Source: FOOTYMAD
Port Vale lose Pope but praying for a priceless play-off position
Rotherham United striker Tom Pope. Southend United visit a Valiants side who have had three managers this season and lost their top seven place as well as a major player, but still hang on to play-off dreams. Tom Pope: Back to the Millers Rotherham United have seen their play-off hopes diminish over recent months and pulled a fast one against one of their major promotion rivals by pulling back striker Tom Pope from Vale Park.The Millers are one point and one place behind Port Vale in 10th, where Pope, a lifelong Valiants fan, had recently extended his stay in the Potteries into a third month having scored three goals in 13 appearances since late January. Vale caretaker manager Mark Grew www.port-vale.co.uk: "We are bitterly disappointed to lose Tom but there's nothing I can do. I know he will be sorry to leave us and we thank him for his contribution."Not a lot else he could say really but a touch naughty from the South Yorkshire side that will hopefully aid the Shrimpers in the outside chance they can get something from the trip to Burslem.Certainly Vale have not given up themselves from grabbing one of those priceless play-off places themselves as defender Lee Collins explains, especially after just missing out last term.Collins told www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk: "We know what to expect this season - because one win or defeat can determine your fate. The play-off picture is even tighter, so we must stay positive and battle our way back into the play-off zone. We were worthy winners against Notts County last season and I suppose we thought 'great, we're there now'. But then we go to Bournemouth and get beat 4-0 - so we won't take anything for granted because every game will be vital. That defeat was the low point of our season and our worst performance - it's disappointing it arrived at such a crucial stage. I think we became complacent and none of us turned up on the day."We can only think of a season that promised so much a few weeks ago but has now turned into one of damage limitation, howver let's hope those play-off nerves hit the Valiants again.Taking a shock lead for once would be nice!The S24 Preview:www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/roll/ed61/port_vale_v_southend_united_666085/index.shtmlRenewing your season card for 2011/12 or seen enough?www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/interactive/voting_polls.asp
