Big Valiants squad proving to be problematic for boss

PORT Vale's draw against Fleetwood in the Vertu Trophy, with eight changes to the starting lineup, once again threw up more questions than answers.

- PORT Vale writer CLIVE YOULTON

It was a reminder of how big the squad is and just how the forgotten members can be as influential, if not more so, as those keeping them out.

Manager Darren Moore is finding himself under increasing pressure to deliver results in League One, having seen his side lose three in a row and drop to second from bottom.

The two home clashes, against Wycombe Wanderers and Plymouth Argyle, are crucial for him and the club.

The irony of him being pleased with the goalscorers against Fleetwood is that two of the players hardly get a look-in, while the third rarely starts.

Jordan Shipley has been frozen out of recent matchday squads and wasn't even included on the bench in the FA Cup against Maldon & Tiptree.

He played games in August, was brought back into the starting lineup for the win at Barnsley on September 27, and last started in the league against Northampton Town on October 4. He was an unused sub at AFC Wimbledon, then dropped from the last three squads in the league against Wigan, Stockport and Bolton.