Sunday 29th & Monday 30th December

[Gladders]

Yeah, I don't think he is a particularly bad player at all. Just a bit limited, hence my use of the word underwhelming. Agree that his recent performances (other than Carlisle) have been his best so far. As you say, he's more of a steady Eddie option which isn't a terrible thing when Warren contrasts to him.


Yep. We lived through that fine margins mentality with Paul Hurst's second stint, so know exactly what it's like to be doing well but not really playing exciting football. Very little wiggle room to paper over cracks when results go the other way, which they will inevitably do. The thing that I found particularly frustrating about being in this division under Hurst was that John McAtee was well and truly shackled. I'd have loved to see him at this level playing for a more offensively minded manager. I'm guessing there are a couple of players in your squad that you could also say the same about.

We're hopeless at breaking sides down once they go ahead btw so if you do go ahead I'd be amazed if it's anything but 3 points for you guys.

Cass is better than Warren for me and I'd rather he was starting.

 

[loz]

Comfortable Grimsby win. We're horribly out of form and have 1 fit midfielder, who has the pace of asthmatic snail. Lacking confidence all over the pitch.

Depends if you go at them from the start. Obviously our early goal will have set you back but 1st half you showed nothing against us. 2nd half you came out and it made an entertaining game. Certainly, nos 9, 10 ,17, 20 and 32 showed what they could do. Why the red card? Couldn't make that one out.

 

[Son of Cod]

Cass is better than Warren for me and I'd rather he was starting.

I don't really have particularly strong opinions on either of them really. I think Warren has a higher ceiling in terms of performance (he was immense at Wimbledon for example) but is more prone to clangers and switching off than Cass is. Overall, I'd say they're both okay full backs at this level but nothing more or less.

 

[Limerick Mariner]

I don't really have particularly strong opinions on either of them really. I think Warren has a higher ceiling in terms of performance (he was immense at Wimbledon for example) but is more prone to clangers and switching off than Cass is. Overall, I'd say they're both okay full backs at this level but nothing more or less.

Agree, if the coaching team can get the improvement with Warren that they've delivered with Green and Rodger, Warren could be very decent for this level. He's got a bit of pace but certainly needs eradicate those switch-offs.

 

[Son of Cod]

Agree, if the coaching team can get the improvement with Warren that they've delivered with Green and Rodger, Warren could be very decent for this level. He's got a bit of pace but certainly needs eradicate those switch-offs.

Yep, probably Artell's most exciting attributes is his ability to improve average players it seems. You've missed Khouri off your list there too who is up there with Green in terms of how much he's kicked on under the current coaching team.

 

[Limerick Mariner]

Yep, probably Artell's most exciting attributes is his ability to improve average players it seems. You've missed Khouri off your list there too who is up there with Green in terms of how much he's kicked on under the current coaching team.

Scouts of League 1 and above clubs don't listen to SoC, Khouri is shite...

 

[RavenBish]

Overdue a Maynard rotation I think, I could see him starting Brown and Hinchy or something.

I do wonder how far off Edwards, Grant and Jones are (and Robertson, although I’ve practically given up on him now with his ridiculous injury record).

 

[Son of Cod]

Scouts of League 1 and above clubs don't listen to SoC, Khouri is shite...

I'm sure I read something about Khouri's underlying stats earlier in the season being nowhere near as good as Kamil Conteh's so I'm hoping that is still the case and there isn't a super computer in L1 picking up on him. We'll struggle to do a better bit of business in Jan than tying Khouri down to a 2/3 year extension.

 

[Limerick Mariner]

Overdue a Maynard rotation I think, I could see him starting Brown and Hinchy or something.

I do wonder how far off Edwards, Grant and Jones are (and Robertson, although I’ve practically given up on him now with his ridiculous injury record).

I wouldn't risk Jones until at least 18th Jan (TBH after that I couldn't give a shit what you do with him).

 

[Limerick Mariner]

I'm sure I read something about Khouri's underlying stats earlier in the season being nowhere near as good as Kamil Conteh's so I'm hoping that is still the case and there isn't a super computer in L1 picking up on him. We'll struggle to do a better bit of business in Jan than tying Khouri down to a 2/3 year extension.

