Port Vale Sentinel: Changes on the horizon to usher in new era
I DON'T know about you, but I will be glad when the curtain comes down on this season.
Next week the retained list will be published and I expect decisions that may surprise a few supporters because I think Micky Adams may have a different view of some fans' favourites.
But in all honesty I'm not that bothered about the comings and goings this summer.
Yes, I'd like us to keep Rico, Griff, Doddsy and Rob Taylor and I'm chuffed that Lofty is under contract.
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But others will have a different view and I'm not going to lose any sleep either way.
What I really want is for us all to be able to draw a line under the most divisive period in the club's history.
I see tomorrow's home game against Oxford as a genuine watershed.
The worst part about what has gone in the last couple of years is that it has turned Vale fan against Vale fan.
Even now we see and hear it on match days, in the club shop, and all over the internet.
People with axes to grind. People with agendas. People who still believe Bill Bratt walks on water or that Mo Chaudry deserved to be given a chance to run Port Vale.
Let's just stop it, eh?
Right now it doesn't matter whether you were Black & Gold, Starve 'Em Out or fiercely against the protesters.
It doesn't matter whether you are a member of the supporters' club or you don't like me or what I write.
The point is: We're all Vale aren't we?
Now really is the time to set aside all our differences, stop making excuses for not attending and get back to supporting the team and the club in general.
This summer is a glorious opportunity for healing and rebuilding.
If, as seems likely, Keith Ryder receives Football League approval for his bid and takes over next month then that should be the signal for us all to unite behind the common cause.
We have a weird, six-week limbo period now but, having spoken at length to the preferred bidder, he certainly understands the need to make Vale affordable for its fans.
What's more, we already know Micky Adams will have an increased budget for players and that will mean new faces.
To top it all, in July we have Sproson Day to look forward to – when the statue of the club's greatest servant will finally be unveiled in a manner befitting the man and his family.
Make no mistake, things are finally looking up.
Comments
by laythevale
Friday, May 04 2012, 3:57PM
“by JohnColclough
"Spot on Martin. There should be no more recriminations. Let the admins, the police and keith Ryder do their work."
Agreed. Let's hope the police find out who terrorised the wives of the directors in their own homes.
Ooops. Forgot. No recriminations.”
by JohnColclough
Friday, May 04 2012, 10:03AM
“Spot on Martin.
There should be no more recriminations.
Let the admins, the police and keith Ryder do their work.
Let's get Sproey's statue up, look forward to new faces and get 5k season tickets sold.
Well done to everyone (including Tideswell and the SC) for giving Vale a lifeline.
VTID”
by valiant24
Friday, May 04 2012, 9:48AM
“Well said Tideswell, but after tomorrows match, it is also time for you to stop bringing the whole thing up time and time again. Let it rest”
by YorkValiant
Friday, May 04 2012, 9:42AM
“I totally agree with everything in this article. Tomorrow represents a new dawn at Vale Park, so let's get behind the team and remind them what our club is really about - and why every player would want to sign a new contract if they're offered one. Having said that, it is likely to be the last time that we see certain players in a Vale shirt, so let's also show them our gratitude for what they've given to our club: I firmly believe that every Vale player has shown their worth this season, both on and off the pitch - it's not been easy for anybody.
The future's bright, the future's black and white.
Come on Vale!”