Midfielder Anthony Griffith may have been the Fans Player-Of-The-Season in the last campaign, the self styled 'hatchet man' winning over the faithful with his combatitive attitude, but does he currently deserve a place in the starting line-up?
Despite making leaps-and-bounds last season under Micky Adams there has always been a flaw to Griff's game. He looks clumsy and uncomfortable with the ball at his feet, and his distribution is certainly not the best. These deficiencies have been masked by his other attributes - namely the full-on desire to win the ball and his willingness to jump into challenges that others would run a million miles from.
Even the biggest Griff Fan would have to admit that he has been poor this season, contributing very little to the cause, and with Vale finding themselves in a bit of a 'rut' his performances are now coming under scrutiny. Part of the reason for his apparent dip in form is, I believe, due to the displays we've seen from his midfield partner - Gary Roberts. Roberts has been a revelation, and through August and September controlled games, moving the ball with pace all over the pitch. This has left Griff as a peripheral figure, the midfield battles that he was relishing last season have been usurped by the class of Roberts. Griff has almost become redundant.
So, if Griff was dropped who would play alongside Roberts? The candidates are Tommy Fraser, Doug Loft and possibly Louis Dodds, who has yet to find a settled position under Adams. Fraser, like Griff, has yet to shine this season, and could well suffer a similiar fate as Griff were he to partner Roberts. Dodds can offer a threat going forward, but may well be considered by Adams to be a little 'lightweight' for central midfield. Which leaves us with Loft. Dougie has had a 'stop start' career at Vale since joining us last summer, injuries preventing him from nailing a regular place in the starting line up, but he can pick a pass, and has an attacking edge to his game. I'd lke to see him given a run of games alongside Roberts, and a shake up is definitely needed.