Thoughts on new season

[Valefaninpeace]

Hello! I'm posting on behalf of the Port Vale forum, OneValeFan. Each season we try and get the views of opposing fans to run as part of the build up to games so, if it's ok, I'd like to ask you a few questions? If you have anything you'd like to ask us, or to post a similar thing on the Vale forum, feel free to DM me and I can pass on to the guy who runs it. Thanks.

1. How have things been going for your club recently?

2. On the pitch - what are your thoughts on the manager?

3. Off the pitch - what are your views on the board/owners?

4. Any thoughts/memories of previous encounters with the Vale?

5. Where do you think you'll finish this season?

Good luck with your season (except when you play us, of course).

[Valefaninpeace]

You've got yourselves a cracking player in Jake Taylor, by the way. A lot of us were gutted when he left. Really hope he does well for you.

[CityShrimp]

Evening and welcome

My responses -

1. Overall, things are going great. There are always little grumbles but we are going into our second season in League 1, which is a dream come true, we have doubled our attendances within recent years and broken the records again with season ticket sales. The club is making massive steps forward and this is pretty indisputably the best time ever to be a Shrimps fan.

2. I think Derek Adams is the best possible man for the job. He’s always brought us success - in both spells at the club. He gets some stick for negative tactics but he’s a winner and I think he’ll keep us up.

3. See above - the board/owners have worked tirelessly to drive things forward behind the scenes over the last few years.

4. The only one that comes to mind is getting thrashed 7-2 at your place. Oh and Tom Pope seemingly scoring against us every time we played each other.

5. I think we will finish 17th.

[Gone_Shrimping]

You've got yourselves a cracking player in Jake Taylor, by the way. A lot of us were gutted when he left. Really hope he does well for you.

Thanks , yes we looked better and more constructive when he was introduced.

[Gone_Shrimping]

I've been to Vale Park 4 times with mixed results.

First one I think in 2007/08 we lost 2-1. This was a game where the ref or linesman was injured and replaced by someone running the line who we thought didn't keep up with play and Luke ? scored a winner for Vale that looked offside.

I have seem Morecambe win 2-0 and 4-0 and was also at the 7-2 shocker which may have been the last straw for the owners for Sammy McIlroy's reign as manager.

[Potted Shrimp]

1. How have things been going for your club recently?

We had a fantastic season last season, surviving on the final day. It was nail biting and we were up against it but staying up was as good an achievement as getting promoted.

2. On the pitch - what are your thoughts on the manager?

I rate him highly, especially at this level. He is a legend of the club, brought us up and kept us up. He is likeable despite coming across quite serious/strict.

3. Off the pitch - what are your views on the board/owners?

Very good, and certainly could be a lot , lot worse. In the last few years they have made great improvements to facilities, match day experience/hospitality, marketing, sponsorship, social media and work in the local community.

4. Any thoughts/memories of previous encounters with the Vale?

None for me as I don’t get to watch the club as often as I can due to my work so I have not seen them live. I do remember Port Vale being a good Championship (division 1) club in the mid/late nineties however since then, with respect, they seem to float between league one and league two.

5. Where do you think you'll finish this season?

19th.

Good luck with your season (except when you play us, of course).[/quote]

Thank you. Same to you also.