Port Vale: Micky Adams preaches patience from fringe set as he prepares to go unchanged again
MICKY Adams has warned his fringe players they must be focused – not frustrated – as he prepares to field an unchanged side for the sixth successive match.
The Vale manager has no fresh injury concerns ahead of tomorrow's visit of League Two title favourites Rotherham United (3pm) and is expected to keep faith with the side who beat Tranmere 2-0 in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday.
-
Micky Adams
But Adams is also aware he must keep happy last season's regular starters such as Adam Yates, Gareth Owen and Rob Taylor, who are all itching to be given another chance.
He said: "It's rosy for the first 11 and not so good for the ones on the fringes, but they have shown a fantastic attitude.
Would you like a professional to review your CV and give you some constructive feedback?
contact BlueSky CVs for an honest review
Terms: 1 per person
Contact: 01538 710408
Valid until: Friday, May 24 2013
"It's important they keep themselves right because at any given moment they could be thrown into the fray.
"From a manager's perspective, it's important not just the first 11 are focused. It's about the squad, and at the moment we've got a good squad."
Yates and Owen have been a feature of Vale's back four for three seasons, while wide man Taylor has now recovered from an Achilles injury.
Defender Joe Davis, striker Ben Williamson and midfielders Ryan Burge and Ryan Lloyd are also gunning for places in the first team.
Adams added: "The hardest part of being a football manager is keeping everyone happy. Man management is becoming increasingly difficult.
"While we think we've got a decent squad, the ones on the sidelines think they should be playing.
"It's not half as problematic as the situation Tony Pulis has at Stoke City, when he's got a squad of 25 to select and has five or six who can't even make that.
"We haven't got that problem at Port Vale, but they understand me being loyal to the team."
Match preview: Page 54
Comments