Vale counting their assets

LITTLE more than a year ago Vale Rec were champions. Then Trim Morgan left, as did a few others on their travels, and as the injuries piled up, the then-manager Ray Blondel was left to pick up the pieces.

Vale struggled and somewhat miraculously finished third.

Now Blondel is gone, to be replaced by another former Vale legend, Chris Hamon, and Morgan is back after his experiment at Sylvans went pear-shaped.

So, the big question is: will Vale reclaim the title? A recharged and refreshed club manager certainly thinks so.

'If we can get everybody fit I think we've got more than half a chance,' said Hamon.

Having the 2002-3 season Guernsey player-of-the-year back at the heart of the midfield will certainly make Vale as competitive as anyone in the engine room. That is if he stays free from suspension, of course.

Hamon recognises that and has spoken to Morgan about his discipline, or more to the point, lack of it.

'I hope that he has learned from his suspensions and that he cannot go and do some of the things he has done. But he's raring to go and can't wait to start playing again. Trim is a great asset.'

So, too, will be the return of Muratti striker Matt Falla, who missed virtually the entire

2003-4 campaign.

Falla is back in full training and will vie for a striking role alongside Brent Blondel, David MacNab, Mark Ogier and another new recruit, former Manchester City apprentice Gareth Holden.

Despite impressing in the 2002 Little World Cup, the Mancunian did not live up to the hype at North, but Hamon has been impressed with him in pre-season.

'He looks sharp and looks a good asset, as will be Gregor Allen. He's been working very hard to get himself fit. He's got two great, quick feet.'

Defensively, Vale are glad to have big Jason Sarahs back from his travels and there is also the prospect of Malcolm Symons returning in February, but Hamon admits the squad are a little light in that area for the moment.

'To have a really dominant centre half would be nice.'

Hamon, meanwhile, is excited to be back in the hot seat.

'Now I've got a sniff of the dressing room, I can't wait for it to start,' said the man who featured in 12 Murattis between 1980 and 1989.

He expects a competitive season.

'The league has got better, although the standard hasn't. There are still two leagues within one, but it's no longer such a shock to see a ?surprise result? like Rangers beating North last season.'

As for Vale as a club, he sees a well-organised, committed outfit that is 'strong and looking good'.

After several lean years, the club is once again producing some cracking juniors, thanks to a developmental side spearheaded by Tony Clarkson.

'We've got some very good Youth Two and Three players,' said Hamon.

Sadly, Andy Chamberlain and Craig Tyrrell could be out for much of the season.