Port Vale require immediate defensive reinforcements if they are to achieve League Two success next season, with the club needing a calm presence to bring out the best in stalwart Nathan Smith.
Smith is starting his seventh league season with the Burslem side, but he has come under fire from fans over the last two seasons for some uneven performances as Vale struggled – eventually unsuccessfully – to avoid relegation to the fourth division.
Smith, on the other hand, is a proven performer in League Two, and his best performances have come when paired with a tall imposing presence in the back.
Legge and Hall assist Smith succeed.
Smith appeared in 44 league games for Vale during the 2020-21 season, when the club appeared to be on track for promotion until being cut short by COVID. Alongside him was the veteran and loud Leon Legge, who, at 6 feet 4 inches, would overpower attackers and relieve Smith of duty.
Smith, who is 5 feet 11 inches and is diminutive for a modern-day centre-back, thrived the following season after Vale replaced Legge with Connor Hall. Hall is also 6ft 4inches and was outstanding as Vale rose through League Two, culminating in a play-off final victory over Mansfield at Wembley.
Smith appeared out of sorts for the whole of last season as Vale’s defence crumbled against big attackers, leaving them vulnerable at set-pieces.
Despite signing Alex Iacovitti, also 6ft 4inches, from Ross County, the former Nottingham Forest player lacked the experience required to assist Smith. Neither did Jesse Debrah, who had only played non-league football before to joining Port Vale last year.
Valiants require experience.
If Vale manager Darren Moore is looking for an experienced and physical presence to assist Smith, he could do worse than look to Jamaican international Michael Hector.
Charlton Athletic stated earlier this month that Hector, who played 51 appearances for the club over two seasons in south London, would not be granted a new contract, leaving him free to speak with possible suitors.
Hector will undoubtedly have many admirers, including many in League One, but if Port Vale are serious about making an immediate return to League One, they should be making offers to out-of-contract proven performers rather than pinning their hopes on unproven loan players who haven’t played much senior football.
Last season, Kofi Balmer, who signed on loan from Crystal Palace, struggled due to his lack of experience in English football. Kacper Łopata, who replaced him in January, also had limited experience.
Ever played 13 League One games.
Hector may fill Vale’s leadership hole.
Hector, who is 6ft 4inches tall, has made 427 career appearances for Reading, Aberdeen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hull City, and Fulham, and his CV includes appearances in all four levels.
He is renowned as a strong and vocal guy, and Port Vale could be an appealing option if he is given the opportunity to take on leadership roles at the club.
Manager Darren Moore recently stated at a supporters’ gathering that he wanted to replace Smith as club captain, saying: “I am going to change the club captain, yes.” We’ll most likely have both an on-pitch and off-field captain. “Yes, we will do that.” Hector, who turns 32 this summer and goes by the moniker Big_Hec35 on X, formerly Twitter, is a popular character who helps his clubs both on and off the field. Although he is clearly ambitious, the prospect of a leadership role and a fresh start at an ambitious club would undoubtedly appeal.
It remains to be seen whether a new addition to the Port Vale squad can fill the captain’s role, but bringing in someone like Michael Hector would undoubtedly elicit positive reactions from both fans and other players.
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