"FROM the first day I spoke to Micky Adams I knew he was the right manager for me."

So says Gary Roberts, the 23-year-old midfielder who became Vale's fifth summer recruit this week when he signed a six-month deal.

And Roberts is determined to justify the faith placed in him by Vale boss Adams, below, after off-field disciplinary issues led to him leaving Crewe, Yeovil and Rotherham under a cloud.

"The gaffer's the right manager for me because he doesn't stand for any messing about, and that's no disrespect to my former managers at Crewe or anywhere else," added Roberts, right.

"They didn't really know how to look after me. But the gaffer is just straight with me, and that's how it should be.

"I wouldn't say he puts his arm around me, but he'll tell me when I'm doing well and when I'm not, which is part of his straight approach.

"I want to repay him as much as I can because he's given me a chance when it was all doom and gloom for me.

"The only way I can do that is by playing well for him."

Rather than dwell on past problems, Roberts is fully focused on his main target – earning an extended stay at Vale Park once his initial deal ends on January 26.

"I'm pleased to get back into football, so I've got to take this chance with both hands," added Roberts "I've got to prove to myself I can perform, which I know I can, and prove to the manager I'm worthy of this deal. If I've done that come January, then hopefully the gaffer will renew my deal."

For the time being, though, Roberts's immediate aim is winning a starting place in the Vale team who open their League Two account at Bury a week today.

He added: "Everyone wants to play in the first team, whatever contract you're on. That's going to be a big challenge, but that should hopefully bring the best out of me.

"I'd like to stay for a longer, but I'm just concentrating on these six months for now."

Roberts, a father-of-one, says he has settled quickly into Adams's squad, while he is also enjoying the convenience of working close to his Chester home.

"The way Vale play suits my game and the club is less than an hour from my house, plus I get to see my child every day," he said. "That will help me a lot."

Roberts has impressed during Vale's pre-season campaign, and is likely to play a part in today's home clash with League One side Walsall (3pm).

"The aim for us has to be promotion," he added.

"Everybody is together and we're probably the fittest squad in the league.

"We've got to hit the ground running, get a good start and try to be there or thereabouts throughout the season."

THE latest edition of Port Vale fanzine Derek, I'm Gutted!!! will be on sale at Vale Park today.