Tom Pope

[Guppy 4 England]

Didnt he get 12 in 19 starts for crewe in league one ?

[fraggle]

He'd have scored a few more today if the delivery had of been better, 3 crosses of note and scored from 2

[Bert Llewellyn]

Do you think pope will be able to score like he has for us this season in League 1?

 

If he gets the service he certainly will.

[valiant_593]

If we can give him and Hughesy chances then they will both score. Its the service Im more worried about rather than the forwards themselves, so yes Pope can score goals in league 1, hope he breaks the record as well!

[Valiant in Brum]

If we can give him and Hughesy chances then they will both score. Its the service Im more worried about rather than the forwards themselves, so yes Pope can score goals in league 1, hope he breaks the record as well!

 

I think the priority for next season is building a strong defence then adding a good winger or two. Then we can look at the rest, Don't think the strike force needs touching a great deal.

[littlejimmyvalient]

Everyone is going on about a new pacey forward, be we have williamson who has a lot of pace on his side, two centre halves and strong centre midfielder for me will do.

[old sage]

I think the priority for next season is building a strong defence then adding a good winger or two. Then we can look at the rest, Don't think the strike force needs touching a great deal.

Its heartening to see that there are one or two posters on here who agree with my thoughts regarding the service that Tom has received this season.

I for one can see that though JMW is a fast and skilled player his forte is more about 'cutting inside' and taking a 'pot shot' with his trusty left peg. His actual ability in providing crosses for the frontmen is pretty woeful. How can it be otherwise as his right foot is rarely used. Left footed right wingers can't work as a supply line of quality crosses. AV on the other wing doesn't work because he simply isn't a winger, he is a central striker by his own admission.

If we want to get the very best out of 'Our Tom' and 'Hughsey' (who I am sure will still score plenty in L1) MA must get in a proven quality wingman and not a cast off as we have previously been forced to bring in due to the restraints of the 'last lot'.

The great thing in Popey's favour is that forwards with his aerial ability are much in demand because no defence at any level enjoys playing against a Tom Pope.

To thrive in L1 Vale will need at least one mobile centre back a new good 'wide man' and forget playing with two wingers (unless we can find a Mc Carthy or an Ainsworth) because our present midfield set up isn't strong enough. This has been proved on many occasions this season but will be further highlighted and exploited in a higher division.

Finally Yes 'feed the Pope and he will score' he is a diamond.

[littlejimmyvalient]

I agree there, every team has found out about JMW cuutting inside so they stick to defenders one after the other, and whenever a team comes to Vale they play 4-5-1 to break us up and MA doesn't seem to be able to have a plan B to try and help us get past that formation

[onestepatatime]

All about service for front men. simples really, provide Popey with balls and he will score!!!

[Yukon]

Everyone is going on about a new pacey forward, be we have williamson who has a lot of pace on his side, two centre halves and strong centre midfielder for me will do.

 

One of those midfielders has to be Griff

[valiant_593]

One of those midfielders has to be Griff

 

Hes done well for us but I personally hope we sign someone else instead of Griff, would like to see someone who can pass in the league above.

[Aussie Rules]

Sorry Jean, what were you saying :)

[fuzzyvalefan]

Popes tally is even more impressive when you consider there isn't a single penalty in there. Absolutely brilliant.

[PVFC764]

Feed the pope and he will score. It is just getting that service to him. League 1 will be faster and you get less time on the ball.

 

But Pope in full confidence just knows where the goal is and will score. He has just had a dip in confidence and so took the extra touch, which he has got over and is scoring again.

 

Know he will score in our next two matches.

[Silfver]

Pope will be sucessful in League One, too !