After overseeing his first game in charge of Port Vale on Saturday in a 1-0 defeat away to Cambridge United, manager John Askey has sent a clear message to the players about the attitude they should have when playing.

Encouraged by what he saw from his players on Saturday, Askey has emphasised that he wants to see his team play with a positive attitude and look to play forward. 

Askey's home debut as Port Vale manager will be in a huge game on Saturday when we face Morecambe and with preparations underway for it, the gaffer wants to see his players looking forward not backwards.

"You can't go on the pitch and do it for them, all you can do in training is emphasise what we're looking for. That is making forward runs and being positive in the play, don't be negative.

"We're looking for people to pass the ball forward and make runs forward, get more balls in the box. Going sideways and backwards you're not going to do that and create chances.

"You've got to be brave and take people on. Play with passion, play as though you're enjoying it. Want to do well, show you're better than everyone else on the park, that's a message to the players."

Coming into Port Vale as manager, John Askey admitted numerically he's got a large squad to organise and pick from. With options available to rotate the squad, the gaffer said it was a clean slate for everyone after arriving at Vale.

Askey was without Ricky Miller (suspended) and Manny Oyleke (injured) to pick from on Saturday and is still waiting for their return. Oyeleke, who missed the game due to a calf injury, will have a late fitness test this week to see if he is fit for the game against Morecambe.

The players will be keen to impress the manager after a disappointing result on Saturday in order to be picked for Saturday, and Askey says he's keeping an eye on all the players.

"We're always looking at the players and who's doing well in training. If we think somebody can improve then obviously we'll look to that. If we think the system can be improved the it's another option.

"You're always looking as a manager especially if you're not getting results. At the moment it's still early days, so you know it's up to the players when they play to keep hold of the shirt."