Port Vale: Adams looks to strengthen
by Steve Shaw
PORT VALE manager Micky Adams concedes he will need to strengthen all areas of his squad as he looks to revive the club's flagging fortunes.
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The Valiants finished 18th in League Two last season, while the average age of his current 16-man squad is just under 22.
Despite the backing of more than 6,000 season-ticket holders, Vale went on to lose 11 of their 23 home games last season.
Adams has only been in the job since Friday, but recognises the need to inject more experience into his ranks.
"The squad needs strengthening in all areas – that's the key for me," he explained.
"There are a lot of inexperienced players here, so it will be vital to bring experienced players into the squad and see where we go from there. People have said it is a young squad – and it is.
"Perhaps that's why the home form last season wasn't good because kids need nurturing and love from everybody."
The 16 players currently available to Adams include 18-year-old midfielder Ross Davidson, who has agreed to sign a new one-year deal.
Former Morecambe right-back Adam Yates, from Milton, will add more experience when the 26-year-old signs a two-year deal in the next week.
The squad could increase to 23 senior players if Luke Prosser and Paul Edwards and four youth graduates – Paul Dixon, Daniel Lloyd-Weston, Luke Chapman and Danny Edwards – sign new contracts.
Adams will get the first chance to evaluate his squad on July 1 when his side report for pre-season training.
At this early stage the manager Adams says he has no plans to offload anybody during the summer... and hinted that moves had been made to recruit fresh faces before pre-season training starts on July 1.
Adams is refusing to identify his transfer targets, although he has been linked with midfielder Tommy Fraser, who he managed during his time at Brighton.
Fraser came through the youth ranks at Brighton, but was released at the end of the season after making 102 appearances for the club.
Adams is also scouring the market for a player-coach and is keen to sign a player on a season-long loan.
"Once I get my teeth into the job, hopefully I'll be here for the long term, and then we'll have to dramatically reduce the size of the squad." Adams added.
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by Steve, Ottawa
Monday, June 15 2009, 12:08PM
“Actually makes you wonder with Big Bill, is he really a Stoke fan? He can¿t be a Vale fan cause all he does is complain. At least we know have an experienced manager, someone with good contacts to perhaps capture some reasonable players, anyway time will tell if we are successful.
Keep the faith”
by Kev, Biddulph
Friday, June 12 2009, 3:54PM
“Oh there you are Big Bill, you've been pretty quiet recently, wondered when you'd be back with the negativity! Get on board or shut up! Is there any point of you commenting like that? Are you sure your a fan? Do us all a favour and stop making negative comments.........we need every1 pulling together. New manager, new ideas, fresh start. So glad your not goin to attend next season! Big year for vale, has to improve dramatically, not saying we expect promotion, just that we need a better season than last. Micky Adams is the man to do that. Up the Vale!”
by Big Bill, Hanley
Friday, June 12 2009, 7:07AM
“Lets be honest now can you see any decent players wanting to come to a club like the Vale its hardly a good step up in your career.”
by Robert, new zealand
Friday, June 12 2009, 2:01AM
“If he talks to TP there may be enough players looking for a job for a year or 2. and they wouldn't even av to move ouse.
Vale need to be better. I am a city supporter but av been to many vale games over the years as they are still in the Potteries. Give the new man at least half a season before cryin”
by Steve Lawton, Ottawa Canada
Friday, June 12 2009, 1:54AM
“Not sure what being skint has to do with the article at all, the best thing for the Vale right now is having a manager that whats to the best he can, at least we have someone that has experience and we are good for him as he is for us.”