Port Vale: Valiants bid to keep Rodgers on side

by Steve Shaw

VALE boss Dean Glover insists Luke Rodgers is still a valued member of his squad after the striker's proposed move to Yeovil Town ran into trouble.

The 26-year-old told The Sentinel on Friday he was confident of joining the League One outfit on loan until January with a view to securing a permanent move.

However, the clubs were unable to agree a fee for Rodgers, leading to talks breaking down on Saturday in the build up to Vale's memorable 4-3 FA Cup victory at Huddersfield Town.

Glover says he understands Rodgers's frustration at being left out in recent matches, referring to him as the "scapegoat" of his successful 4-5-1 formation, and insisted he would not deny him the opportunity to play at a higher level.

But Glover added: "He was going to go on loan with a view to a permanent move. We couldn't agree a financial package, so I don't think it is going to go through now.

"At the end of the loan deal Yeovil were going to have to pay money for him. Obviously, they haven't offered what the chairman wants.

"He's a valuable part of our squad and hopefully Luke can now get his head around it and do well for us."

With negotiations set to re-open today, Vale chairman Bill Bratt admits the two clubs are still a "fair way apart" in their valuation of Rodgers whose current contract runs out in the summer.

Meanwhile, Glover is willing to allow out of favour defender Chris Slater to extend his one-month loan at his former club Chasetown.

The 24-year-old's loan spell with the non-league outfit is due to end on Saturday.

Vale were yesterday handed a home draw against League Two rivals Macclesfield Town in the second round of the FA Cup. Ties are to be played over the weekend of November 29/30.

VALE play Newcastle Town in the Staffs Senior Cup at Lyme Valley Stadium tomorrow(7.45pm kick-off). Tickets are £5.50 for adults and £3 for concessions.