Port Vale: Scoring more must be Tom Pope's goal for next season, says Mark Grew

“looks like we will be seeing parkin at the vale, he's just signed for fleetwood..”

“I'm looking forward to the time when the players can have a discussion over which fans they can "offload" for next season.

Plenty of contenders. I'd start with all those who now call themselves "customers".”

“What is wrong with the management. First Haledine is kept on and then Pope. These are the sorts of players that should be off loaded as they are simple not good enough.”

“well if you want someone to create havoc in the oppositions box then go for jon parkin, a big fellow with a deceptively quick turn and shot, been released by cardiff but lets see who micky has on his radar,rumours are just that but perhaps don't feature on his shopping list”

“It's good to hear Grewy giving Pope some straight-talking. Yes, I agree, he has been an effective target-man and has created a lot of chances for others - but Grewy is right in that he needs to improve his own efficacy when he has a chance to score himself. I do also wonder, though, whether the team as a whole might contribute more goals now, rather than be dependent on Richards. Last season started with a number of different goalscorers and I would hope that we can return to that kind of situation.”

“I don't agree with Grew that Pope got loads of chances and wasted them. I think he played out of his best position slightly wide because Richards was in the team. Pope is limited because he is not quick and therefore he is best used as a primary target man. I think he was good at set pieces both in attack and defence. 12 goals from open play is realistic for him and don't forget Richards total included penalties, so 12 would not be far off Richards.

I think Dodds should be dedicated as a striker. I also think Williamson has good potential and could be a second striker, but he may also be a useful wide player. Billy Paynter is a good player whose played as high as the Championship. But his limitation from memory was lack of pace and I can't see how he can play with Pope as two up front - albeit this is league 2. Craig Davies is another target man type as well, his limitations are in the mind, he goes for snoozes. Other signings like Mclead may be good, but they all have reasons for being in League 2 (e.g. injury history). Somehow it is more important to drop on the right one that fits in.”

“In my humble opinion, Tom Pope reminds me of an old fashioned centre-forward, a big strong front man, good in the air, able to drag defenders out of position, and takes a lot of punishment in creating space for others to capitalise on. If he could score more goals, he wouldn't be plying his trade at Vale Park, at the very least he would he in the Championship.
If rumours are to be believed (never believe a rumour until it's posted on the notice board), we are signing either Billy Paynter, Liam Dickenson,or Izeal Mcloud, and even Craig Davies name has been mentioned. Whoever we do sign, and no doubt Micky will sign an experienced striker, I am sure that the person brought in would be able to work well off Tom Pope. Don't forget, we also have Louis Dodds, who is rated by many as the best finisher at the club, he must be given a strkers role for next season, if he is to justify peoples belief in him.
And let us not forget Tom Pop himself, if he management are asking him to score a miminmum of 12 goals, then he has to play at least 75 to 80% of all games next season, then the Vale will have to be a more attacking force than it has been in the past. It's going to be a tall order for him to score these goals, AND make space for others with his assists. He's going to earn his money next season that's for sure. But he is playing for the club he loves the best, so I don't think he will let anyone down, intentially. To help him then the mid-field needs to be strengthened substantially, and the defence has to be miserly and give nothing way.
Here's hoping. KEEP THE FAITH.”