Port Vale: Fans' views v Northampton

“I think Clint has something to do with Eastwood so he may not be familiar with professional football”

“Clint was most likely watching Sunderland”

“Clint, exactly where were you sitting at Northampton ?”

“Clint - Vale will be again a proud club. I am not saying I have had more ops than Nicholls, just I understand what he will be going through on his recovery and that accidents happen in contact sports - myself and many others will say that and it is unlucky when it happens. Football is a contact sport and accidents happen. End ex.

You are the one who said that McCoombe is not sorry for what he did in the early thread and would get over it quickly. Reports say other wise and Micky Adams and his staff will be working with him to help him through the trauma of it. Players and Managers have said it was an accident. It happened and now he has to get over it and try to time his tackles better. This will also remind other players in the team about timing their tackles better as well, as they have seen what can happen. And before you say it, no I am not saying clogging players is a good thing, it can wreck careers.

As for the fans, I and many true Vale Supports do not agree with what a minority - and it is a minority of fans did and would love to see them punished and banned from the club forever. That is for the football clubs and police to sort out and hopefully they will - but doubt it. They have dragged the name of Port Vale deep in to the sewers. So we agree on one thing there.

Have you made a formal complaint to Port Vale Football club about the upsetting and demeaning way a MINORITY of fans reacted on the day. They would have to look at your complaint and get back to you. You have that option and I am sure they would welcome a letter from you.

It is a sign of the times, when thugs like this have more rights than sensible and hard working people. No I am not condoning this either and feel the human rights have a lot to answer for, when things like this happen and police & stewards can't do anything to stop it. That is another thread you may wish to take up with the senile.”

“You can talk about 'low standards', my friend. Vale, a once proud club, (who one of my relatives played for in the 70s) now has 'fans' who are defending clogging late tackles and think it's ok to boo a badly injured opponent while he is lying on the ground. You've obviously missed the report of the tweet from one of your ilk who wished the ambulance on fire.
And all you can think of is that you have had more operations than Nicholls. Pathetic.”

“Clint - Try 3 ops to repair sport related accidents that have happened, just count myself unlucky and so have a good idea what the young lad will go through. Been there, got the t-shirt as they say - lucky went through the mil rehab.

Think you might be judging McCombe by your low standards. Met him and he came across as a nice chap, down to earth and had time for my daughter.

Still think you really want to have a go at the moroons who play at being Vale fans and not the player. Read articles on port-vale.co.uk from Micky Adams concerning McCombe. MA's said the player is devasted by this incident.”

“McCombe will no doubt have to suffer the indignity of a three match ban, which I am sure he - and you - will soon get over. Just a temporary blow to your pride. Nicholls however has already had to undergo two operations and will no doubt have to face an extremely long and painful recovery. You should think about that.”

“Clint - Have you actually played a contact sport like football and rugby. Accidents happen during the game and you accept that you may get injured. I have had several serious injuries due to playing a contact sports and never once thought it was done deliberately by the other team. I certainly dont think McCombe went out that game thinking. Do you know what, I think today I will break someones leg for the fun of it.

Yes it was a late tackle and that is somethink he will ave to live with. DIfferent players have come and out and said it was not malicous and it is not in his character to go out and hurt someone. He has to live with the fact he hurt someone and try to get over it, everytime he goes out on the pitch.

The fans that were abusive were totally wrong and that is another issue. They should be banned for what they did, however it is trying to point them out that would be the problem. They were not true Vale fans and should not be called Vale fans.”

“It is a sad indictment of the modern game that so-called fans can defend the causing of such severe injuries to an opponent. The tackle may not have been malicious, but it was late and reckless. You should be ashamed of your disgusting attitude.”

“Clint or something else. None of their players were angry and their manager has come out and said it was an accident. Yes it was late tackle but it was an accident that was not a malicous act at all. Think you need to chill down abit.”