Two minute guide to: Dagenham
A look ahead to our next opponents Dagenham and perhaps a landmark game for the Vale’s Rob Taylor?
Collection news
There will be a collection for Help for Heroes before the match. For more details click on this link – https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/content/ovf-port-vale-fc-unite-salute-valiant-duo/
Man in charge?
John Still is in his second spell in charge of the club. Following a brief two year spell from 1992 to 1994, Still’s second spell has stretched from 2004 to present. He guided the club into the Football League during his third season in charge and has now managed the club for over 420 games.
Man to watch?
Dwight Gayle signed for the Daggers from non-league side Stansted. He was sent out on loan in 2001 and netted an impressive 42 goals for non-league outfit Bishop’s Stortford. He signed a professional contract in the summer and has already been on the scoresheet three times this season.
Last time we met?
The Valiants lost at home back in March thanks to a strike from midfielder Micky Spillane.
Overall record?
The teams have met six times and it is all-square. Dagenham have won two, Vale have won two and there have been two draws.
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 bizarrely 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 and he is now one of the growing clan of former Valiants at Mansfield Town.
Other connections
Doug Loft (right) spent a spell on loan with the Daggers back in 2009, while former Vale loanee Damien McCrory played for Dagenham from 2010 to 2012.
Team news
After making his first chances for nine games, Micky Adams is likely to stick with the side that defeated Bradford City. It means Rob Taylor and Ryan Burge are likely to start their first home league games of the season.
Dagenham could also be unchanged after recording their first win of the season on Saturday.
Pre-match quote
“It doesn’t matter if you are playing Dagenham and Redbridge or Manchester United, you have to go out and set your stall and do everything right. Dagenham won on Saturday so they will be on a high. They will be coming to get at us so we have got to stand up to that test and hopefully get the three points.”
– Clayton McDonald
In numbers
If Rob Taylor (right) starts the game, it will be his 100th start for the Valiants. Taylor has also made 49 sub appearances.
Midfielder Ryan Burge is on course to make his full home league debut for the Valiants.
Trivia
Older Vale fans may be interested to know that Dagenham boast a player called “Billy Bingham” in their ranks. The younger Bingham was signed after his release from Crystal Palace.
Vale signed his more famous namesake (right) for a club record £15,000 back in 1963 but the Northern Ireland’s career was sadly brought to an end after he broke his leg in a game against Brentford in 1964.