VALE PLAYERS TO STAY SILENT AFTER MANAGER ISSUES BAN

PORT Vale manager Darrell Clarke has banned his players from media interviews, a move that could last for the rest of the season.

The club didn’t make a player available after Tuesday’s goalless draw at home to Oldham – and Clarke explained that is his decision.

He said: “It is something I have done on a promotion run. I just feel when you get to this stage of the season… Port Vale fans, they will probably be sick of hearing me and I have only been here six games.

“They get sick of hearing things from players. I don’t think it is the right thing.

“I think take them out of the limelight and let them do their talking on the pitch, or at least try to do their talking on the pitch.

“That’s the way I want to work forward for the next 12 games.

“I am happy to do more interviews, I am happy to do that and take the burden.

“But I think it is just best that they get on with the football.”

The ban comes four days after goalkeeper Scott Brown criticised the club’s recruitment in a press conference.

In discussing the ban with the media, it was suggested to the manager that it could be linked to recent interviews.

He responded: “People can read into it what they want. Players are not experienced in the press. That is the nature of the beast.

“They are a decent set of lads, a good set of lads, but I don’t think it is the right time for players to be talking.

“But I said this when we got promotion with Bristol Rovers, for the last few games.

“There is a time to know when to shut up and just get on with your football. I think now is the right time.

“That is not being disrespectful to you guys, the press, I want to build a good relationship with you guys, but that is where I want it at the minute.”

He made clear this was his decision rather than the players’.

He said: “This is solely my decision because I feel it is the right way to go about it for the last 12 games.”

The Vale extended the gap to the relegation zone by a point, to six, with the Oldham draw.

They were helped by second-from-bottom Southend’s 2-0 defeat at home to Tranmere.

Bottom club Grimsby are 10 points behind Vale after conceding an injury time equaliser in their 1-1 draw at Carlisle.

Players are not that experienced in the press. That is the nature of the beast...