Reds Assistant Manager Chris Hutchings has warned that Port Vale could use their recent managerial departure as a ‘springboard’ for Barnsley’s visit to Vale Park on Saturday.
Vale have lost six on the bounce in the league and cup which prompted the departure of Micky Adams from the Valiants’ dugout.
“Micky’s done a great job over the years,” said Hutchings. “I don’t know what quite happened down there.
“There are a lot of things go in to people resigning or whatever the ins and outs are. He’s a good lad and I’m sure he’ll bounce back.
“We’ve all been there. It’s the nature of the job. Until I know the ins and outs it’s difficult to comment but we all wish him the best.
“We just want to make sure we keep our head down and get results for Barnsley.
“It can work for them or against them. They can feel sorry for themselves or they can use it as a springboard. Maybe there could be a new manager in the stand watching the game. They’re all on trial and they’ll want to show people what they can do.
“We’ll have to have our sleeves rolled up and make sure we’re ready for anything.
“I can’t see them making too many changes. They’ve got a pretty settled side.
“If we don’t apply ourselves we know it’s going to be a case of having our butts kicked.
“We’ve got to make sure we’re focussed and we go down there with the right application.”
The Reds are still unbeaten on the road and Hutchings is hoping the Reds put together another string of decent results off the back of Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw at Fleetwood.
Coming back into the mix are midfielder James Bailey and Keith Treacy, along with goalkeeper Ross Turnbull.
“We’re looking to go on another little run,” he added. “It’s not as though we’re doing too badly.
“Places are up for grabs and we always say, if you’ve got the shirt, make sure you keep it.
“It’s just a matter of seeing how they (bailey and Treacy) react whether they’ll be included in the squad.
“It gives competition for places and if we feel it’s the right thing to do then we’ll do it.
“Nobody wants to be on the treatment table.
He’s (Turnbull) trained again this morning with Mark Crossley and done a really good session.
“We’re just monitoring how they react to anything they’ve done.
“People have got to want to play and that’s the most important thing.”
