The midfield dilemma…

Along with alot of other Vale fans I was pleased to see us secure both Ross Gardner and Robin Hulbert for the rest of the season.

However, what we still don’t have, and have been crying out for all season, is some genuine width on the right.

We are now over loaded with central midfield players. Along with Gardner and Hulbert we have Danny Sonner, Paul Harsley and Danny Whitaker.

Another issue surrounding our midfield is the lack of goals that have come forth, although to be fair – Leon Constantine apart – you could say that about our strikers as well.

So, which two should play in the centre, and who should be shunted out to the right of our midfield?

Here’s my opinion of the contenders.

Danny Sonner – For me our most accomplished midfielder, however, Danny has now turned 35 and its beginning to show – Sonner no longer has the ‘legs’ for a full ninety minutes.

Robin Hulbert – An aggressive ball winner who has recently returned to first team action after enduring 18 miserable months with injuries.

Paul Harsley – Like Hulbert is a ball winner. Plenty of experience, and one of our most consistent players this season.

Danny Whitaker – Came from Macc Town in the summer, along with Harsley, and is apparently an attacking midfielder. Has played mainly out of position on the right – to no great effect – and has looked no better when in the centre.

Ross Gardner – Signed from Forest in the transfer window after a spell on-loan Gardner is considered a ‘versatile’ midfielder by the Tin Man. Not yet in his stride, but certainly one for the future.

Personally I would start with Sonner and Harsley in centre mid, with Gardner on the right. Sonner I would give 65-70 minutes before replacing him with Hulbert.

Danny Whit wouldn’t make the bench.

For next season I would like to see Gardner – if he progress’s as expected – emerge as the successor to Danny Sonner as the holding midfielder, pulling the strings.

But please lets sign a proper right sided midfielder before next August…