Defender aware of Bradford strikers
Defender Carl Dickinson is confident his growing defensive partnership with Chris Robertson can blossom after the pair started the opening three games as first choice centre-backs.
Dickinson is also fully aware that any bad performances could cost him his place in the starting 11 as Vale welcome Bradford City to Vale Park this Saturday (3pm).
“Me and Robbo (Chris Robertson) seem to have a good relationship, not just on the pitch but off it as well, we’re always chatting but I think that’s good.
“I think if we’ve got that togetherness as well, not just me and Robbo but the lads out there, it does help on a Saturday,” Dickinson explained.
Manager Micky Adams said after last week’s defeat to Colchester United that he would look at changing a few personnel and defender Dickinson is mindful that a bad performance could cost him his starting spot.
“Everybody is working really hard in training,” he said.
“I think that’s a good thing because the lads who have got the shirts at the minute know that if they are not performing someone can easily come and take their place and I think that only helps.”
Vale host fellow promoted side Bradford City tomorrow (Saturday), the Yorkshire outfit showed impressive form late on last season to secure promotion through the play-offs after finishing in the last play-off place.
26-year-old Carl Dickinson is conscious of the attacking threat Bradford possess, with strikers James Hanson and Nahki Wells both scoring double figures last season.
Dickinson said: “It’s going to be difficult, they had a great result last week they’ve got the big lad (James) Hanson up front with (Nahki) Wells as well.
“They are quite a physical team, we know it’s going to be a bit of a battle but also know they like to play as well and it is up to us to go out there and not sit off them and make sure we are in their faces.
“When we do get the ball we need to make sure we are creating stuff as well.”
Watch Dickinson's full interview on Valiant Player.
Matchday and ticket information can be found here.