Port Vale: Skipper Sam tips awards night winners

PORT VALE skipper Sam Stockley has revealed his front-runners for the coveted fans' player of the year award.

Eight gongs will be up for grabs at the club's annual presentation night on Monday, including clubman of the year, best young player, youth player of the year and a prize for the season's best goal.

The biggest catch of the night, however, will be the fans' player of the year award, and Stockley has identified defenders Lee Collins and John McCombe, and midfielder Dave Howland as prime candidates.

He said: "It's a tough one, but there are a few people who are in with a chance.

"Lee Collins has been steady and John McCombe, since he came back into the team, has done very well.

"For me, Dave Howland has done fantastically well. He comes in for a lot of criticism and yet, day-in, day-out, he tries hard and works on his game.

"It's a difficult choice though because there haven't been six or seven lads who have played 40 games this season. It's been a stop-start season for a lot of them."

Midfielder Rob Taylor has managed only 20 appearances this season, but Stockley would not be surprised if the fans' favourite took the award, won last year by midfielder Paul Harsley, who quit the club last summer to join Chesterfield.

Stockley added: "The fans will have their own favourites, and if you go on that then Rob has a chance.

"You can tell that by the way they react when he comes on the pitch."

The awards night is being held in Vale Park's Directors' Restaurant, starting at 8pm. Tickets, priced £5, can be purchased from the club shop. Fans can also pay on the night subject to ticket availability.