Mickay's programme notes for today
Although we have a third round FA Cup tie against Plymouth Argyle coming up in the New Year, it is important we concentrate on the bread and butter of the league once again.
We have a busy period coming up and it is important that we take each game as it comes and not get carried away with anything.
Over the coming weeks the importance of having quality throughout the whole squad will become apparent as the games come thick and fast.
We are fortunate to have a good squad here at Vale Park and each and every one of them has to make sure they are ready to do a job for the team when they are called upon.
We have shown in recent weeks just what we are capable of, but unless we do things in the right manner we can’t expect to get any reward.
I was delighted to get through to the third round last weekend, but whilst I was pleased with, I was disappointed with the overall performance which was a little lethargic at times.
As a manager, you want the whole package. You want to get the results and you expect your players to perform, but I appreciate we won’t get that in every single game we play.
As many of you have seen over the past few years, Port Vale’s record in the FA Cup has been littered with disasters against non-league clubs.
In the two games against non-league opposition we have, however, shown a professional approach and a determination not to lose and if we can do that in every game, it will stand us in good stead.
We showed at Walsall when everybody is on their game and we have that determination not to concede, we look a half decent side and we will need to show that same attitude again today.
We are well aware of the dangers Stevenage can pose and any team managed by Graham Westley is difficult to beat. As I have said before, we will have to be at our best if we are to come out on top.