The Valiants are back at home on Saturday when we welcome Shrewsbury Town to Vale Park.

The Vale come into the game off the back of a full week of training with manager Darren Moore for the first time since his arrival last month.

Manager’s thoughts:

Here is what the Vale gaffer had to say about a productive week at Vale Park

“For me, it was a week that I was really looking forward to. Since landing here and having 4/5 games in the 16 days it’s limited the time on the training ground. So for us, it’s been a welcomed week to really get together and work and this far it’s been good to get some real good work into the players because ultimately you want the time on the training pitch to implement things.

“When this place is in full voice, it is a fantastic stadium to be in. Vale fans, you have been magnificent since I have arrived. I thank them all personally for the reception they gave me and the support they are giving me now.

“This is a personal message to all of them. Please come and help us, we need you. Do it more than anything for the badge. You have supported this football club through years, through generations of your families.

“This badge you see me now touching – do it for the badge. The club needs you. You have been there through thick and thin for this football club and, no doubt whatever happens on Saturday, you will come here again and be in full voice. You are a credit.

“One thing I have said to the players is the one consistent is that Vale fans will turn up, it is their club and they are passionate. They will show that.

“What we have to do is match on the pitch that energy in the stadium. Saturday gives us that opportunity.”

The Opposition

Shrewsbury Town currently sit in 20th position, six points above the Vale with two more games played. They come into the game off the back of a 2-0 loss against Blackpool. Goals in each half from Karamoko Dembele and Hayden Coulson succumbed the Shrews to a defeat at The Crown Meadow. 

Who’s in Charge

Matty Taylor began the season in charge of the football club but he was replaced by Paul Hurst in January. Hurst has returned to the Crown Meadow for his second spell at the club. His first spell began in 2016 where he joined in October when the club were rock bottom of the league. He managed to guide the football club to an 18th place finish, securing their League One safety

The next season, his Shrewsbury side finished 3rd in the league but lost 2-1 to Rotherham in the play-off final after extra time. They also got to the final of the EFL Trophy but lost to Lincoln City in a second Wembley heartbreak of their season.

Since Hurst’s arrival in January 2024, he has won two, drawn two and lost four of his eight games.

Player to Watch - Jordan Shipley

Shipley has been involved in 10 of Shrewsbury’s 26 goals so far this season. He has found the net four times and got himself six assists in his 26 games played this season.

When the Shrews played Reading on the 24th February, Shipley scored once and got himself two assists to help his side run out 3-2 winners in what was a crucial fixture for Shrewsbury.

Another player to keep an eye out for is former Valiant Mal Benning. The left back has made 29 appearances for Shrewsbury, scoring one goal for his side. Benning also picked up the club's January Player of the Month award after a bright start to the year.

Fixture Throwback

Port Vale 2-1 Shrewsbury Town, 17 September 2022.

The Valiants took the lead in the inside ten minutes when Mal Benning broke with the ball over halfway. He found James Wilson who played in Dan Butterworth who was in acres of space. His perfectly weighted pass was perfect for Ellis Harrison who slotted under the onrushing keeper. 

Shortly after, the Shrews were level when Christian Saydee and Rekeil Pyke linked up in the Vale penalty area with the former sliding beyond Jack Stevens.

In the 91^st minute, Vale secured the three points when Ellis Harrison met David Worrall’s cross with a firm header into the bottom corner to secure vale all three points in dramatic fashion.

Match officials:

The match officials have been confirmed for this weekend's game against Shrewsbury Town.

Ben Toner is in charge with the support of Emily Carney and Matthew Sowerby.

Kenwyn Hughes will be the fourth official.