Two minute guide to: Rotherham
Vale take on promotion favourites Rotherham United on Saturday and here’s our two minute guide to the opposition.
The man in charge
It’s fair to say that, over the years, OVF has not been a big fan of Steve Evans. For those with short memories, it’s worth reminding you of Evan’s ‘acheivements’ which include:
- Admitting cheating the taxman of £250,000 in court
- Successfully prosecuted for tax evasion
- Narrowly avoiding being the first Football League manager to be jailed
- Fined £8,000 for impeding an FA inquiry
- Fined £1,000 for insulting a match official
It’s no wonder that the last time we ‘welcomed’ Mr Evans to Burslem, Micky Adams came up with the memorable tongue-in-cheek quote: “I’m really honoured in the opposite dugout with a great person, great manager, someone who’s done it all in the game. I can’t believe my luck at times to be in the opposition dugout with such a great bloke.”
Man to watch?
25 year-old Ben Pringle has been in prolific form so far this season. The former Derby man has scored three goals in five games this campaign.
Last time we met?
The Vale defeated Rotherham at the Don Valley stadium back in January thanks to a 57th minute Marc Richards’ penalty.
Overall record
It’s a close-run thing. Rotherham have 23 wins, Vale have 22 wins and there have been 12 draws.
Featured connection?
Exodus Geoghaghan was in the news this week after re-signing for Mansfield Town. Geoghaghan, probably one of the most maligned players to appear for the Vale, is somewhat ironically taking former Vale player of the year George Pilkington’s place in the Town defence. Mansfield also have former Valiants Jake Speight, Louis Briscoe, Gary Roberts and Ritchie Sutton in their ranks.
Geoghaghan also had a spell with Rotherham before joining Vale. The lanky defender made 16 appearances on loan in 2010.
Other connections
Tom Pope (pictured) will be facing his former team. Pope had a wretched time with United after joining for £150,000 from Crewe. After two goals already this season, he’s in form to show them what they are missing. Other players to appear for both sides include Gary Roberts, Exodus Geoghaghan, Micky Cummins, Stewart Talbot, Alan Lee, Jeff Minton, Lee Glover, Steve Cherry and Bradley Sandeman.
Team news
Vale could name another unchanged starting eleven – the first time this has happened since 1992. After only five subs were allowed for the JPT win over Tranmere, Sam Johnson and Joe Davis could make the bench.
Rotherham have problems at right-back – man in possession Mark Bradley is injured and replacements Nicky Hunt and Dale Tong are both short of match practice. New signing Craig Morgan could come in at centre-half and John Mullins move across to right-back.
Pre-match quotes
“In terms of team selection we have decided to go with the boys that have been playing well as a unit. We have got competition for places with boys on the sidelines itching for an opportunity, but we have been justified in our decisions.”
– Micky Adams
“Off the pitch it’s carnage at Port Vale and I feel sorry for Micky Adams. They’ve got a good team though and I think Ashley Vincent and Tom Pope are excellent strikers and they’re a handful for any defence.”
– Steve Evans
Trivia
The Chuckle Brothers were named as honorary life club presidents by former chairman Dennis Coleman. The brothers are lifelong supporters and maintain their close support of the football club attending games whenever possible and conducting the club’s half time draw.