‘GIBBO JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER’
Manager hails ‘100 per cent’ defender as plan to keep him fresh is rewarded
PORT Vale manager Darrell Clarke is determined to manage James Gibbons’ workload to get the best out of him for the rest of the season.
The 23-year-old right-back has been impressing at left wingback and was a popular choice as sponsors’ man of the match after scoring in Saturday’s 3-0 win at home to Colchester.
Gibbons had been dropped to the bench four days earlier for the 1-1 draw at Mansfield as part of Clarke’s policy of trying to keep players fresh.
In Gibbons’ case, he missed the first month of the season with a hamstring injury after a similar problem held him back during the last campaign.
Clarke, whose side are at Crawley tomorrow, said: “You saw on the Tuesday night (at Mansfield) he was rested.
“He was fresh for Saturday and was one of our best players. His form has been very good.
“It is difficult to say to Gibbo because he is 100mph in training, he is always at it.
“I am trying to manage that and sometimes you have to make harsh decisions, pull him out of training sessions or pull him out of a game at the right time to make sure you can have that continuous training period.
“He is doing that very well and is getting plenty of games in, and his performances are getting better and better.
“As a lad, he is fantastic. He is another major contributor in the changing room. Another player that has been here a good few years, another one that leads by perfect example.
“There are a group of them that lead in different ways. With Gibbo, it is the way he works every single day, but I also know the work he does speaking to individual players about knowing what the club is all about. He definitely deserves the plaudits he is getting.”
Meanwhile, the manager has revealed that Leon Legge is due to start training with the squad on Monday after two months out with a knee injury.
The manager has praised the experienced centre-half’s dedication during his recovery from the injury.
He says Legge will need time to regain match fitness and sharpness but he’s looking forward to having him back with the group.