A fan's view of things Port Vale

Get well soon Chris

It’s been a while since Vale have had a keeper between the sticks with hands so safe, you could keep the crown jewels in them. Chris Neal, however, fits that bill perfectly. A summer scoop from Salop in the faithful summer of 2012, Chris has been ever present as Vale have won promotion from League Two and established themselves in a higher league. It was a sad moment then on Saturday when we saw Chris being carried off on a stretcher following a clash of bodies. Chris will now unfortunately miss the rest of the season. If one good thing has come out of this, it is the fact that promising young goalie Sam Johnson will be given the rest of the season to impress and build on performances such as those seen at Walsall, after all Goodlad’s injury is what presented Joe Anyon with his chance in 2006!. As long as Chris can remain as professional as ever and come back from injury just like Joe Anyon did back in 2009 he should slot straight back in and continue where he left off as a confident, imposing shot stopper. All at Vale wish you well Chris!

Shaun Crank