In a terrible season on the field, The Valiant has been tremendous. Information from the club is heavily sanitised and, although, at times, I would like a greater critical analysis of performances, I realise that you have a fine line to tread. The journalism is first class, reminiscent of what we used to read in our local printed versions. As a Vale exile it is invaluable to be able to keep up with what is happening at Vale Park. My only complaint is that since you started with The Valiants the team has rarely won a game! I don’t blame you personally for this and , at times, feel sorry for you in having to watch and report on some of the woeful performances by the players. Thanks and well done!
The Valiant provides an invaluable service. For someone who lives in the south (and from the contributions of other subscribers who can claim expat status), it is vital, rendered so by the manner in which The Sentinel pulled the plug so suddenly and arbitrarily on any Vale news coverage.
Enjoying 'The Valiant' Mike, despite the awful on field performances. I hope, at the end of the season, you can get an interview with the DOF and establish what he thinks went wrong and if he accepts any responsibility...........I'm not holding my breath though.
It's a great read and without knowing the details of the financials behind it, it's been more than worth the subscription costs already. I'm amazed more Vale fans haven't subscribed, and hope it can be a sustainable offer. There's a difficult balance to be drawn especially at the moment because you need to maintain a relationship with the club. This season has been an absolute disaster and will remain so even if we somehow stay up - I'd like to see the fundamental questions about the failure of first team recruitment on and off the field answered, but that does require CS or DF to do so, and don't think they will.
You have always done a great job, Mike, but now with more space and freedom, you can give us insight and opinion we do not get from club sources. Readers just want more of a true picture of what goes on and you are offering that. Thanks!
80% of the time travelling so it's a great look forward too, whatever the timeline always welcome to see it in my inbox, great work Mike, years ago my dear Mum used send the Sentinel and the Green'un, so you're now the modern equivalent, many thanks.
Always look forward to reading it as its such a great read. I find the balance of different items pretty good so far, with opinion as well as facts. Good to see some of the nostalgia pieces, though Im not sure in 30 years time anyone will be looking back fondly at this season in that section! Keep up the great work!
Genuinely enjoy the content & even though my views are a lot more militant than most I enjoy the comments and views.
I think for the money it is excellent value for money.
Id love to see a section on the nostalgia where there is maybe an interview with players from that era, (i know that can be difficult especially with players that are not in the local area etc).
The Valiant is a haven of sanity away from the hysterics of social media. You do a great job, Mike and as a former journo myself, I wanted to support quality journalism in an era when job cuts have been so savage in the regional press.
I think the Valiant is the first of its kind in the provincial newspaper world and you have been a great pioneer. Some weeks I am amazed you find the time to not only write such good copy, but to carry out the necessary background research and interviews, not to mention watching the games...the latter truly being a labour of love these past few months
More power to your pen, keep up the excellent work, challenging and questioning those in the Vale hierarchy when that's needed, in the fair and balanced way you have succeeded in so far. And thanks again for the flow of interesting stories and information about our club it's impossible to find elsewhere.
In a terrible season on the field, The Valiant has been tremendous. Information from the club is heavily sanitised and, although, at times, I would like a greater critical analysis of performances, I realise that you have a fine line to tread. The journalism is first class, reminiscent of what we used to read in our local printed versions. As a Vale exile it is invaluable to be able to keep up with what is happening at Vale Park. My only complaint is that since you started with The Valiants the team has rarely won a game! I don’t blame you personally for this and , at times, feel sorry for you in having to watch and report on some of the woeful performances by the players. Thanks and well done!
Best thing to have happened this season is this newsletter.
I sincerely hope more people subscribe and it’s viable long term.
Print media may be dead, but there is definitely a space for quality journalism, which is what you provide.
Thank you for all your efforts, you’re managing a disgruntled fan base extremely well.
Shame the club aren’t.
It’s a great read Mike Keep up the brilliant work 👍
Mike!Could you try get a inteview with carol or dave about the club at the current state it's in.
The Valiant provides an invaluable service. For someone who lives in the south (and from the contributions of other subscribers who can claim expat status), it is vital, rendered so by the manner in which The Sentinel pulled the plug so suddenly and arbitrarily on any Vale news coverage.
Enjoying 'The Valiant' Mike, despite the awful on field performances. I hope, at the end of the season, you can get an interview with the DOF and establish what he thinks went wrong and if he accepts any responsibility...........I'm not holding my breath though.
Keep up the good work.
Nice work Mike you have the club at heart keep it up✌️
Fantastic effort - all the Vale news summed up in one place on a regular basis - well done Mike - keep it coming!
It's a great read and without knowing the details of the financials behind it, it's been more than worth the subscription costs already. I'm amazed more Vale fans haven't subscribed, and hope it can be a sustainable offer. There's a difficult balance to be drawn especially at the moment because you need to maintain a relationship with the club. This season has been an absolute disaster and will remain so even if we somehow stay up - I'd like to see the fundamental questions about the failure of first team recruitment on and off the field answered, but that does require CS or DF to do so, and don't think they will.
You have always done a great job, Mike, but now with more space and freedom, you can give us insight and opinion we do not get from club sources. Readers just want more of a true picture of what goes on and you are offering that. Thanks!
80% of the time travelling so it's a great look forward too, whatever the timeline always welcome to see it in my inbox, great work Mike, years ago my dear Mum used send the Sentinel and the Green'un, so you're now the modern equivalent, many thanks.
Keep doing what your doing Mike
Always look forward to reading it as its such a great read. I find the balance of different items pretty good so far, with opinion as well as facts. Good to see some of the nostalgia pieces, though Im not sure in 30 years time anyone will be looking back fondly at this season in that section! Keep up the great work!
Genuinely enjoy the content & even though my views are a lot more militant than most I enjoy the comments and views.
I think for the money it is excellent value for money.
Id love to see a section on the nostalgia where there is maybe an interview with players from that era, (i know that can be difficult especially with players that are not in the local area etc).
Overall I think its a very good thing to be done.
The Valiant is a haven of sanity away from the hysterics of social media. You do a great job, Mike and as a former journo myself, I wanted to support quality journalism in an era when job cuts have been so savage in the regional press.
I think the Valiant is the first of its kind in the provincial newspaper world and you have been a great pioneer. Some weeks I am amazed you find the time to not only write such good copy, but to carry out the necessary background research and interviews, not to mention watching the games...the latter truly being a labour of love these past few months
More power to your pen, keep up the excellent work, challenging and questioning those in the Vale hierarchy when that's needed, in the fair and balanced way you have succeeded in so far. And thanks again for the flow of interesting stories and information about our club it's impossible to find elsewhere.
Love it Baggers!! Always a great informative read 👍