Khouri should learn from Conteh. He moved too early and is now in a struggling League 1 side. If we can get a contract extension that would be amazing work, but realistically I think he may get a move to top end League 1 / lower end championship in the summer. I believe he's 18 months on his contract so should be a decent fee. Luton again? if we can get season loan for Luker or someone of his quality I'd be happy with that.

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

Overdue a Maynard rotation I think, I could see him starting Brown and Hinchy or something.

I do wonder how far off Edwards, Grant and Jones are (and Robertson, although I’ve practically given up on him now with his ridiculous injury record).

Grant is an extra option but doesn't move the dial for me. Edwards would be a boost due to him offering something different. Robertson's injuries piss me off, he the bite and strength we badly need in midfield but he's forever on the treatment table. Boring!

Jones I'm reliably informed is the second best player in the league so we need him back for a huge boost. If back to his best he's like the best January signing a L2 club can make.

 

[Bianconeri 1862]

Y

Overdue a Maynard rotation I think, I could see him starting Brown and Hinchy or something.

I do wonder how far off Edwards, Grant and Jones are (and Robertson, although I’ve practically given up on him now with his ridiculous injury record).

Yes he's bound to twist sooner than later and against an agricultural team could spell trouble

 

[Boz]

Rovers v Barrow. The fog will probably have cleared by Sunday. The suspensions of Davies and Finley roll over so they miss this game, none of our injured players save Walker are in contention and promising youngster Josh Williams loaned out to Southport. Barrow seem to be in poor form too but with a stronger squad than us. Who knows…

 

[RavenBish]

Grant is an extra option but doesn't move the dial for me. Edwards would be a boost due to him offering something different. Robertson's injuries piss me off, he the bite and strength we badly need in midfield but he's forever on the treatment table. Boring!

Jones I'm reliably informed is the second best player in the league so we need him back for a huge boost. If back to his best he's like the best January signing a L2 club can make.

I like Grant, think he’s one of the few players we have who doesn’t feel the need to drop deep to receive the ball - very clearly a brilliant player in there, just hasn’t been good enough in the final third to date - you can’t play in that advanced midfield/inside forward role and not contribute goals and assists. I don’t think he’s in our strongest XI by any stretch but he’s miles better than anything we’re bringing off the bench to spell Crowley/Didzy at present.

Similar story with Edwards, I think Abbott’s nicked his spot now for the foreseeable future but you’d love to have him off the bench or as a rotation option in certain games with how well he presses and retains the ball.

I actually think Robertson’s been rubbish this season apart from a couple of games, proper scratchy and sloppy on the ball - but then again he’s been injured so much I’m not sure he’s ever built up any sort of match fitness. I’d still prefer him to Hinchy, who isn’t terrible but also somehow looked like the most fatigued player on the pitch yesterday despite coming on in the 85th minute - one day teams at this level will stop signing slow central midfielders.

 

[OneDecentLester]

I like Grant, think he’s one of the few players we have who doesn’t feel the need to drop deep to receive the ball - very clearly a brilliant player in there, just hasn’t been good enough in the final third to date - you can’t play in that advanced midfield/inside forward role and not contribute goals and assists. I don’t think he’s in our strongest XI by any stretch but he’s miles better than anything we’re bringing off the bench to spell Crowley/Didzy at present.

Similar story with Edwards, I think Abbott’s nicked his spot now for the foreseeable future but you’d love to have him off the bench or as a rotation option in certain games with how well he presses and retains the ball.

I actually think Robertson’s been rubbish this season apart from a couple of games, proper scratchy and sloppy on the ball - but then again he’s been injured so much I’m not sure he’s ever built up any sort of match fitness. I’d still prefer him to Hinchy, who isn’t terrible but also somehow looked like the most fatigued player on the pitch yesterday despite coming on in the 85th minute - one day teams at this level will stop signing slow central midfielders.

Just be careful, one too many words there, Bianconeri 1862 will be on to you. He struggles with more than a sentence or two and feels left out, but it does say on his profile he’s from Mansfield which explains a lot really.

 

[Pie and chips]

I wouldn't risk Jones until at least 18th Jan (TBH after that I couldn't give a shit what you do with him).

I think he will be ready for our game on the 11th jan if not you will have to deal with the Gambian prince and Dan crowley again

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

I like Grant, think he’s one of the few players we have who doesn’t feel the need to drop deep to receive the ball - very clearly a brilliant player in there, just hasn’t been good enough in the final third to date - you can’t play in that advanced midfield/inside forward role and not contribute goals and assists. I don’t think he’s in our strongest XI by any stretch but he’s miles better than anything we’re bringing off the bench to spell Crowley/Didzy at present.

