The newly promoted Valiants start the League One season with a trip to Rotherham United this Saturday.
Following a second place finish last time out, the Vale secured promotion to Sky Bet League One.
Vale come into the first game of the season off the back of a packed pre-season. To begin with, the Vale played local friendlies against Kidsgrove Athletic and Newcastle Town.
The team then travelled to a pre-season camp Wales, which culminated in a 5-1 victory against Bath City. Following a number of behind-closed-doors friendlies, Vale hosted Championship side, Birmingham City, and then travelled to Altrincham in our final game of pre-season.
Press Conference Takeaways
George Byers speaking about the excitement of opening day and League One:
“Yes of course (it’s exciting), pre-season has been long and tough, but I can’t wait to get going”
“Physically it’s similar to League Two, but the quality is better. Every game will be different, but it’s exciting”
“We have to embrace it as players and strive to be the best. There are big teams coming down from the championship, but why can’t we beat them?”
The Gaffer previewed the upcoming season and the importance of the fans:
“I’m excited for the first game, to be able to showcase the work that was put in last season for the club, players and travelling support”
“The season isn’t just one game, it’s over many games and months and we have to be prepared and we’re definitely looking forward to the season ahead”
“The fans are determined because they follow us. They continue to be resilient and show their support, even if we’re not doing too well. The following at Altrincham was incredible”
About Rotherham
The Millers play their home games at the ASSEAL New York Stadium, which has a capacity of just over 12,000 and is located around 54 miles away from Vale Park.
Following their relegation to League One in 2024, Rotherham finished 13th last season winning 11 of their 23 home games.
The opposition have made nine signings during the summer window, one of which being former Valiant, Dan Gore, on a season-long loan.
The Opposition Dugout
The man in the hot seat at Rotherham is Matt Hamshaw, who took over towards the end of last season following the sacking of Steve Evans.
Since his appointment in April, Hamshaw managed 8 games. During this time he guided the side to 4 wins. 2 draws and 2 defeats.
Hamshaw had a fourteen year playing career between 1998 and 2012, playing for clubs up and down the English football pyramid. Following his playing career, he spent time working with the Rotherham Youth system, before becoming the Assistant Manager to Paul Warne in 2016. After a three year spell with Derby County, Hamshaw returned to Rotherham as Caretaker Manager in March and was appointed Manager on a permanent basis in April this year.
Players to Watch
Rotherham’s top scorer last season was Sam Nombe, who netted 14 times in 43 appearances. In what was seen as a disappointing season Sam had a consistent season for The Millers and will be looking to guide his side further up the league this season.
Midfielder Joe Powell played every league game for his side last season, contributing to nine goals throughout the campaign.
Fixture Throwback
Rotherham 1-2 Port Vale, Wednesday December 26th 2012
The last time Vale beat Rotherham away from home was back in the 2011/12 season, a season which saw the Valiants gain promotion from League Two.
The Vale took the lead in the 56th minute when Louis Dodds curled a low effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards out.
Tom Pope doubled the advantage seven minutes later when he delicately lifted the ball over the goalkeeper sending the Vale fans behind the goal into bedlam.
The hosts grabbed a goal back in the 83rd minute through Kieran Agard, but the Valiants held on to take all three points back to Burslem.
The Officials
Jacob Miles has been appointed as the referee for Saturday's opening day clash. He will be assisted by Bradley Hall and Wayne Grunnill, with Paul Cooper as the fourth official.
Miles is predominantly a League One and League Two referee and officiated Vale’s last game of the previous season against Gillingham.
