Football Season Review

It was another season of turmoil for Port Vale, who eventually secured their Football League safety under manager John Askey. Vale fans will place the blame for their recent struggles at the door of owner Norman Smurthwaite, whose continued presence threatened to become toxic. Former defender Neil Aspin had scrambled the side over the line at the end of last season but he failed to get to grips with the job and it was another season of struggle, especially in front of their own fans. Striker Tom Pope was their talisman once again, finishing as leading scorer with 14 goals. Aspin’s best signing was goalkeeper Scott Brown from Wycombe Wanderers, who had an outstanding season between the sticks and arguably made the difference in their fight against the drop. Midfielder Manny Oyeleke also impressed after joining from Aldershot Town despite his season being constantly disrupted by niggling injuries. Nathan Smith was the mainstay of the defence whilst Luke Hannatt provided the creativity in support of Pope. Their biggest problem was scoring goals; finishing the season as the lowest scorers in the division with just 39 goals. Aspin’s gamble on troublesome striker Ricky Miller failed to pay off and he could be set to leave having fallen out of favour with Askey. There is renewed cause for optimism this summer after Carol and Karen Shanahan completed their takeover from Smurthwaite.

Player of the Season: Scott Brown.