Luke Rodgers – Vital view…

Striker Luke Rodgers today completed his move from Crewe Alex to Port Vale after finally agreeing personal terms.

Rodgers, 25, began his career at Shrewsbury Town in 1999 before moving to Crewe in 2005.

In 192 league and cup appearances Rodgers has scored 82 goals – although mostly at Div.2 level.

Rodgers has struggled for first team opportunities at Crewe this season, and this provoked his decision to ask for a transfer. It appears that Rodgers initially wasn’t convinced with the offer Vale made him, however, leyton Orient were unable to offer much better, so Vale it was.

With the Constantine-Richards switch falling through at the eleventh hour Rodgers is certainly a welcome addition to the Vale squad. Michael Husbands and Nathan Lowndes have been dogged with injuries throughout the season, and when they have had the chance for first team action have been less than impressive. Akpo Sodje is a tireless worker up front, but is certainly not a natural goalscorer – which has meant we have been completely reliant on Leon Constantine to put the ball into the net. Its hard to say at the present what the future holds for Constantine, but while he is still a Vale player he should still be our first choice striker.

Personally I’d like to see Rodgers start Saturdays game at home to Northampton up front with Constantine, with Sodje on the bench. Some new blood is just what The Vale need right now.

So, here’s to a successful two-and-a-half years at Vale Park for Luke.