Ahead of Saturday’s trip to the JD Stadium to take on Bury, we have taken a look into the players to watch from the home side.
The Stoke-born frontman joined Bury in the summer and has already shown his predatory instincts finding the net three times for his new club, including a goal in the Shakers’ 3-1 defeat of Sheffield United last Saturday.Having scored 66 goals in 183 appearances for the Valiants, he established himself as a Vale Park hero by netting half of his goal tally in the triumphant 2012-13 promotion season.
Vale fans will not need to be told about the quality that Bury striker Tom Pope offers.
Tom Pope
MAIN MAN TO WATCH
As well as being a big hit with the terraces, the striker was also a big hit in the dressing room at Vale Park.
In addition to his goal-scoring exploits, Pope has also chipped in with two assists so far this season.
In addition to his goal-scoring exploits, Pope has also chipped in with two assists so far this season.
OTHERS TO CONSIDER
There will be no room for sentiment, however, if Vale are to keep the 6ft3 powerhouse quiet and leave the JD Stadium with a positive result.
A player, who has played in League One, prior to his move to the Shakers he also brings vast experience.
The 26-year-old has been an ever-present this season and will pose a dangerous threat to Vale on the left-hand side through his expert link-up play with Danny Mayor.
A modern day left-back who loves to attack, Hussey is joint top of the assists table in Sky Bet League One this season, with three assists to his name.
Chris Hussey
A graduate of the Chelsea academy, Mellis made his one and only appearance for the London giants in the Champions League against MSK Zilina in November 2010 and will also offer Champions League experience for the hosts.
The industrious midfielder is effective in both attacking and defensive positions and will look to set his stamp on the game with his passing ability.
Having signed for Bury in the summer after being released by Blackpool, the midfielder has played a part in every game so far this season.
Jacob Mellis
Although Mayor is 6ft, he is a skilful and tricky winger who is capable of delivering brilliant delivery into the box with both feet and will need to be marshalled closely to reduce his creative ability.
After winning the honour of Sky Bet League Two Player of the Year last season, he has cemented himself as a goal-scoring midfielder, having three goals to his name so far.
The attacking midfielder has started the League One season in the same fashion he finished last season in Bury’s promotion from League Two.
Danny Mayor
There will be no room for sentiment, however, if Vale are to keep the 6ft3 powerhouse quiet and leave the JD Stadium with a positive result.
Leon Clarke
A regular goalscorer wherever he has been, Bury striker Leon Clarke has made a flying start to his Shakers career.
The 30-year-old has netted five times already this season, including a brace against former employers Wigan Athletic in August.
Clarke made the move to Gigg Lane during the summer from Wolves. Previously he had a prolific spell at Coventry City.
He and Tom Pope form one of the most potent strike forces in the league.
A player, who has played in League One, prior to his move to the Shakers he also brings vast experience.
The 26-year-old has been an ever-present this season and will pose a dangerous threat to Vale on the left-hand side through his expert link-up play with Danny Mayor.
A modern day left-back who loves to attack, Hussey is joint top of the assists table in Sky Bet League One this season, with three assists to his name.
Chris Hussey
A graduate of the Chelsea academy, Mellis made his one and only appearance for the London giants in the Champions League against MSK Zilina in November 2010 and will also offer Champions League experience for the hosts.
The industrious midfielder is effective in both attacking and defensive positions and will look to set his stamp on the game with his passing ability.
Having signed for Bury in the summer after being released by Blackpool, the midfielder has played a part in every game so far this season.
Jacob Mellis
Although Mayor is 6ft, he is a skilful and tricky winger who is capable of delivering brilliant delivery into the box with both feet and will need to be marshalled closely to reduce his creative ability.
After winning the honour of Sky Bet League Two Player of the Year last season, he has cemented himself as a goal-scoring midfielder, having three goals to his name so far.
The attacking midfielder has started the League One season in the same fashion he finished last season in Bury’s promotion from League Two.
Danny Mayor