Port Vale: Stockley back on track after difficult time on sidelines

By sshaw

Preview: Port Vale vs Aldershot Town

by Steve Shaw

REJUVENATED defender Sam Stockley admits he is loving his football again, having shoved all thoughts of retirement to the back of his mind.

The 31-year-old has stormed back to form since regaining his first-team place four games ago and returned another impressive display in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Bury.

However, after being largely overlooked since Dean Glover took the reins in October, Stockley says he considered waving the white flag on his long career earlier in the season.

As Stockley prepares to line up against Aldershot tonight, he said: "I'm loving it, to be fair.

"I won't lie, there were times this season when I thought it was time for me to retire.

"I was going through a difficult stage and didn't really know where I was going.

"I always believed deep down that I could still do it, but sometimes opportunities don't come along.

"I kept my head right, I worked really hard and now I'm back in the side.

"I'm probably enjoying it as much as I have in my whole career.

"I've realised when it's gone, it's gone for good.

"I don't want that to happen yet, I want to play every minute of every game and still try to play and improve – that's what I'm doing."

Despite making more than 450 career starts, Stockley says he has been forced to prove himself all over again to Glover following the sacking of former boss Lee Sinnott.

However, he believes his hard work on the fringes of the squad is finally paying off.

While consistency still evades Glover's men, after losing two of their last four clashes, Stockley denies that belief within the camp is on the up.

Such belief, Stockley revealed, meant they were left disappointed at only claiming a share of the spoils against Bury, an outfit gunning for automatic promotion.

After last week's 1-0 defeat at Exeter, veteran midfielder Dave Brammer criticised some players for not repaying Glover's loyalty, while he also attacked the lack of quality in his inexperienced squad.

Stockley added: "My overall view is that we're six months off being a very good side.

"In the last couple of games, we've finished with maybe nine under-23s. In that respect, it's difficult because they're all having their first season. This season, maybe we'll be forgiven a little bit, but it's not been the best and the fans have found it hard.

"But I think we'll get judged on next season, when people will have to step up to the plate."

Skipper Marc Richards is a huge doubt for tonight's home match against the Shots as he struggles to overcome an Achilles injury.

But fellow striker Kyle Perry yesterday returned to the club from his one-month loan spell at Northwich Victoria and could be drafted into the squad.

Midfielder Scott Brown has been struck down by illness and is also rated as a doubt. Centre-half Luke Prosser starts a two-match ban after picking up 10 bookings.

The Valiants can take heart from Aldershot's dismal away record which has seen them lose 14 times on the road this season – the worst record of any League Two side.

Their injury list is also a long one. Defenders Chris Blackburn, Rhys Day, midfielder Ben Harding and striker Marvin Morgan are ruled out, while defender Anthony Charles starts a two-match ban.

Goalkeeper Nikki Bull (foot), midfielder Louie Soares (ankle) and striker John Grant (foot) are doubts.

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