Port Vale: Review of 2008

Port Vale writer Steve Shaw looks back at 2008

Joe Anyon

The young keeper has endured inconsistent spells, but has always bounced back strongly and continues to develop his flourishing talent. Anyon is not the finished article, but how many glove-men are, having just turned 22? It's a wonder the former Blackburn youth keeper's hair hasn't turned white after witnessing countless horror shows. However, in making more than 40 appearances this calendar year, Anyon is one of the few players to exit 2008 with credit, having produced a string of fine performances. Never was his strength of character more tested than after his glaring mistake helped Exeter to a 3-1 success in October. However, he recovered well with a couple of vital late saves to protect Vale's 2-1 lead in their next game against Morecambe. His good form has continued, and his man-of-the-match display in the 2-1 home triumph against Grimsby on December 6, was just one highlight of a difficult year in general for the club.

Vale 3, Leeds 3 (Mar 15)

For a brief moment, Vale fans were able to close their eyes and imagine they were back in the big-time rather than staring certain League One relegation in the face. Almost 8,000 fans – well up on the average 4,417 gate for the season – were at Vale Park to witness this six-goal thriller. The 3,500 travelling Leeds fans played their part in adding tribal ambience, but it was the home faithful singing the loudest by the end. The noise levels grew as the drama on the pitch reached boiling point. Leeds went into half-time two goals to the good. But when a Paul Harsley penalty and a Danny Whitaker strike levelled matters on 67 minutes, the scene was set for a barnstorming finish with the game taking on a cup-tie feel. Dougie Freedman looked to have clinched the match for Leeds with an 86th-minute goal. But when Luke Rodgers converted from close range in the dying moments, frenzied celebrations ensued.

Vale 1, Macclesfield 4 (Sep 20)

The natives were more than restless, even though Macclesfield were rather flattered by the final scoreline. It spelled the end of Lee Sinnott's reign as boss with many of the 6,500 crowd sporadically venting their frustration for Vale's uninspiring start to the season at Sinnott, the club's board, while mascot Boomer dived for cover. One phone vote later and Sinnott was heading for the exit door.

A difficult one to pick after such a terrible year. So it has to be Shane Tudor for his infamous rant following Vale's 4-1 home defeat against Macclesfield in September. Here's a bit more from Vale's newly-appointed diplomatic ambassador: "We're here talking about penalty decisions... should they or shouldn't they be? It's a nonsense really … we've lost 4-1 to Macclesfield and that isn't good enough for anybody."

Paul Simpson. The Shrewsbury boss was less than impressed with the injury-time goal that handed Vale a dramatic 2-1 away victory in October. Striker Marc Richards netted the winner in the 96th minute, helping the ball over the line after clashing with Shrews keeper Luke Daniels. Simpson claimed: "Everyone's opinion was that it was a foul on the keeper" ...really? While the brave Daniels retreated to hospital with a nasty facial wound, Richards had every right to challenge for what was a 50-50 ball.

Joint-award winners, Joe Anyon and Marc Richards. Two of the club's smoothest operators, they resembled the Ugly Sisters in November dressing up in pink ladies' wear in aid of a cancer charity. Outstanding club representatives, on and off the pitch, they also showed they're game for a laugh... just be careful of those beer goggles lads.

Lee Sinnott. The former boss – axed in September – made several new signings in the summer, but failed to add vital experience to his ranks. In fairness, Sinnott had a limited budget in which to recruit the necessary bodies, and may have been hindered in his pursuit of more worldly players.