Friendlies done, now time for the real action to start for Valiants...

THE long wait was almost over as Port Vale prepared to start their League Two season.

- CLIVE YOULTON

WITH chief executive Matt Hancock insisting he wants Port Vale to be a successful club “on and off the pitch” it was all systems go towards the season's opener at Salford City.

He and Darren Moore were the two men entrusted by owner Carol Shanahan OBE with running the club in their respective roles and they were certainly doing that.

For Moore the week leading up to Salford was a case of “shaping up and sharpening up” in his words as he was busy getting “the details ready”.

There was much chatter on social media after the 3-0 home reverse to Bolton Wanderers, which was a difficult comparison given the visitors’ billing as one of the favourites for the League One title.

Nevertheless, the critics were out and wanted some of the previous season’s squad to leave the club.

BBC Radio Stoke's Phil Bowers reckoned there were some “kinks to iron out” but nobody was really judging Vale on pre-season friendly results.

"If you looked at some of the performances you can understand why some supporters, particularly after the Burton game, were grumbling a little bit,” said Bowers.

“Listen, friendlies mean nothing when it comes to results. They are about fitness and creating relationships but people still want to see your team win.