League Two Betting: Adams to be the Apple of Vale's eye

English Football League / Ian Lamont / 03 September 2009 / Leave a Comment

By all accounts Port Vale are delighted to have Micky Adams as their manager; they'll be even more pleased if Vale can beat Grimsby on Saturday

Best bet: Back Port Vale to beat Grimsby @ [2.0];

Back Bishop-inspired Bury @ [1.8] to beat Accrington; Back Morecambe @ [2.9] to beat Rochdale;

Value bet: Back Dagenham to win at Cheltenham @ [2.9]

Port Vale haven't exactly had a blistering start to their League Two season, but Micky Adam's men can carry on where they left off in the Carling Cup this weekend says Ian Lamont. Best Bet: Back Port Vale at 2.0 to beat Grimsby.

Port Vale fans seem delirious that Micky Adams is their manager. That is, according to the BBC feature that spoke to supporters 10 days ago before and after their second Carling Cup triumph over a Sheffield team this season.

I'm always a little wary of TV highlights (how many times have you been to a game or listened to one on the radio and then seen a totally different one in the shortened soundbite version?). Taking the footage at face value, Vale fans are optimistic their managerial summer signing can bring success.

Why? "His record" was the pithy remark from one pensioner, who has surely seen a few bad managers.

There is a fair amount of substance in the "past performance" of Adams.

He led Brighton to the bottom tier title in 2000-01 after a season after just over two full seasons in charge. He set up the team that went on to gain a second successive promotion, even though by then he had left for Leicester, where he assisted Dave Bassett, in the October. They went down from the Premiership, but with Bassett booted "upstairs" to director of football, Adams got the top job and despite administration went straight back up again.

There is another facet to his armoury: he seems great at finding good players from the rough, namely Bobby Zamora at Brighton and, earlier, Wayne Bridge, whom he recommended to Southampton before even becoming a manager.

With Vale's start to the season less than blistering, the supporters clearly value long-term structure and believe in Adams' ability to "come good" - and there is much to do.

Just two goals scored in four games before last Saturday and four points, a rate of return that is on par with last season. Among results was a defeat to Macclesfield, and any team that finishes below the Silkmen this season will be in a relegation scrap.

So, little improvement - so far - from assistant Geoff Horsfield and the other changes to the squad. But last Saturday's 2-2 draw against Hereford could well prove the turning point. By all accounts Vale should have won handsomely, a couple of defensive errors proving costly.

Perhaps Tommy Fraser, 21, who played under Adams at Brighton in his second stint, can prove his latest star find. The midfielder is one of several Adams signings after he was appointed in June as he tries to match expectations of an upward curve.

It could be a little while before Vale can be considered genuine contenders in the division - next season maybe? - But if you are looking for a turning point, surely hosting Grimsby on Saturday is the opportunity to grasp.

The Mariners are equally struggling to show improvement under a new manager - and Mike Newell has been there 11 months now.

There are signs of a turning point there, too, but only really if new faces such as Barry Conlon, who has converted his loan spell from Bradford into a permanent move this summer, can prove the difference.

The return on that deal has been slow and I believe Port Vale are in sufficient shape to land the money at whichever side of [2.0] they ultimately fall. I suspect odds-on.

Similarly to Vale, Bury would have an outstanding chance to turn the corner against a limited, if dogged, Accrington.

Provided striker Andy Bishop came through unscathed in the midweek JP Trophy game at Walsall, and with Accrington's limited firepower blunted by Paul Mullin's exit to Morecambe, the Shakers can win.

With Bury's hangover from last season's play-off defeat lasting longer than is healthy, [1.8] would seem short if Bishop's injury reoccurs. At the time of writing it seems Bishop is fit again, but hold off as long before kick-off as you can before wading in.

You might have noted that I am trying to recommend a longer-odds chance bet this season. Mullin will be a squad player at Morecambe, but might add sufficient boost to earn them a Friday night win at home to Rochdale at [2.9].

But the real chance wager this weekend is on Dagenham. Could have battered Lincoln harder last weekend, so I'm told, but their hosts this weekend are Cheltenham.

Like Adams, the Robins have a manager that should see an upward turn in their fortunes sooner rather than later, but they do not have the consistency and confidence that seem to be emanating from John Still's men at present.

Jon Nurse continues to impress boss Still if not, as I gather, all the Victoria Road faithful. While in form, back the Daggers. Look for close to [2.9].