Micky formulating his starting line-up for League One opener
Micky Adams will watch how his players shape up against higher opposition here at Vale Park this evening as he looks ahead to his starting line-up on the opening day of the season.
The Vale boss has an open mind on his team selection ahead of the Walsall game and players still have three opportunities to show him they are worth their place.
He said: “With these non-league games we have had the majority of the ball and it has been quite false football.
“The games that we have had have been designed to get us match fit and for us all to handle the ball and be comfortable with it
“The other side to it, obviously, is when teams are stringing a number of passes together is to retain your shape and your composure.
“I think we will see that with Bolton, and certainly against West Brom because if you are not compact, they’ll pick you off, so we have got to make sure that we are ready for that.
“Bolton will present a stern test and will obviously want to get on the ball as much as they can.
“They are working towards what we are working to, so it will be a step up in terms of the pace and the competitive edge that you need before you kick off the season.
“I am sure that Dougie Freedman will be looking for his boys to show him that they are there or thereabouts and likewise with mine.
“I want them to show me that not only are they fit individually, but they are grasping what we need from a team perspective to take us forward.
“I still think that there are places up for grabs. I think the performance sin the next few days will tell me and show me who wants the shirt.
“We are talking before the Bolton game and we are looking particularly sharp at this moment in time, which is great.
and I am sure we will be ready.”th“The work load that we had last week was pretty intense – double sessions, up early in the morning - and now we need to taper it ready for August 9
Don't forget, tonight's game against Bolton Wanderers kicks off at 7.45pm
Adults: £10
Concessions: £5