Boss increases his options ahead of the new season
Vale have been gearing up to be able to change their formation this season at the drop of a hat, should the manager wish to do so, as Micky Adams looks to improve Vale’s away record.
The Vale boss feels his new signings leave him with more scope to change things around and he has been able to tinker with the team’s style of play during the pre-season.
Supporters perhaps noticed it more when Vale took on Bolton Wanderers this week, with the game being played on the familiar territory that is Vale Park.
Acknowledging Vale’s need to adapt more this coming season, Adams explained the thinking behind his decision to play two different systems during Wednesday night’s pre-season friendly.
He said: “I think it is important, if we are going to change systems during the season, that nobody is caught out by it and everybody understand their roles and responsibilities.
“We played four-three-three in the first half and four-four-two in the second half. Everybody understands what we are doing and nobody will have any excuses if we were to change systems during the season
“I found that away from home, particularly in the second half of last season, we got found out a little bit and we didn’t have either the personnel or the nous to get results away from home.
“Maybe it might be a case that we change systems. I’m not saying we will, but the option is there for us and we have got the personnel to do so if and when required, and that’s what we have been doing this pre-season.”
With two more games before the new season begins with a home match against Walsall, the manager will be looking for players to show him they want the shirt.
He said after Wednesday’s game that he already has ninety per cent of the starting eleven in his mind, but there are still one or two places up for grabs.
on Saturday, before facing West Bromwich Albion at Vale Park on Tuesday evening, kick off 7.45pm. Vale take on Martin Foyle’s Southport at their Merseyrail Community Stadium (Haig Avenue), kick off 3pm,