Manager dedicates the win to his newborn grandson

After a first class performance in a thrilling encounter in which both sides played their part, Micky Adams was particularly pleased with the response he got from his players following his criticism after the defeat at Colchester last weekend.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted. Straight from the off I thought we showed our effort and commitment and willingness to work for each other.

“We stuck our bodies on the line, which you have got to do against a good Bradford side and the commitment was there for everybody to see.

“It was particularly nice after I had questioned them last week and to get a response like that was first class.

“I have got some decent professionals in the dressing room and that is why it was such a shock last week, to see such a poor performance, regardless of systems and players, whatever.

“When a manager questions you, you have got to respond. I picked an eleven that was quite adventurous with two wingers.

“I brought the old man Hughesy back in and I have to say what a fantastic performance from him, he epitomised everything that was good about us today.

“Since he has been at this football club he’s been a real man. I know there are things in his past which I can’t deal with and he has had to deal with, but since he has been at this football club he has been an absolute credit to himself.

“I wanted a big man, and that’s no disrespect to Gavin Tomlin who has been playing up front with Popey, I wanted a big player today and I thought Hughesy was that player.

Lee Hughes aside, everybody in a white shirt showed the commitment that the manager was looking for and the Vale boss is a happy man on more than one count following Vale’s first win of the new season.

He said: “We have gone about our business really, really professionally. I thought it was a top notch performance, particularly in the first half, when really, if the truth be known, we could have been out of sight.

off Kaid Mohamed, and we have scored a goal as well – it could have been easy three or four by half time. “Popey has had two great chances, the keeper mad a g reat save from Lee Hughes, then the rebound

“You have got to take your chances when they come, because a good side - and Bradford are a good side – are always going to get opportunities, but I thought we limited them well today.

“It is always good to get your first win on the board, as it is to get your first point on the board. That first win is important.

“I am absolutely thrilled, I got woken up at 4am this morning, my daughter went into labour and she had a little baby boy, so I would like to dedicate that to my new grandson, Elliott.”