Vale slumped to a Jim Gannon inspired 1-2 defeat at home to Oxford Utd on Saturday after a bewilderingly shambolic 2nd half performance which had the whole of Vale Park (including the players) wondering what was going on...

Just what was Gannon playing at? We went in at half-time with the game locked at 1-1, and it had been a decent half for Vale. Gannons decisions for the second half were baffling to say the least, and ultimately cost us the game. Keeper Chris Martin was replaced at half-time, Exodus Geohaghon was moved from central midfield (where he had been playing reasonably ok) into central defence (where he was utterly atrocious), Lee Collins was moved from central defence to left back to accomodate Ex, and Kris Taylor was moved forward to left midfield.

When Louis Dodds replaced the frustrating Lewis Haldane midway through the second half Kris Taylor was inexplicably moved into central midfield, Gary Roberts appeared to be playing on the right, Sam Morsy was in the middle alongside Taylor, Dodds apeared to be playing behind the front two of Marc Richards and Tom Pope, and I have no idea who was supposed to be playing wide left. By this time we were 2-1 down and chasing the game.

When Justin Richards appeared for the final ten minutes, replacing Boom Boom, it was clear that the players had not a clue where Gannon wanted them to play, Roberts turning to the bench in utter confusion. I very much doubt Gannon knew what he was doing at this point. It was a shambles. We barely troubled the Oxford goal during the second half, and Gannon has to accept responsibility for this.

I was willing to give Jim Gannon a chance after his horrific opening three weeks. Results, and performances, had improved. But Saturday was not the first time that Gannon has bamboozled his own players with his formations and tactics, and undoubtedly won't be the last.

The man is a clown.

Of course, Gannon won't be going anywhere as long as our current Board still have control of the Club. Black & Gold Until It's Sold...

Photo: Action Images

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