Winger Spoke To Press On Monday Afternoon

• Midfielder happy with how things are going at the moment
• Marshall has played in every game for Vale except one so far this season
• He says Rob Page's side are determined to put Chesterfield result behind them

Port Vale winger Mark Marshall is enjoying life at the moment and says he is grateful for the opportunity he has been given by the club.

The 27-year-old has been a key player for the Valiants this season, chipping in with goals and assists as Rob Page’s side has climbed the table.

Having been let go by fellow Sky Bet League One side Coventry City, Marshall joined Vale during the summer and has featured in all but one game so far this term.

Speaking to the press at Vale Park on Monday afternoon, the midfielder admitted he cannot stop smiling at the moment.

“To be honest, just a general day to day you’ve got to smile,” he said.

“I’ve learnt over the years to just enjoy life and I think more times than not, if you enjoy life and think about life in a positive way and do what you need to do, life will smile back at you.

“So far, every situation has been a good situation so I’m just happy and more so I’m grateful. I’m grateful to be out there playing and I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve got.”

Since Rob Page has taken over as manager, Vale have embarked on a remarkable rise up the league, from the relegation zone to just outside the play-off places.

A win over promotion hopefuls Sheffield United on Boxing Day underlined the progress the club has made over the last few months and Marshall believes the Valiants are now getting the respect they deserve.

“I think we’ve shown everyone what a good team we are and the gaffer told us before the Sheffield United game that their manager would be happy to get a point here,” he said.

“So it shows if you’re getting the respect from one of the biggest teams in the league then it shows how far we have come.”

Vale fell to an uncharacteristic 3-0 loss to Chesterfield last weekend at the Proact Stadium but Marshall insists it’s not something the players will be making a habit of.

“We’ve got to make sure it doesn’t happen too often,” he added.

“We have got to make sure we’re on our game and going into this game [against Peterborough], which is an important game because if you look at the table we’re still only four points off the play-offs and that still gives us hope.

“At least, for the time being, we’re not looking behind our backs, we’re looking forward and that’s always a good thing.”

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