Two minute guide to: Dagenham
OVF previews the latest opponents for Micky Adams’ men. This time it’s the turn of Dagenham and Redbridge to be profiled in our lightning quick two minute guide.
We’ll look at the lengthy Vale injury list, who’s stating the bleeding obvious before the match and a featured connection who is bound to be controversial…
How are they doing:
This season has not been a happy one so far. The Daggers find themselves fourth-bottom and in a battle to stay up. However, their recent form is not too bad with the Daggers undefeated in three games.
Who’s in charge:
We have a lot of time for John Still who has worked wonders on a limited budget. He’s been in charge for 409 games, winning 155, losing 165 and drawing 89.
Last time we met:
Vale won 2-1 in December thanks to goals from Stevenage loanees Jennison Myrie-Williams and Guy Madjo.
Overall record:
The two sides have met five times with Vale winning twice, Dagenham once and there have been two draws.
Man to watch:
Keep an eye out for former England youth player Medy Elito who has notched four goals in 13 starts. The left-sided midfielder started his career at Colchester and signed a two-year deal with Dagenham in the summer.
Featured connection:
It’s fair to say that Exodus Geohaghan (pictured) will not be topping any Vale popularity polls any time soon.One of Jim Gannon’s first signings, the towering defender was employed in a defensive midfield role by Gannon – a position to which Exodus was unsuited and which other players in the squad could have fulfilled to better effect.
Geohaghan’s brief spell at Vale ended in controversial circumstances after a clash with fans at Accrington. It was an incident that the player claimed was racially motivated but neither club nor fans were ever charged with any such behaviour.
Geohaghan was briefly with the Daggers this season but has now left to join the growing clan of former Valiants at Mansfield Town.
Played for both clubs:
The only other player to appear for both teams is (according to OVF’s research) Damien McCrory.
Team news:
Both sides are struggling for numbers. Chris Shuker (hamstring), Gareth Owen (knee) and Rob Taylor (Achilles) will be missing but Sean Rigg could be fit to return.
John McCombe and Paul Marshall are suffering from illness but should be fit to return. Joe Davis will serve his suspension after his sending-off against Torquay but Clayton McDonald will return after suspension.
Dagenham striker Sam Williams is struggling with a knee injury and in midfield Kevin Maher (broken metatarsal), Matt Saunders (ankle), Luke Howell (bruised calf) and Peter Gain (knee) are all sidelined.
“Stating the bleeding obvious” pre-match quote:
“John Still’s teams are generally very competitive with some experienced players and a sprinkling of promising youngsters.” – Micky Adams
Factfile:
Marc Richards scored the Vale’s first competitive goal against the Daggers. The first league fixture took place in 2008. Paul Benson (now Swindon) gave Dagenham the lead aftger just five minutes but Richards equalised two minutes later. Sam Stockley was later sent-off but Vale held on to draw 1-1.