Opinion: does struggling Port Vale still need a Director of Football role?
The club may have been burned under the reign of David Flitcroft but just because the first appointment didn’t work doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea, Rob Fielding argues.
David Flitcroft
Opinion: are Port Vale repeating their mistakes and sleepwalking to another relegation?
Rob Fielding thinks there are worrying parallels between this season and the awful 2023-24 relegation campaign – and the club don’t seem to have learnt their lessons.
Former Valiants: Massey has pop at Vale after joining new club, Flitcroft linked with League Two rivals
Another of our occasional round-ups of former Valiants sees Gavin Massey move to a non-league side and former director of football David Flitcroft linked with a new club.
Opinion – the Ryan Loft move is great news for all concerned
Rob Fielding says that while the playing efforts of Ryan Loft were much maligned it’s worth remembering there is a human being involved – and he hopes the move will work out for both parties.
Opinion: yes, it’s true, Port Vale has finally had a good transfer window
Rob Fielding says the club have had an excellent transfer window so far and it has helped to mend the differences between club and supporters.
The David Flitcroft era – his 58 signings for Port Vale rated
During the last three seasons, director of football David Flitcroft made a mammoth 58 signings, either permanently or on loan, but how well did OVF think that the players did? Here’s our ratings…
Port Vale’s 2023-24’s failures – eight reasons for the club’s relegation
In a special feature we take a look at some of the factors which resulted in Port Vale’s relegation from League One in 2024.
“There isn’t an immediate appetite to replace the director of football” – Port Vale CEO
An interview with Port Vale CEO Matt Hancock in Mike Baggaley’s Valiant newsletter suggests that the club could move away from the Director of Football model.
Four thoughts after Vale’s loss to Shrewsbury – relegation seems certain, so surely it’s best to start the autopsy now?
Rob Fielding shares his thoughts after the loss to Shrewsbury Town and urges the club to make a positive out of a negative by starting a root and branch review of the football side now, so the club is in a better place for the crucial summer transfer window.
Opinion: respect for our owners but fans are angry because we care for the club
Rob Fielding says that while the open letter from Carol Shanahan should be respected, fans will continue to protest about the current Director of Football because they care for the long-term future of the club.
“I have made mistakes. Appointing Dave Flitcroft is not one of them” – Carol Shanahan responds to fans unrest
In a lengthy open letter on the official Port Vale website, Carol Shanahan has defended director of football David Flitcroft from demands that he should leave the club.
83% of Port Vale fans polled say the Director of Football should leave
A recent poll of fans on the onevalefan website indicates that 83% of those who voted think that Director of Football David Flitcroft should leave the club.
Opinion: why is inexperienced Will Ryder and not former manager David Flitcroft on the Port Vale bench?
Rob Fielding asks why the Valiants have opted for a managerial team with no experience for a must-win game when there is a Director of Football who has managed over 300 games available?
Opinion: Crosby is the fall guy but should Flitcroft be under threat too?
Rob Fielding agrees that it was right for Andy Crosby to go but he wonders whether the club’s Director of Football should be considering his future too.
Opinion: Crosby and Flitcroft’s futures in the spotlight as Port Vale fans fear relegation battle
There’s been plenty of angry reaction following Port Vale’s awful defeat to Fleetwood Town – and rightly so. It seems, as widely predicted after a poor January transfer window, that the club is in real and present danger of being sucked into a relegation battle. We examine whether manager Andy Crosby and/or director of football […]
David Flitcroft – Port Vale are widening their striker search
Port Vale director of football David Flitcroft says that the club are looking around the globe as they continue to look to boost the club’s striking ranks.
Port Vale confident that youngsters will agree long-term deals
Port Vale Director of Football David Flitcroft has told BBC Radio Stoke’s Phil Bowers that he is confident that youngsters Jack Shorrock and Rhys Walters will sign professional deals with the club.
“Speaks volumes” – Flitcroft delighted with Port Vale’s ability to attract top talent
Port Vale director of football David Flitcroft says the loan signing of Manchester United teenager Dan Gore “speaks volumes” of the club’s ambition to be the preferred destination for top-tier loan players.
Four thoughts after the Port Vale win over Exeter – Debrah proving his worth but strikers still a concern
Rob Fielding shares his thoughts after Port Vale narrowly defeated Exeter City on Saturday afternoon.
Flitcroft and Crosby to answer questions during Port Vale fans forum
Port Vale have announced another fans forum allowing supporters the opportunity to ask questions of manager Andy Crosby and Director of Football David Flitcroft.
Port Vale to announce their “future football plan” at fans forum
Port Vale Director of Football David Flitcroft is to explain the club’s “future football plan” at a future fans forum.
Carol Shanahan confirms a raft of changes at Port Vale FC
Carol Shanahan has explained a raft of changes to Port Vale’s structure in a wide ranging video interview published by the club.
Port Vale FC announce fans forum this week
Port Vale FC have announced that the club will be holding a fans forum on Thursday 21st July.
Video: Clarke, Shanahan and Flitcroft explain summer plans
Port Vale FC have published an in-depth video interview with owner Carol Shanahan, manager Darrell Clarke and director of football David Flitcroft.
Could be two signings – Port Vale say January additions may arrive this week
Port Vale have said that they are targeting three additions to their squad and two signings could join the club ahead of Saturday’s game with Scunthorpe United.
She leads by example – David Flitcroft pays tribute to Carol Shanahan for “inclusive” Port Vale approach
Port Vale Director of Football David Flitcroft says the club’s chair Carol Shanahan leads by example as she inspires supporters, staff and players to “feel part of something”.
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