This is my take on how each of the players has performed so far: Stuart Nelson – He has proved me wrong. I was a big fan of Glenn Morris and thought he deserved the number one shirt for this season. However, Nelson got it and Nelson proved me wrong. Back to his best – shot stopping has been superb (Scunthorpe for example), and his kicking has got better. A real leader and a real fans favourite. The only thing I would say is, sometimes I feel he waits too long to distribute the ball out, missing a good chance as it might get intercepted but I guess this could be a positive as he plays it safe. 8/10 Ryan Jackson – A great capture on a free transfer. Quick and strong down the right hand side; it means that when we play 4 centrally, we do have an outlet. His long throw is obviously a great weapon to have. Really impressive attacking wise and does a solid job defensively. 9/10 John Egan – Would still have him in the team week in week out but feel maybe a few errors have crept into his game a bit. Still a great defender. 8/10 Max Ehmer – Looked a bit off the pace in a few games. Has had a few brilliant games (Doncaster if I remember rightly) but also a few off games where he has looked at bit slow. Solid enough though. 7/10 Adedeji Oshilaja – What a capture this guy looked. Strong, quick, a great leap. The 1st 10 minutes of his debut from memory were a bit iffy but from then on he has never looked back. A real great shame he is injured and we may never see him again. 9/10 Harry Lennon – Solid. When we needed a loan signing to cover, he has come in and done what is required. He isn't spectacular but he is very solid and dependable. 8/10 Brennan Dickenson – In the first few games of the season when utilised at LB, he looked brilliant. Strong, quick, powerful and a great tackle. However his form took a nose dive and he started backing off and getting beaten and then picking up silly yellows and looking like he could be sent off. Has been moved back to LW in a few games, solid enough but hasn’t done anything special. 6/10 Bradley Garmston – Out of favour to start with, has come in and done well after an off game or two. Can go forward when needed and defensively sound. 7/10 Josh Wright – Brilliant signing. Breaks up play brilliantly – sees passes hardly anyone else at this level would and can play the simple balls as well. 9/10 Aaron Morris – Has had to fill in, in various different positions. Solid but unspectacular at RB, hasn’t really had the opportunity in CDM due to the form of Wright, against Southend he tried to go forward but didn’t work out great (all I have to go on as only game where he has played there that I have seen from memory). 6/10 Emmanuel Osadebe – Has had a decent start to the season after probably only being signed as cover. At times he is a bit erratic and not really one for a defensive marking job (perhaps) but offers something different in midfield. 7/10 Jordan Houghton – Looks a class above. Should definitely be looking to extend his loan deal from Chelsea. Seems to have a little bit of a stamina issue but is physically strong, and fits in well with the midfield. 8/10 Doug Loft – Personally, I am not a great fan. We have been trying to play a game based on pressing the opposition high up the field, he doesn’t seem to fit as he is slower than the rest of the midfield and usually players go past him and he can’t catch up. Also plays some strange balls at time. However as shown by the game against Southend, he can add a calming influence to the midfield and can usually pull off a spectacular ball or two per game. 7/10 Jake Hessenthaler – Inconsistent. Some games he makes a great difference, works hard. Seems to pop up with goals at important times i.e. Doncaster and Oldham. However some games he goes missing and you never see him i.e. Scunthorpe. 7/10 Bradley Dack – Brilliant start to the season, banging in the goals consistently. Has gone off a bit recently as teams seem to be double marking him as you would expect. The good thing about Bradley is his hard work. Even if he isn’t playing particularly well, he will try and defend from the front so it isn’t like carrying a passenger. 8/10 Luke Norris – Unlucky. He was consistently hitting the post in the opening games and could have scored 3 or 4 more goals. People say he can’t win aerial balls however in one game I counted and I think it was 5 out of 7 won in the first half. I feel since his injury we have missed him massively as playing the ball long just hasn’t worked without him in the team. He also ‘tactically’ works hard. Rather than chasing the ball down directly, he cuts off the passing lanes so there is one less option for the opposition player on the ball. So I don’t agree with those who say he doesn’t work hard. 7/10 Rory Donnelly - I like the look of this lad. Even when he wasn’t playing regularly or scoring at the start of the season, he was still getting assists or getting the ball in the box for goals. He has obviously had a great run recently. A little weak in the air so he needs someone to play alongside him. Works very hard shown by the build up to Dack’s penalty VS Wigan Athletic. 7/10 Ben Williamson – Seemed a bit of a strange signing after not having a great Port Vale scoring record. He works hard enough but hasn’t really hit the ground running in terms of scoring. The next best thing to Norris in the target man role but not as good. Plays with his back to goal, and lays it off. I think perhaps him and Donnelly could work with enough support from the midfield. 6/10 Cody McDonald – Injuries haven’t helped but he is very low on confidence at the moment. Things aren’t going well in front of goal. For me (although many disagree), I don’t think he puts in anywhere near the same amount of effort as Williamson, Norris and Donnelly which doesn’t help his cause – when one of them doesn’t play well, at least they are helping close down from the front, but Cody doesn’t really do that. Hopefully he can get scoring again soon. 5/10 What do people think? Do you agree?
Agree with most comments apart from williamson who has been the biggest disappointment. He was expected to be the main striker but has been awful so far.
And when we played at Vale Park a few weeks ago - the fans told us they were glad to get rid of him. I'd like him to come good - but from what I've seen - that's not going to happen. I feel that ( especially with Norris out for about a month ), we need to loan a 'better' striker - preferably one who is 8 ft tall (hoofball).
My question was overtly tinged with sarcasm. A more anonymous player I have yet to 'meet'. McCammon reincarnate???? The guy does not seem to be able to deliver.........
