With the summer transfer window now shut, there is time for supporters and neutrals to ruminate on clubs’ business, and Port Vale are one side who will be satisfied with their late window action.
The Valiants gained automatic promotion back to League One last season, with former Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion boss Darren Moore at the helm at Vale Park. Port Vale have started the season quite poorly, though, with just two points collected from their opening six matches of the campaign. They are one of just three sides in League One, alongside Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough United, to remain winless, and yet remain the only team to have avoided defeat against Cardiff City.
After a busy summer transfer window, Vale finished with a flourish, following the sale of key striker Lorent Tolaj to Plymouth Argyle. Tolaj will be difficult to replace, but Vale has brought in the likes of Ben Waine and Mo Faal on loan, as well as Dajaune Brown, and their final signing of the summer will hope to be a major difference maker.
Devante Cole could be key for Darren Moore and Port Vale
Following a pair of excellent seasons for Barnsley, Devante Cole won a free transfer to the Championship, joining the Baggies last summer. However, the trade did not work out, as the 30-year-old, Andy’s son, failed to score in 16 Albion games across all competitions last season. Having now moved back to the third tier, there is optimism he can rekindle his career and propel Vale out of danger, and EFL commentator Lee Hendrie believes the transaction is a good one for everyone involved.
Speaking exclusively to FLW, Hendrie said: “I think that’s one that didn’t really work for West Brom, which is why they cut connections with him. “I believe that Darren Moore has jumped all over him. He had seen the potential, as Mooro usually does. He seems to bring out the best in players who may not have had that spark at their former clubs. “That’s why Mooro jumped on him and believes he can get the most out of him. “I think for both parties that this is a really good move.”
Devante Cole could be the spark for Port Vale
Darren Moore’s football style is sometimes rather rudimentary, so Vale will most likely be quite reactive this season, with forwards reliant on scraps. It also implies that a Moore team’s striker must be physically strong in order to compete in the air and hold the ball up to bring others into the game.
Cole’s greatest seasons in the EFL were at Oakwell a few years back, when the Tykes competed for promotion under the supervision of Michael Duff, who plays in a similar style. Moore, who overcame Duff in the 2022/23 League One play-off final as Sheffield Wednesday manager, will believe he can build the framework and system that will allow Cole to succeed, as he has before.
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