Similar story with Edwards, I think Abbott’s nicked his spot now for the foreseeable future but you’d love to have him off the bench or as a rotation option in certain games with how well he presses and retains the ball.

I actually think Robertson’s been rubbish this season apart from a couple of games, proper scratchy and sloppy on the ball - but then again he’s been injured so much I’m not sure he’s ever built up any sort of match fitness. I’d still prefer him to Hinchy, who isn’t terrible but also somehow looked like the most fatigued player on the pitch yesterday despite coming on in the 85th minute - one day teams at this level will stop signing slow central midfielders.

Agree with all of that.

 

[Cloudy]

Don’t know if Cass has been getting picked for them but if he has you just know he’s going to score. Need a win, it’s stunning we are still in 2nd spot but the other teams can’t keep losing forever also. Draw wouldn’t be the end of the world but another loss and we’re going into the new year with increasing numbers calling for Moores head (not that I agree for a couple of reasons).

Moore is on a 5 year contract and silly money isn’t he? 2nd in the table? Who on earth is calling for his head?

Given Grimsby have been trounced at home by all the contenders, Walsall, Doncaster, Crewe MK etc etc i am sure this is an ideal fixture for Vale. No doubt backed by 1500+ visitors

 

[Jimmy Anderson]

Moore is on a 5 year contract and silly money isn’t he? 2nd in the table? Who on earth is calling for his head?

Given Grimsby have been trounced at home by all the contenders, Walsall, Doncaster, Crewe MK etc etc i am sure this is an ideal fixture for Vale. No doubt backed by 1500+ visitors

1500 you must be joking, fans have had enough of the boring dull football. We told Bradford and Carlisle fans in the last week that we are shite and they didn't believe us but I think now they do. Grimsby fans seem to think we are a good side, we are fucking terrible this is a nailed on home win as half the squad is out injured anyway.
Injured players
Kyle John, Sam hart, benicio,Ben garrity,George Byers,rekeem harper,James plant, Ryan croasdale is doubtful and tom sang suspended. Mitch Clark came on for the last 20 minutes or so against Bradford after being out all season so he's not fit enough to play anymore than 45 minutes at best. We ended the game against Bradford with a winger in Richards and a forward in Paton playing as central midfielders as we had nobody fit to play there. Vale haven't won away at Grimsby in 15 years and in last 5 away meetings it's won 0 drew 1 lost 4.

 

[TheEndIsNigh]

I wouldn't risk Jones until at least 18th Jan (TBH after that I couldn't give a shit what you do with him).

Jodi’s been on the training pitch for what seems like at least a month so he must be pretty close. Given our next full week off is before your game it wouldn’t be a massive surprise if it was his first game back. Fingers crossed.

4 assists and 5-4 would be good.

 

[leedsvaliant]

Moore is on a 5 year contract and silly money isn’t he? 2nd in the table? Who on earth is calling for his head?

Given Grimsby have been trounced at home by all the contenders, Walsall, Doncaster, Crewe MK etc etc i am sure this is an ideal fixture for Vale. No doubt backed by 1500+ visitors

Not a chance there'll be 1500 there. Maybe 500.

As others have mentioned, we're absolutely awful at the moment. 2 teams in a row didn't believe us. This will be a 3rd.

The fact that we're still 2nd is a really sad indictment of this league. God it's awful.

 

[Limerick Mariner]

Jodi’s been on the training pitch for what seems like at least a month so he must be pretty close. Given our next full week off is before your game it wouldn’t be a massive surprise if it was his first game back. Fingers crossed.

4 assists and 5-4 would be good.

If he's playing with Crowley a fair few Grimsby fans would take a 5-4 defeat. Discount your 2 illegal goals, about 7 goals would have been a fair return on your opportunities at your place, we should have had 4 ourselves. 5-4 would therefore be progress - DA likes to talk about that.

 

[valefan16]

Moore is on a 5 year contract and silly money isn’t he? 2nd in the table? Who on earth is calling for his head?

