Darren Moore takes charge of his first Port Vale game on Saturday when The Valiants take on Cheltenham Town.
Following his appointment as manager of Port Vale on Tuesday on a five and half year contract, the Gaffer had this to say:
“When speaking to Carol, Dave and the club’s board, it’s clear that Port Vale FC and I are perfectly aligned with our long-term aspirations both on and off the pitch.
“Our immediate aim is securing the club’s League One status between now and the end of this season whilst putting the foundations in place to create a clear footballing identity”
“The contract is a long-term commitment from both myself and Port Vale FC; it’s a testament to the long-term vision of the club and a vision that we as a collective from myself, the supporters, the club staff and the players are all striving towards.”
“I am absolutely delighted to be here and I am thoroughly excited to get going.”
The Opposition
The first assignment for The Vale's new Gaffer is a trip to the Completely-Suzuki Stadium to take on Cheltenham Town who currently occupy 21st spot in League One.
The Robins come into the game off the back of two consecutive victories against Cambridge United, and then more recently against Blackpool where Elliot Bonds scored twice to help them to a 2-0 win.
Who’s in Charge?
Cheltenham are managed by former Port Vale manager Darrell Clarke who has enjoyed his time in Gloucestershire so far.
Before joining The Robins they had failed to score a goal or win a game in their first nine games. However, since Clarke has joined they have picked up 28 points in his 21 games, guiding them to within three points of safety.
Player to watch - Liam Sercombe
The Cheltenham midfielder has played over 170 games for the Robins and has been a pivotal player at the heart of their midfield. He has scored seven goals so far this season, which has been vital in their rise of form in the league.
Clarke isn’t the only Port Vale link at Cheltenham Town. Vale’s promotion-winning midfielder, Tom Pett, joined the club in November following his release from the Vale in the Summer.
Another ex-Vale player is forward, Matty Taylor. The former Vale forward joined Cheltenham Town in January and has got off to a productive start with two goals in his first three games.
Fixture Throwback
Cheltenham Town 1-3 Port Vale, Saturday 30th November 2019
Tom Pope was the hero for Vale when we last won at Whaddon Road back in 2019. The hosts took the lead in the 3rd minute when Reuben Reid scored from the spot after Sean Long was fouled by Christian Montano.
On the hour mark, Vale levelled when Tom Pope headed home Rhys Browne’s cross from close range. Two minutes later, Pope added his second when he met David Amoo’s cross with a stooping header that squirmed under the keeper to complete the comeback.
In the 68th minute, Tom Pope capped off a sensational eight-minute spell with another goal when he fired home from close range to complete his hat-trick and earn Vale a place in the FA Cup Third Round, where we would go on to face Manchester City.