you games of football, but being organised and playing to your player’s strengths can go a long way. 

I said it after Wycombe & Barnsley, why would you try and play possession-based football without Ollie & Funso. 

It was really refreshing to see Crosby switch it up yesterday, and I really do hope that he doesn’t revert to type on Monday. 

 

 

23 minutes ago, Essex Boy said:

I would prefer to see a change of manager, but full credit to Crosby for the change of approach & playing the youngsters. (Also noted that we had 9 players out injured). I thought Smith was much better today & Debrah was poor, as he was playing on the left. We cannot keep playing right footed players on the left, main issue to be resolved in January. Main mistake Crosby made was taking off Wilson so early, which could of allowed Blackpool back into the game. The fans were not booing Loft in my opinion, but booing the substitution of our best player.

2-0 up i think it was the right decision. Yes it could of backfired but willo needs to managed carefully, we all know his injury issues. Bigger mistake would of been keeping him on for him to break down again or pick up another injury. 

16 minutes ago, Bobnewtonian said:

The "fans" were booing loft no doubt.

Playing Wilson for a longer period would have increased the risk of injury as he tired so I think the subs were just about right.

bang on. Crosby get it spot on in every department last night fair play to him 

Plenty better last night , and as someone who hasn't particularly been a Crosby fan of late fair play to him last night picking that 11 showed some balls.

Shorrock looked like he'd been playing for years in that first team.

Lomax could teach Smith a thing or two about distribution his ability to carry the ball and get us up the pitch quicker  is an aspect of play we've much needed to improve on he pinged a pass to Uche and away we went I've not seen us play that direct in a long while

Devine had a great one last night he's definitely found his stride.

Also for anyone booing Loft, do you really think that helps him in anyway shape or form? When you boo it's normally with an intent to show we are unhappy with what we're being given and that moment we were winning and comfortably, applaud and cheer and let's get him some much needed confidence,  for me he looks like a player who's devoid of confidence.

Great win Great performance 3 points, if we give that much effort in the 2nd half of the season we'll be just fine.

Utv

2 minutes ago, Hot Rat said:

There was some booing/groans/grunts from the Railway Stand but some cheers too (possibly ironic but also possibly like me trying to drown out the negative Railway contingent). However there was also a brief chant of "Andy Crosbys Black & White Army!" after our third goal which at first I thought might be ironic but on reflection was probably euphoric...  Full credit to all those in voice in the Railway Stand though as the atmosphere was much better than it has been. Their taunting of the Hamil Stand to stand up and sing was brilliant. 

Full credit to AC and the lads for continuing in the same vein as the second half against Barnsley. Clearly the tactics and team shape against Barnsley in the 2nd half was the difference, and not Barnsley's substitutes as some would have us believe. Admittedly Blackpool were not as clinical as Barnsley when they had opportunities but perhaps that can be put down to our defence and the hard work of our wing backs, particularly Shorrock who as well as showing his speed in attack also made some fantastic covering runs (he was was my MOTM at half time). 

We may be saying farewell to the inspirational Arblaster but there's obviously some super talent coming through the development squad. Granted these young players were probably at the club before the appointment of David Flitcroft and the backroom staff he and Carol have bought in, but, it is the system and backroom staff he and Carol have bought in that is bringing the best out of these young players and that should not be forgotten when the first team are misfiring and questions are being asked about striker recruitment.

Here's to 2024, steady ascent of the league. UTV. 

 

Yeah the stand has always had its section of people booing 

So the taunting of the Hamil as u call it was brilliant but as how I see it is we now have 2 stands that hardly anyone can hear unless your in there instead of everyone being together 

Only at the vale 

 

Another thing too add, if I was flitcroft and Crosby I'd be opening negotiations to all them young lads who featured last night if they are old enough to sign professional deals

25 minutes ago, Essex Boy said:

I would prefer to see a change of manager, but full credit to Crosby for the change of approach & playing the youngsters. (Also noted that we had 9 players out injured). I thought Smith was much better today & Debrah was poor, as he was playing on the left. We cannot keep playing right footed players on the left, main issue to be resolved in January. Main mistake Crosby made was taking off Wilson so early, which could have allowed Blackpool back into the game. The fans were not booing Loft in my opinion, but booing the substitution of our best player.

Firstly Wilson was blowing when subbed as he’s barely played. Knowing his previous injury record and the fact we were 2-0 up it was 100% the correct decision by AC - Imagine the stick he and the club would have got had he gone down injured a few minutes later.

Secondly, Wilson got have great round of applause when he left the pitch. When Loft’s name was announced a small but vocal minority in the Railway Stand booed him onto the pitch -  really poor ‘support’.

November 25.  Portsmouth 0-4 Blackpool 

December 29. Port Vale 3-0 Blackpool 

We’re not far off.UTV.

3 minutes ago, Howjy04 said:

November 25.  Portsmouth 0-4 Blackpool 

December 29. Port Vale 3-0 Blackpool 

We’re not far off.UTV.

just shows anyone on their day can beat anyone in this league. Roll on carlisle up the vale