New training base for Vale?

PORT Vale are considering moving training away from their base at Vale Park as part of a review by director of football David Flitcroft.

The Vale currently train on their own pitches, behind the Bycars End, but Flitcroft, pictured, said a possible move is something he is looking at.

Speaking at Thursday’s fans’ forum he said: “We are in discussions whether we look at a new training ground, to implement changes to a new training ground off site.

“Is it a different environment where players are training at an elite training campus... so it is different to coming to the club every day so matchdays feel special.

“We have had those initial discussions and they are ongoing.”

Manager Darrell Clarke praised the current facilities, but said he does want matchdays to feel different next season.

He added: “I suppose it is all about improving as much as we possibly can. I don’t think the facilities are bad if I am honest with you. We have two pitches at the side of the stadium.

“I would say it’s not always great training at your actual stadium if that makes sense, being at the stadium on a consistent basis.

“There are different reasons for that. The training ground is the players’ sanctuary.

“From the start of next season… I like my players in a collar and tie and suit, smart. I think it is an occasion when you come home. You have the fans in. But if you are coming into the building every single day…

“There are different ways we can look for that. In a perfect world we would get our own training ground base which is like an elite academy so to speak.

“That takes time and takes a lot of finances, or we work with what we have got and try to make the best of what we have got because the facilities are decent.

“I think it is a case of how can we do that, how can we do it if we are training at the stadium every day? How can we make matchday that little bit different? There are different ways and circumstances.

“That won’t necessarily be this season but it certainly will be next season. We are trying to improve as much as we possibly can and change things around but also having those class facilities which enables a manager to be able to coach and get the facilities spot on.”