1 hour ago, Bald Eagle said:

Agree re abuse, however with just 34 goals in all competitions to date (22 league) would be surprised if he gets 20 in his 3 year contract with them.

As a pro Loft has averaged in the region of 2 league goals a season: the stats didn't lie, and me, like the vast majority of supporters gave him all the support and encouragement deserving of a Vale player whilst wearing that shirt: and I would have done the same next season if he'd stayed. He was, however, the worst player ever to pull on a Vale shirt in my 64 years.

1994/1995 wasn't a bad season for transfers. Tony Naylor, Stewart Talbot, Lee Glover, Steve Guppy and Ian Bogie all brought in [emoji16]

21 minutes ago, Vale_Legend said:

Tolaj and Stockley haven't signed to sit on the bench. The quandary will be how to get Dipepa minutes. If he doesn't play, his value won't increase and we won't see a big-money sale which must be the aim for all our young players.

I can see us signing Diamond from Southampton on a season long loan. Maybe he'll be able to fill the 4th striker role or Garrity would move up top in an emergency?

 

We should only sign someone on a season long loan IF there's an agreement that's been signed that states there's no call-back in January to re-loan out somewhere else: providing of course certain conditions have been met by the club on appearances.

Tolaj and Stockley haven't signed to sit on the bench. The quandary will be how to get Dipepa minutes. If he doesn't play, his value won't increase and we won't see a big-money sale which must be the aim for all our young players.
I can see us signing Diamond from Southampton on a season long loan. Maybe he'll be able to fill the 4th striker role or Garrity would move up top in an emergency?
 

It's inconceivable that those 2 won't be out injured/rested at some points through the season. Baylee will get his opportunities for game time. I expect him to start at least 20 games, with loads of sub appearances too. Plenty for a 17 year old

6 minutes ago, philmpv said:

It's inconceivable that those 2 won't be out injured/rested at some points through the season. Baylee will get his opportunities for game time. I expect him to start at least 20 games, with loads of sub appearances too. Plenty for a 17 year old

Can’t see him starting 20 league games, unless like you say either Stockley or Tolaj get an injury. However I do see a lot of substitution appearances where I feel he’ll be very effective with his energy 

Byers certainly has an edge to him!

21 minutes ago, Wrex said:

Byers certainly has an edge to him!

Same as Hall, Hart, Croasdale, Curtis, Stockley & Tolaj 👊🏻 Can’t see Amos being a big softie either! There’s a theme building here 

Edited July 11, 20241 yr by Vtid

26 minutes ago, philmpv said:

1994/1995 wasn't a bad season for transfers. Tony Naylor, Stewart Talbot, Lee Glover, Steve Guppy and Ian Bogie all brought in

Yep, but that was before the transfer window concept. In terms of business since the window was introduced... this one has to be up there

26 minutes ago, Dr Phil said:

We should only sign someone on a season long loan IF there's an agreement that's been signed that states there's no call-back in January to re-loan out somewhere else: providing of course certain conditions have been met by the club on appearances.

I may be wrong on this but I think all loans have that January option. I don't think there's such a thing as a season-long loan without a recall - every loan has a clause for the parent club to recall / loanee club to end in January. I may be wrong on this (please correct me if anyone knows better) but if I'm right then no loan is going to be guaranteed for the whole season (which highlights the flaw with last season's plans if so). 

1 minute ago, robf said:

I may be wrong on this but I think all loans have that January option. I don't think there's such a thing as a season-long loan without a recall - every loan has a clause for the parent club to recall / loanee club to end in January. I may be wrong on this (please correct me if anyone knows better) but if I'm right then no loan is going to be guaranteed for the whole season (which highlights the flaw with last season's plans if so). 

Think you may be right Rob, this window tells me we aren’t going to be relying on loans again or even need any. Maybe 1 or 2 like Dr Phil has mentioned 

Caelan Ryan has left Port Vale after 2 years in thr Academy and joined a Thai Championship team 

15 hours ago, Shropshire_Valiant said:

Interesting, I wouldn't mind another striker to replace Loft as i think 3 is still light to go into the season considering injuries and suspensions but I'd have thought anyone else would be initially warming the bench and have to fight for their place(fair enough) but I'd have thought a young loanee from champ/prem was more likely.

I would much prefer to see our own young forwards given regular chances to grow into the roles.

And, judging by the pro contracts to young players awarded by Darren and his team, that's the way forward they are choosing.

It's got to be much more beneficial to the Vale to develop our own contracted young players.

1 hour ago, Dr Phil said:

We should only sign someone on a season long loan IF there's an agreement that's been signed that states there's no call-back in January to re-loan out somewhere else: providing of course certain conditions have been met by the club on appearances.

I don't think the loans rule allows that. It also works both ways. If the loanee has come on a seasons loan but is no good then he can be returned to his parent club in January.

6 minutes ago, Alan Vit said:

I would much prefer to see our own young forwards given regular chances to grow into the roles.

And, judging by the pro contracts to young players awarded by Darren and his team, that's the way forward they are choosing.

It's got to be much more beneficial to the Vale to develop our own contracted young players.

I'd agree but currently we only have Dipepa and the 2 new lads as out and out forwards, anything else is square peg, round hole territory.  I don't think we've got anyone else from the youth set up coming through, unless Buah is a striker I'm not sure? But he might benefit from some minutes out on loan in non league locally at some point?

God forbid one of our strikers gets injured for a lengthy period but it can happen. Plus most players miss 4 or 5 games a season through the odd knock/suspension/squad rotation with cup games so we'll need another striker to share the load imo.  By nature players who have come through at bigger clubs academies will technically have excellent ability probably better than our youth lads(that's not a criticism just fact as their academies have massive scouting networks and lots of staff) so I'm not aversed to having the odd 1 or 2 on loan from Prem clubs as long as it's beneficial to both clubs.

With all of the attacking options in midfield could Garrity be the 4th striker in the event of an injury crisis?