“Both the squad and the manager’s tactics are ‘work in progress’.”


During The Imps first season back in the Football League, they picked up 3 points against Port Vale. The Imps won 3-1 at home against them in November, in front of a crowd of 7,562. Matt Green opened the scoring in the 10th minute, then Danny Pugh equalised just before the break (45+1′). Michael Bostwick put The Imps back ahead in the 53rd minute and Luke Waterfall made it 3-1 to City in the 69th minute.

The second game, which was played in front of 5,580, finished 1-0 to Vale. Antony Kay the goalscorer in the 63rd minute.

Anyway, onto the Q&A. Thank you to Port Vale supporter Barry for answering our questions!

How long have you supported Port Vale?

Since 1968.

Where did you finish last season?

One point from going out of the Football League.

What do you think of your Manager?

I believe he will turn things around, but, we need to be patient, as it won’t happen ‘overnight’.

What are your hopes and expectations for this season?

Top half finish, with maybe, just maybe, a hint of the playoffs.

One(s) to watch?

Quite a few promising young players, but the one who is ‘catching the eye’ at the moment is Manny Oyeleke. He will, unfortunately, miss Saturdays game through injury.

Who do you think will finish in the top 7?

Don’t look that high up, but, from what I’ve seen MK Dons, Exeter and yourselves will take some stopping.

Who do you think will finish in the bottom 2?

Don’t look that far down, but, I think Macclesfield will find it difficult to halt their poor start. I hope I’m wrong because it’s a good awayday for us. We don’t have too many close by.

What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?

Uncompromising and well organised.

What do you think the score will be?

1-0 to Vale.

What will your likely default formation and style of play be for this season?

It will be flexible.

Random fact about your Club?

No such place as Port Vale. We play in a town called Burslem, England.

If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your own team, who would it be and why?

Michael O’Connor. Class player and ex Valiant.

What are your proudest and most embarrassing moments as a Port Vale Supporter?

Always proud to say I support Port Vale and, subsequently I’m never embarrassed by them.

Who would you say is your most underrated player?

Difficult one, as the squad is still gelling and individuals ‘finding their feet’ after a number of new signings in the Summer, so, nobody really.

Do you have a Supporters Trust and what role do they play at the Club?

We have a Supporters Club who do great work to assist the club and fans voluntarily.

Which was your favourite match involving Port Vale?

Autoglass Trophy Semi-Final. Stoke City 0 Port Vale 1. Goalscorer: Robin Van Der Laan.

Which was your least favourite match involving Port Vale?

Too many to mention. Especially any defeat by Stoke.

Will Smurthwaite ever sell the club?

I doubt it.

Why are you not doing better with the squad you have? Aspin’s tactics or have I overrated your squad?

Both the squad and the manager’s tactics are ‘work in progress’.

If your club was a chemical element, which one would it be?

Rhodium, because the name comes from the Greek Rhodos, meaning ‘rose coloured’, which is what colour my spectacles are when watching Vale.

Exit mobile version