Port Vale
Story of the summer Summer transfers have been overshadowed by events off the pitch. The coronation of Keith Ryder as the club’s new owner once looked a formality, but at time of writing it still hasn’t happened. Events reached farcical proportions as Ryder continues to promise to conclude the deal in 24 hours and Vale fans worry that the club may have to start the season in administration and running out of money. Throw in a thinly veiled attack by the city council (who underwrote administration), fan infighting plus the controversy of the club attempting to hold friendlies behind closed doors and you have all the ingredients of a highly controversial summer.
What the fans want Stability as the fanbase was badly fragmented following the protests against the former board. The Supporters Club have done an excellent job in trying to unite the fans but divisions remain. If Keith Ryder can deliver success on the pitch, then that may finally reunite the Vale supporters.
What they’ll actually get The protracted summer takeover is only going to make it harder for the new owner (if we get one) to turn things around. On the pitch, Vale will have to replace the goals of the departed Marc Richards which may prove harder than some believe.
One to watch I think this could be a big season for Jennison Myrie-Williams. His career so far has been fits and starts, so I’m hoping that regular first-team football at Vale will bring the best out of him.
We’ll finish … I’ve said “top-half with hopefully a play-off push” in the last two season previews. Let’s hope I’m third time lucky …
Rob Fielding, One Vale Fan
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