Given Grimsby have been trounced at home by all the contenders, Walsall, Doncaster, Crewe MK etc etc i am sure this is an ideal fixture for Vale. No doubt backed by 1500+ visitors

It’s a tough one, the injuries are killing us as they would any team, all our midfield and most of our wing back options so whilst defensively sound and have striker options we’ve nothing in between which ends up with sloppy no movement football, little width and long balls to an isolated Stockley. If you have the likes of John, Byers, Garrity then it’s a different animal of course.

But on the flip side Moore is hugely frustrating, Southgate levels of it. Negative set ups despite huge spending (5 at the back, 2 holding midfielders), we’ve signed Tolaj and Paton who got 40 odd goals last season at big expense to play them out wide, in number 10 roles or early season belting long balls at Paton who is not a tall striker.

He makes 4-6 changes a game which means we lack any cohesion or got anyone into regular from, players do well one game are out the 18 next and set up to essentially 0-0 it for an hour then throw on “game changers”… all good unless you concede in that hour and you’ve wasted the game.

If we go 1-0 up, we never go for the kill either… it’s defend which at home can be awful to watch.

He has had the biggest budget we’ve had for decades but playing with the handbreak on and whilst when winning it’s ok when not it’s just torture to sit through and risks at the moment blowing what should be a great opportunity to bounce straight back.

The only thing that will probably turn it around is January, especially if we do sign Paterson from Wednesday for instance but that will be down to the quality signed rather than his ability.

 

[Conker]

Just be careful, one too many words there, Bianconeri 1862 will be on to you. He struggles with more than a sentence or two and feels left out, but it does say on his profile he’s from Mansfield which explains a lot really.

Ironically I can guarantee you he is the biggest Mansfield hater on this entire forum.

 

[AdamStag]

Ironically I can guarantee you he is the biggest Mansfield hater on this entire forum.

That must’ve been a tough gig though, not something you’d have admitted to at school

 

[jacobncfc]

I like Grant, think he’s one of the few players we have who doesn’t feel the need to drop deep to receive the ball - very clearly a brilliant player in there, just hasn’t been good enough in the final third to date - you can’t play in that advanced midfield/inside forward role and not contribute goals and assists. I don’t think he’s in our strongest XI by any stretch but he’s miles better than anything we’re bringing off the bench to spell Crowley/Didzy at present.

Similar story with Edwards, I think Abbott’s nicked his spot now for the foreseeable future but you’d love to have him off the bench or as a rotation option in certain games with how well he presses and retains the ball.

I actually think Robertson’s been rubbish this season apart from a couple of games, proper scratchy and sloppy on the ball - but then again he’s been injured so much I’m not sure he’s ever built up any sort of match fitness. I’d still prefer him to Hinchy, who isn’t terrible but also somehow looked like the most fatigued player on the pitch yesterday despite coming on in the 85th minute - one day teams at this level will stop signing slow central midfielders.

Grant was quite important to our really good early season run, I think. He’s tidy on the ball but, as you say, way more disciplined positionally than Crowley or McGoldrick so you could play him with one of them and be sure there’d be someone in that position, the other two start wandering around and coming really deep if they don’t think they’re getting the ball enough. I think he’ll be a really good player for us.

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

That must’ve been a tough gig though, not something you’d have admitted to at school

I'm surprised he would admit he's from Mansfield full stop. Tough gig for anyone.

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

Grant was quite important to our really good early season run, I think. He’s tidy on the ball but, as you say, way more disciplined positionally than Crowley or McGoldrick so you could play him with one of them and be sure there’d be someone in that position, the other two start wandering around and coming really deep if they don’t think they’re getting the ball enough. I think he’ll be a really good player for us.

Absolutely no doubt that he's very tidy on the ball, that is something we have with abundance in the squad. There is definitely a really good player in there but to date and too often he's been anonymous in games and is another who lacks strength to go alongside Crowley, Jones, Austin, Palmer etc

 

[Bianconeri 1862]

That must’ve been a tough gig though, not something you’d have admitted to at school

You staglets can't keep away from anything Notts related can you ?
Is it lonely for you up in the LG one forum? Understandable , been a while since you were last up there, don't worry you'll soon be back where you belong with your lg 2 mates.
Did you know I've got a little blue stalker now to add to my collection

 

[Spireitelass97]

This game is going to come way too soon for us, easiest game of Bradfords season you'd imagine.

Can’t see us getting anything out of it