1 hour ago, Dr Phil said:

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.

Agreed on all counts - albeit Paterson right up there with him!

4 hours ago, darren1810 said:

Only just seen the Loft news. Just WOW. Delighted and gobsmacked. 

The caveat, I felt the booing and jeering was appalling from some of our fanbase on the occasions he was brought on as a sub. 

Loved his 2 performances against Burton and Bristol where his efforts and application were outstanding. 

Sadly they were a blip and he reverted to type. 

A truly awful signing , disastrous. That Fleetwood one on one still gives me nightmares. 

Good luck to the bloke but thank you Cambridge for pulling off this masterstroke. 

Jones,Lowe, Debrah and Grant next 🙏. 

I'm really pleased for Loft. He was bad for us, and even though I think the lack of service he ever had as a Vale forward and his obvious physical attributes mitigate what we saw last year, it's just better for both of us that he gets a fresh start. I'm surprised he's gone up to League One, but Cambridge have clearly seen his pace, height and commitment as worth a roll of the dice, which I can understand.

100% want us to keep Debrah. 23, tall, pacey, decent with the ball. His league inexperience showed in a poor side with zero confidence last year, but I want to see him come back from that this season.

Completely agree on Lowe - you can't carry someone with no legs, strength, and ability to pass forward, just for his experience and good character.

Jones is injured far too often, and too mercurial to be trusted for a starting run in any role, but I would prefer him to Iacovitti if we keep one - but I can only see either of them staying as a backup squad player. So possibly better that they both leave?

Grant wasn't good last season to say the least, but maybe he's simply not a wide player - even more so with Hart arriving and Shorrock pushing on. That said, he's behind Byers, Croasdale, Ojo, Garrity dropping deep, and probably Sang for me in central midfield. So on balance I think I agree.

2 hours ago, robf said:

Yes, by my rough calculations the squad numbers are roughly the same (though the wage bill may now be higher) so there's no reason (if the money is there) that one or two more could be added without it leading to a massive squad...

At the end of the summer window last season we have 18 senior professionals (I think, not 100% sure of that) and 5 loanees (not sure what % of their wages if any we met). That's 23 senior players

At this point, excluding the junior pros such as Buah and Lomax, we have 22 senior professionals (I'm including Dipepa in there as I presume he's now got a "senior" wage after his extension) and no loanees. That's 22 senior players (plus a smattering of junior pros)

Considering the relegation and the state/inbalance of the squad it's been a remarkable transformation already. If a couple more can be moved on and replaced by better replacements then it will be right up there as one of the best windows...

Have to admit I actually feel positive in regards to the current recruitment. For me we still lack at right back and on the flanks. I fear losing one or two of Chislett/ Garrity and Ripley but hope not. In regards to Loft, it was not his fault he was signed, we know who was in the main behind the debacle in regards to strikers (lack of) and the general recruitment shambles (pie-in-the sky ideals and methods). Loft was poor but also had no chance in that set up. Dipepa either highlighted how poor Loft was, or, how good he is and will become. It's positive, very positive at the moment. Lets roll with it and see.

 

I would have backed him this season if he had stayed as a backup player. But now that he's gone, let's be honest. He's one of the worst signing we made in recent memory. Absolutely useless. No doubt Cambridge fans will try to justify his shocking goal scoring record as a striker just as we did when we signed him.

Edited July 11, 20241 yr by Valiiant

3 minutes ago, Valiiant said:

 

I would have backed him this season if he had stayed as a backup player. But now that he's gone, let's be honest. He's one of the worst signing we made in recent memory. Absolutely useless. No doubt Cambridge fans will try to justify his shocking goal scoring record as a striker just as we did when we signed him.

Loft  record as a striker is appalling averaging 2 goals a season I am at a loss why anyone would employ him .

3 minutes ago, Rockape99 said:

Loft  record as a striker is appalling averaging 2 goals a season I am at a loss why anyone would employ him .

 

He's big and mobile. Managers will think there's some kind of unlocked potential there. But each and every manager he has had has failed to make him not look utterly crap. He never fails because of any lack of effort, but effort is the absolute bare minimum anyone should ever expect.

 

One quick look at their forum and Cambridge fans are falling into the trap of thinking that because he's a strapping lad, he will offer this massive physical presence. They'll be in for a rude awakening. 

2 hours 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

They were orate i suppose 😉 

Announcement at 5 I reckon 👀 

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

Or Chizzy.. [emoji1303]

2 minutes ago, Vtid said:

Announcement at 5 I reckon 👀 

I take it you are guessing there me owd fruit

I did say the sausage was sizzling in the pan for tomorrow

10 minutes ago, werstayinup said:

I take it you are guessing there me owd fruit

I did say the sausage was sizzling in the pan for tomorrow

I’ll be surprised if there’s any business announced tomorrow on kit day but stranger things have happened. And yeah pure guess work pal. Can see them dropping like flies now, likes of Jones & Lowe will be next hopefully 

Edited July 11, 20241 yr by Vtid

KTF me owd mucker

We know by now it's nearly always sausage Friday

19 minutes ago, Badboybubba said:

Or Chizzy..

In the two games last week, Ben was played as a striker in both….If DM goes 4-4-2 there is no room for Ben, Lorent & Jaydon.

Good luck to Loft. 

What other deadwood can Vale cut afloat