Port Vale: Anyon to keep Valiants waiting on new deal
by Steve Shaw
GOALKEEPER Joe Anyon says he will seek assurances about Port Vale's future direction before he signs a new contract with the club.
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Joe Anyon
The 22-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has held preliminary talks with boss Dean Glover over a new deal.
But with Vale struggling in the bottom half of League Two, Anyon is likely to delay any decision over his future until the end of the season.
He explained: "I want a few guarantees. I want to know which way the club is going in because I want to be part of a club that wants to press on and better themselves.
"This is a massive club, with great facilities, but you've got to have ambition as well."
Anyon also said he wants to concentrate on helping to secure Vale's Football League status before entering into formal contract negotiations.
Having graduated through the youth ranks, the former Blackburn stopper has made more than 100 appearances for the Valiants. While he has never made a secret of his ambition to play at the highest level, Anyon insists his decision to delay negotiations does not mean he is resigned to leaving the club.
He added: "Like any player, if you settle for being a League One or Two player you are going to play there all your career.
"But I'm happy where I am. I've been here for four years, I've done my youth training here, and have been here through the good and bad times.
"My family is settled, so I've just got to keep working hard and keep doing well for the team."
Glover said he was relaxed about his keeper's stance following Saturday's 3-1 home victory over Darlington.
The win leaves Vale 11 points clear of the relegation zone, while the threat of renewed protests against the under-fire boss never materialised.
Glover said: "At the end of the day, the fans just want results and we repaid them on Saturday. We've always said that we need them onside.
"Maybe if we can keep getting performances and results like this, we may win them over."
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7 Comments
by wiill, boslem
Monday, March 16 2009, 10:34PM
“Craig, Vale on Trent,Fact,i have been going vale 25+ years,15 as a season ticket holder & yes i can guarantee you i'll be there for as long as possible supporting the lads,not getting on there backs..can you..Me thinks not!”
by Cookie Alsager, Alsager
Monday, March 16 2009, 3:10PM
“I agree with Qwerty Will,and Jeff and I find Anyon is a shot stopper at times but not a "Goal keeper" he puts the fear of god in his back 4 with his zero command of the 6 yard box, he gives little support to his defence and why he has to fetch a Vale player to stand in front of him and the oposing player at corners beggars belief he should want as much room to get to crosses as possible, or is he looking for a scapegoat when the ball goes in from a corner, what are the coaches doing perhaps they don't know enough about Goalkeeping to let him do it,he needs to expand his knowledge of "goalkeeping" and take command of his goal area to enable him to be an asset to the defence then he would become a real team player before he will get any guarantees from any club, give the other keeper a chance for a change, he's played well when he has been in the 1st team that will make Anyon think about the Vale more and not himself.”
by jjb, Bradeley
Monday, March 16 2009, 2:31PM
“The problem we have at the Vale is we have a young team .I would like to see Dean sign the up and coming players Taylor, Anyon,Thompson and others on long term contracts and for the supporters to get off the backs and watch the team grow together,this i am sure would bring the Rudge days back again”
by Qwertyuiop, behind the keyboard.
Monday, March 16 2009, 1:51PM
“Joe is right to keep his options open, but surely his loyalty, given the opportunity the club has provided him, should be to Port Vale in continuing his career. That commitment will provide continuity and some much-needed stability. If there is a subsequent transfer then he and Vale will get a financial bonus.
However, looking at Joe's previous PR activity he's used the same, and frankly now-tired, tactic trying to build his profile up in the hope that another club will take note.
The reality is that there are few lower league clubs looking for players until the summer, with most wanting to reduce their squad numbers.
I wonder if the rumours of alleged new finances perhaps coming into Vale are also making Joe wait to see if he can get a better deal?
Perhaps Dean Glover and the board need take a bold step, looking to build for next season and tell him to sign or prepare to move on. At least the club can then start to make alternative arrangements.”
by jeff, madeley
Monday, March 16 2009, 1:24PM
“What Joe really means is "I'll hang on and see if some club is willing to pay over the odds for an average keeper". If you can't commit yourself to the club why do we need you. It is that attitude over the last few years, with the journeymen that have been signed, that has added to the club's problems.”
by Craig, Vale on Trent
Monday, March 16 2009, 12:45PM
“Behave! Anyon is a good keeper. He hasn't had the best of seasons but has still made some great saves. Good support will, or is that criticism.
Can you guarantee you will support the team and not get on at the players. Me thinks not!”
by will, boslem
Monday, March 16 2009, 12:33PM
“Anyon wants assurances !
Can he guarantee that he'll not drop every second cross ?
Can he guarantee he'll organize his defence ?
Can he guarantee no more spouting off to the press about how bad we are even though half the goals conceded are his fault ?
I think Dean Glover should be asking him for the assurances..”