After Vale’s 3-2 win over West Brom last night, Manager Micky Adams spoke to the press ahead of the coming season. He explained that even though the win is great for the team, work still needs to be put in to make sure the team are ready for Saturday’s season opener against Walsall in the Sky Bet League One.
Micky said: “It was certainly a morale booster, but you can get carried away with pre-season results. However, you have to remember whether you win or lose, they are a means to an end.
“The one thing we got right tonight was our attitude to the game, I questioned that on Saturday against Southport, but we’re happy with tonight. Although we have to remember there are no points on it, it shows me that we’re there or thereabouts now.
Adam’s has stated that fans cannot look too much into last night’s starting line-up, as he wants every player to be on the same game time going into the season.
However, he feels the last two games have definitely given him a lot to think about.
He continued: “The lads performance has definitely given me food for thought Saturday confused me with some of the performances, but today we looked a lot sharper.
“I told the players that performance was the opposite of what we got on Saturday West Brom were perhaps guilty of what we were against Southport; a bit sloppy, took risks and we punished them in the end.
“You can’t do that whoever you’re up against, so we’ll have to sit down and really think hard about the team for Saturday.”
In regards to a captain, the Gaffer wasn’t giving anything away last night but he admits he’s taking his time because he wants to pick the right player.
He explained: “I want to be certain that I’m picking the right man, for the right reasons. I think whilst Dickinson and Pope have had the armband this pre-season, I’m toying with Richard Duffy as well.
“Sometimes the captaincy can be a burden and it can put the weight on some people’s shoulders. I want to make sure whoever I give it to deals with it in the right manner.”
Players who didn’t have any involvement last night included Richard Duffy, Colin Daniel and Michael Brown. Striker Tom Pope also came off at half time due to a slight injury.
Adams continued: “We took Tom Pope off at half time due to a slight groin but we didn’t want to take a chance with him although I don’t think it’s anything serious. With four days to go you can’t take any chances.
“Duffy had a scheduled sugar injection in his ankle, he will be back in training on Thursday.
“I decided to give Brown the night off, he’s had a problem with blisters and I wanted to give him a rest
“Colin Daniel twisted his ankle on Saturday, but I’m expecting him to be fit for Thursday as well.”