The Valiants return to Vale Park this weekend as we take on Accrington Stanley in Sky Bet League Two, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
The Opposition
Our opponents on Saturday are Accrington Stanley. The visitors are currently placed ninth in the league with 19 points, having won four, drawn seven and lost three league games so far this campaign.
The Reds’ manager, John Doolan, is without a loss in 8 league matches, having drawn 5 and won 3. Most recently, they played out an impressive 4-0 win away to Sheffield Wednesday in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy. Previously in league action for Accrington, they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Northampton Town thanks to a last-minute equaliser from the visitors.
There will be just one former Valiant potentially involved in Accrington’s matchday squad on Saturday. That being defensive midfielder, Connor Grant, who made 44 appearances for The Vale between 2023 and 2025.
Accrington’s Recent Form
Sheffield Wednesday 0-4 Accrington Stanley [Jersey Mike’s Trophy]
Accrington Stanley 0-2 Wycombe Wanderers [Emirates FA Cup]
Accrington Stanley 1-1 Northampton
Rochdale 0-5 Accrington Stanley
York City 1-1 Accrington Stanley
Opposition Dugout
John Doolan, 58, is the man in charge for the visitors this Saturday. This is now his third full season at the helm for Accrington. Prior to management, he spent seven years as part of Accrington's coaching team, playing an important part in their 2017-18 League Two title-winning campaign.
Before Accrington, Doolan gained extensive coaching experience within the Liverpool and Everton academies as well as spending time with Wigan Athletic, Hibernian and Rotherham United. While on the coaching staff for Wigan, he saw the Tics reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup, only losing on penalties to Arsenal.
As a player, Doolan was known for being a defender, spending a large portion of his playing career with Wigan Athletic between 1992 and 1996, and he notably also played for Accrington at the end of his career.
John Doolan was nominated alongside Vale manager, John Brady for October’s manager of the month award.
Managerial career to date:
| P | W | D | L | W% | PPG | |
| Accrington | 137 | 43 | 34 | 60 | 31 | 1.2 |
Darren Beckford
We encourage all supporters to take their seats around fifteen minutes before kick-off for Saturday’s fixture to join us in paying tribute to former Valiant, Darren Beckford. Darren’s contributions on the pitch earned him a special place in the hearts of Vale supporters, with his goalscoring exploits ensuring his legacy at Vale Park will live on.
Ahead of kick-off against Accrington Stanley, players, staff and supporters will come together alongside the Beckford family for a minute’s applause to celebrate Darren’s life and remember his contribution to our football club.
Injury News
Jon Brady will be without long-term absentees Ryan Croasdale, Mo Faal and Matty Craig.
Ben Garrity and Ben Waine are still around 2-3 weeks away from being fit; however, Jackson-Smith is expected to be available for the match.
International Duty
The Valiants will also be without Keyrol Figueroa and Liam Gordon, who head out on international duty with Honduras and Guyana, respectively.
We wish both players the very best of luck in their spell away from Vale Park.
Press Conference
Jon Brady and Jaheim Headley were both on press duties this week, speaking to PVTV, BBC Radio Stoke and Moorlands Radio, looking ahead to Saturday’s game.
Both press conferences can be watched in full on PVTV here.
Fixture Flashback
Port Vale 5-1 Accrington Stanley | Saturday 6th November, 2021
A James Wilson hat-trick and goals from Lewis Cass and George Lloyd rounded off a resounding win for the Valiants against Accrington Stanley in the First Round of the Emirates FA Cup back in 2021.
