One to Watch - Port Vale

Last updated : 14 November 2009 By Duke

In September Manager Micky Adams putt his full squad up for sale, after a 3-1 defeat at Notts County.

At the time speaking to the press he said:

"The squad will be transfer-listed. I've told them all already. We'll see how good they are. They're lucky - they've a fantastic profession and I don't think they've given it their all.

"It's not a personal thing. I can sit back and accept what's gone on and give as many excuses as you want me to, but it's papering over the cracks."

Since then the team has yet to lose a league match, with Adams signing an extension to his contract, which will keep him at the club until June 2012,

Here is our look at who is likely to play against the Millers.

Goalkeepers:

Chris Martin:

Date of Birth: 21/07/1990

Height: 6'0''
Highly regarded at the club, Chris a former youth team keeper and has stepped up this season to to replace Joe Anyon, who unfortunately broke his leg towards the end of last season.



Joe Anyon

Date of Birth: 29/12/1986
Height: 6'2''

Joe has battled back from a breaking his leg last season, to put himself in a position to try and regain the number one spot from his replacement Chris Martin.

Joe is a former England Youth international, and has caught the eye of Premier League clubs.


Defenders:

Sam Stockley:

Date of Birth: 05/09/1977

Height: 6' 0"

Sam's former clubs are, Blackpool (loan), Colchester, Wycombe, Southampton, Oxford United and Barnet.

Signed in 2008 essentially to add experience and leadership to the side.


John McCombe:

Date of Birth: 07/05/1985

Height:6' 2"

Surprisingly released by Hereford in 2008, he was snapped up by Vale to play at the center of the defence. He is a strong player and is comfortable with the ball at his feet.


Lee Collins:

Date of Birth: 28/09/1988

Height:5' 11"

Lee can play anywhere along the back line.

Initially signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a six month loan deal last summer, in January2009 the move was made permanat after signing a two and a half year deal.


Gareth Owen:

Date of Birth: 21/09/1982

Height:6' 1"

Gareth was previously skipper at StockportCounty when they gained promotion from League Two in the 2007-2008. He came on loan before signing a two and a half year deal in January.

A cool headed player who commands respect.

His former clubs are, Yeovil Town (loan), Oldham, Oldham (loan), Stockport, Stoke City, Torquay United (loan)

Adam Yates:

Date of Birth: 28/05/1983

Height:5' 10"

A local lad Adam was released by Morecambe at the end of last season, being unable to reach an agreement on a new contract offered by the Shrimpers..

Adam would have been pleased scoring what looked like being the winner in the F.A. Cup match on Saturday with Stevenage, but the away side grabbed a 90th minute equaliser.


Midfield:

Tommy Fraser:

Date of Birth: 05/12/1987

Height: 6' 0"

When Micky Adams became the Vale Manager the first player he signed was Tommy Fraser.

Released by Adams former club Brighton, at the end of last season, he was quick to add him to the squad at Vale.

Jason Jarrett:

Date of Birth: 14/09/1979

Height:6' 0"

Jason is an experienced and well traveled midfielder his former clubs being, Norwich City, Leicester City, Preston, Bury, Brighton, Oldham (loan), Wigan Athletic, Stoke City, Blackpool, Hull City, QPR, Plymouth.


Like ourselves,Vale have two Taylor's in the squad both have been in and out of the side this season.

Kris Taylor:

Date of Birth: 12/01/1984

Height:5' 9"

Former clubs, Walsall, Hereford, Burton (loan), Man Utd


Robert Taylor:

Date of Birth: 16/01/1985

Height:5' 7"

After a trial period Rob was signed from non-league Nuneaton Borough, and is seen as a good addition to the squad, being able to play on the left side of defence or in midfield.


Anthony Griffith:

Date of Birth: 28/10/1986

Height:6' 0"

Grifith was signed from Donny Rovers in 2008, a tough-tackling, ball-winning midfielder, who can also play in defence.

Former clubs include, Halifax Town (loan), Doncaster, Darlington (loan),and Stafford R (loan).


Strikers:

Louis Dodds

Date of Birth: 08/10/1986

Height:5' 10"

Signed as a midfielder in 2008 from Leicester City, and for much of last season operated in that position, he impressed scoring 7 goals from 37 starts. A natural finisher, this season he is being used more as a striker, scoring 4 goals from 11 starts.

Former clubs,

Leicester City, Rochdale, Lincoln City, Northwich Victoria to

MillersMAD One to Watch...Marc Richards:

Date of Birth: 08/07/1982

Height:5' 11"

A hard working player Mark had a season of injuries last term. He is strong, and is able to hold up play.

He scored a brace at Bramhall Lane this season to knock the Blades out of the Carling Cup

Former clubs, Crewe (loan), Blackburn, Northampton, Oldham (loan), Barnsley, Swansea City (loan), Halifax Town (loan), Rochdale (loan)


Lewis Haldane:

Date of Birth: 13/03/1985

Height:6' 0"

Lewis is on loan from Bristol Rovers. He has made half a dozen starts this season but has yet to get on the score sheet.

Former clubs, Oxford United (loan), Forest Green (loan), Port Vale (loan)

Danny Glover

Date of Birth: 24/10/1989

Height:5' 11" (180cm)

Signing as a Professional after some impressive performances in the Youth Team, he is a talented youngster, who now has a handful of first team appearances.