11 hours ago, Alfie1962 said:

When was this alluded too, hear Brady say how hard he is working in training. I go to 90% of games and not witnessed him not tracking back. He is quicker than both Croasdale and Ojo and was part of the hardworking performance at Bolton.

It was in one of Brady’s interviews where he said something along the lines he (Walter’s) doesn’t get through enough running. The argument isn’t who is faster as I said in my post it’s about work rate. He may be faster than both but you can’t teach the desire to get back either. Again that’s why I said is it something that can be fixed. There is no denying he has ability however there is a reason no one else signed him and there is also a reason that managers don’t fancy playing him. 

1 hour ago, dantheman said:

It was in one of Brady’s interviews where he said something along the lines he (Walter’s) doesn’t get through enough running. The argument isn’t who is faster as I said in my post it’s about work rate. He may be faster than both but you can’t teach the desire to get back either. Again that’s why I said is it something that can be fixed. There is no denying he has ability however there is a reason no one else signed him and there is also a reason that managers don’t 

Why would you give a 3yr contract to someone who you don't rate. He should be in instead of Croasdale or Ojo who both lack pace and natural ability. He wont get better playing little football where as both of those players won't get a contract at the end of the season, makes no sense.

2 hours ago, dantheman said:

It was in one of Brady’s interviews where he said something along the lines he (Walter’s) doesn’t get through enough running. The argument isn’t who is faster as I said in my post it’s about work rate. He may be faster than both but you can’t teach the desire to get back either. Again that’s why I said is it something that can be fixed. There is no denying he has ability however there is a reason no one else signed him and there is also a reason that managers don’t fancy playing him. 

"Rhys hasn't had the game time that others have had, but says he's a brilliant young talent who trains well. Jon says Rhys' time will come and believes he has a future at the club, both here and longer-term"

This was said by Jon Brady at the forum when asked about Rhys.

We will agree to disagree mate. That’s football. But for me Rhys is no better than any of the midfielders currently at the club and the midfield is currently a very weak area.
 

Length of contract is irrelevant as a measure of talent. Darren Moore had a 5 year deal based on an awful stint at Huddersfield. Ryan Loft had a 2 year deal and I’m not even sure he knows what football is. 

Ultimately time will tell. 

 

9 hours ago, dantheman said:

We will agree to disagree mate. That’s football. But for me Rhys is no better than any of the midfielders currently at the club and the midfield is currently a very weak area.
 

Length of contract is irrelevant as a measure of talent. Darren Moore had a 5 year deal based on an awful stint at Huddersfield. Ryan Loft had a 2 year deal and I’m not even sure he knows what football is. 

Ultimately time will tell. 

 

He's miles ahead of Croasdale and Shipley. Thats an awful take. He's literally the only central midfielder we've got capable of recycling possession, keeping the ball in close proximity and has a great knack of winning free kicks when under pressure. The only thing lacking from his game is goals and assists but as hes a deep lying midfielder, and not a playmaker, it's not a huge issue at this point. It only looks worse because of what we currently have around him with Byers injured, Garrity nowhere near the levels of before and Croasdale, Ojo and Shipley being much of a muchness.

Any thoughts on Rhys tonight guys? 

5 hours ago, dantheman said:

Any thoughts on Rhys tonight guys? 

He was bloody awful, fighting hard with Amos for worst player on the pitch. That does not detract from the fact he is a good player on his day and IMO should have been played more than he has. The pitch at the moment is awful and I would not be playing him at all at home while we ain’t got a pitch to play on, you play players best suited for the formation, the opposition we are playing and the environment, last night was perfect for Shipley, get the ball and look to play it behind the defence, none of this short tappy play, look to play a long ball over the mud. I don’t rate Shipley and in normal circumstances he should not be in a starting eleven of ours but as I said, it’s playing the right player at the right time.

On 11/02/2026 at 07:58, philpvfc said:

He was bloody awful, fighting hard with Amos for worst player on the pitch. That does not detract from the fact he is a good player on his day and IMO should have been played more than he has. The pitch at the moment is awful and I would not be playing him at all at home while we ain’t got a pitch to play on, you play players best suited for the formation, the opposition we are playing and the environment, last night was perfect for Shipley, get the ball and look to play it behind the defence, none of this short tappy play, look to play a long ball over the mud. I don’t rate Shipley and in normal circumstances he should not be in a starting eleven of ours but as I said, it’s playing the right player at the right time.

Agree mate that the pitch doesn’t help but to use it as an excuse for players short comings is a stretch. Stockport players managed it just fine.

The issue is that Rhys just isn’t good enough in my opinion. He also is woefully lacking in any fight. There is a reason no one else signed him and there is a reason he ain’t gone anywhere since. Youngsters only need to show a whiff of promise in the lower leagues and they are gone. Dipepa is the prime example. Faal being another. 

Did you think he was poor last season Dan? 

I think there is a player in there but he's had a very poor season and gone a long way backwards. Not sure the reasons, time will tell if he can make it.

5 hours ago, dantheman said:

Agree mate that the pitch doesn’t help but to use it as an excuse for players short comings is a stretch. Stockport players managed it just fine.

The issue is that Rhys just isn’t good enough in my opinion. He also is woefully lacking in any fight. There is a reason no one else signed him and there is a reason he ain’t gone anywhere since. Youngsters only need to show a whiff of promise in the lower leagues and they are gone. Dipepa is the prime example. Faal being another. 

Have to disagree. I think he is a very good player who isn’t consistent enough not helped with lack of match practice. He may have an attitude which holds him back but I think he is one of if not the most gifted players we have. Saying that, he was awful on Tuesday and should not be playing on Saturday. 

9 hours ago, Emile said:

Did you think he was poor last season Dan? 

I think there is a player in there but he's had a very poor season and gone a long way backwards. Not sure the reasons, time will tell if he can make it.

Yeah he started to come good with games mate definitely. And there is no doubting he has ability. League below and a positive environment made a big difference. I’m more annoyed I guess as this season has been tough and I think we would all be grateful just to see players roll up their sleeves and give it their absolute best. Unfortunately Rhys, Ojo and Shipley all seem like the players to give up if it’s tough. 

Ultimately I think it is fair to say we would all love to see any vale player do well especially Rhys given he has come through the ranks. Fans always root for an academy player more than anyone else. Maybe that’s why I’m more frustrated with Rhys and his lack of desire to take the opportunity that vale are have afforded him when no one else wanted him.