Fans View: Port Vale

Last updated : 15 November 2003 By Richard Brown


It looks like Vale have come a long way since last season, what’s there this season that wasn’t there last season?

Well, we’ve made 2 new signings in Andreas Lipa and George Pilkington, George is an excellent defender who can play left right and centre, also Horton has a assistant now, Ian Brightwell which helps him a lot.

A lesson to learn from last season?

Don’t let the debt get you, administration is horrible, do not pay high wages and don’t spend if you can’t achieve.

Your most important player?

Steve McPhee, signed on a free 2 seasons ago from Coventry made one appearance in the Premiership for them, scored 10 + in first season second season. We want a good this season now too.

Your most exciting young player?

Billy Paynter, came through the youth’s, has done well for himself last season and this. Also, just 19 years of age.

Player you’d most like to see the back of?

Even though he's new, on current form: Andreas Lipa. The Austrian is very slow and hasn’t adapted to English league and he doesn’t get stuck in at all.

Is your manager the right man for the job?

I think Horton is definitely the right man for Vale, the fans like him and he used to play for the club, he has done well for us the last 5 seasons.

Any advice to give him regarding current affairs at the club?

Just keep trying and don’t keep changing the tactics and just get on with it. Also, ignore bad financial situations if there is any.

Do you see him still in the driving seat come May?

Yes, we look very good in our overall play and if we can keep the players, then we can make the play-offs.

Happy with the chairman?

Yes, very, the new owners and chairman are brilliant because they are vale fans and sit in the stand, this shows they want us to succeed and shows there support.

Where do you see the Valiants come the end of this season?

I can see us coming somewhere in between 7th and 12th. That would be good, considering how poor we were last season. Maybe a dark-horse for play-offs.

Any other relevant business regarding Saturday?

We have some injury worries and a definite injury which is Steve Brooker, Micky Walsh might be injured (key defender, Micky Cummins (best midfielder), very creative is also a doubt. I think Brooker will come through the op fine and then hopefully start scoring, again!


A big thank you to Vale supporter, Joe Wilshaw who took valuable time out to complete the questionnaire and also to Notts fan, Matt Hire, who contacted Joe on behalf of NCM.