Vale in for extra training to put it right

Defender Joe Davis says the players feel they let everybody down at Gillingham at the weekend but they are determined to make up for it.

The players were forced into a double training session on Monday afternoon as Micky Adams was determined the team do more work on defensive situations – something they all realise is necessary.

Joe said: “We felt as if we let the fans down a little bit and certainly the way we conceded the goals was bitterly disappointing.

“We feel like we are a lot better than that and we are doing some work on the training ground on set-pieces to make sure we are right for Saturday and for the future and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“It is disappointing, especially as a centre half. It is the one thing you don’t want to concede from.

“To be fair for the last few years that hasn’t really been an issue because we have defended them well, but we have got to be a bit more ruthless in the way that we defend and I am sure the gaffer will make sure that we put that right and we rectify it.

“It is all about getting consistent results and maybe we are struggling to do that, so tat is something we are going to have to look at.

“We have to be more resolute in our defending and even if we concede we have to stay in the game and try and nick one so we can get a draw or something out of the game rather than lose them.

“Rob Page does a lot of work with us in the week to make sure that we are up for it and we are defending right and when we concede we are letting everyone down, not just us, the fans and the coaches as well.

Joe finds himself in the heart of the Vale defence after what must seem like a long wait, playing just handful of games for the Vale before this season.

A loan spell with Luton Town this season had the desired effect and on his return boss Micky Adams didn’t have second thoughts about including a youngster who he felt had matured almost overnight.

Joe said: “I am really enjoying it. It’s nice to be playing and getting a run of games and trying to get a bit of a run together.

“I am forming a bit of a partnership with Robbo now and the people around me, so it is getting better each week and I am trying to develop as a player as well.

“Robbo helps me through the games with his talking . He knows the game so it is nice to be playing alongside somebody with that experience who has played in League One with Preston. He knows what the league is all about and hopefully we can carry on.”