Port Vale's Ben Heneghan Expresses Confidence in Squad's Potential
In a recent interview with BBC Radio Stoke, Port Vale defender Ben Heneghan expressed unwavering confidence in the squad's ability to turn their season around, despite their current struggles at the bottom of League One. The Valiants, under the guidance of new manager Jon Brady, are facing a challenging period, but Heneghan remains optimistic about the team's future prospects.
New Manager Jon Brady Brings Change and Hope
Jon Brady, who took over as manager on January 6 following the sacking of Darren Moore, has already made a noticeable impact on the team. His leadership has led to victories in both the FA Cup and the EFL Trophy, providing a much-needed boost to the squad's morale. However, the team's performance in the league has yet to reflect these positive results, with Vale currently occupying the bottom spot, 11 points adrift of safety with 22 games remaining.
Heneghan's Perspective on the Squad
Heneghan, a veteran of the squad, emphasized the quality within the team. "We have a good squad here," he stated. "We've got some really good individuals, and we are a good team. I know that once we click, I'm sure we'll go on a run." The defender acknowledged the team's current position but stressed the importance of accountability and collective effort.
Adapting to a New Defensive System
One of the key changes under Brady's management has been the switch from a back three system to a back four. Heneghan, who has experience playing in both formations, expressed comfort with the new approach. "I enjoy playing the four, playing the three. I've played it many times throughout my career," he said. "Is it a little bit different? Yeah, potentially, but at the end of the day, I just want to defend and keep the ball out of the net."
The 150th Anniversary: A Source of Inspiration
This weekend, Port Vale will celebrate the club's 150th anniversary with a home game against Exeter City. Heneghan sees this milestone as an opportunity to galvanize the team. "It's a part of the history of the club. It's an honour and a privilege to be part of that," he said. "I'm hoping we can make it extra special and get three points."
Performance Against Mansfield Town
Despite a recent defeat at Mansfield Town, Heneghan highlighted the team's promising performance in the first half of the match. "I thought we were really good in the first half against Mansfield. Obviously, that changed, but we need to focus on putting that into 90 minutes," he remarked. This optimism reflects the team's desire to improve and maintain consistency throughout matches.
Mo Faal's Loan Cut Short Due to Injury
Meanwhile, the club has been affected by an injury setback, with forward Mo Faal's loan agreement being cut short. The 22-year-old, who joined Port Vale from parent club Wrexham on a season-long loan in August, has made 23 appearances, scoring three goals. Faal will return to Wrexham to undergo treatment on his injury, leaving a void in the squad's attacking options.
The Road Ahead for Port Vale
As Port Vale continues to navigate the challenges of the relegation battle, the team's focus remains on improving their performance and results. Heneghan's leadership and the collective spirit of the squad could be the driving force behind a potential turnaround. With the 150th anniversary celebrations providing additional motivation, the Valiants are determined to make their mark in the remainder of the season.
Conclusion
Port Vale's journey in League One has been fraught with challenges, but the team's resilience and determination offer a glimmer of hope. Under the stewardship of Jon Brady and with the support of dedicated players like Ben Heneghan, the Valiants are poised to make a positive impact in the coming weeks. As the season progresses, football fans will be watching closely to see if Port Vale can indeed turn their season around and achieve the turnaround they are striving for.
