Two minute guide to: Northampton
Our latest match preview includes a brief look at the cod philosophy of Town manager Adie Boothroyd.
Last time we met
The Valiants won 2-1 back in February thanks to goals from Sean Rigg and John McCombe (right). Ade Akinfenwa scored for Northampton,
Overall record
Northampton have won 26 times, Vale have won 19 times and there have been 19 draws.
Man to watch
It goes without saying that Akinfenwa has been a bit of a bogie figure for Vale over the years. During spells with Torquay, Swansea, Gillingham and Northampton he has netted four times against Vale. He has six goals from sixteen appearances this season.
Featured connection
David Artell caused a stir in the summer when he was the only player to reject the revised contracts by the club’s administrators.
To be fair, Northampton had offered a deal that offered security rather than the summer turmoil of Vale’s Keith Ryder takeover collapse. Artell won’t be playing in this game after he was ruled out of action with an Achilles injury.
Connections
Players to appear for both clubs include Marc Richards, Leon Constantine, Harry Benson, Gary Mulligan, Ashley Westwood, Marc Laird, Ian Taylor, Sam Togwell, Des Lyttle, Paul Harsley, Martin Aldridge, Darren Hughes, Jason Beckford, Mickey Bell and Bradley Sandeman.
Team news
Vale will need to make two changes to their defence – a rare move as the back four have generally picked themselves. Adam Yates will step in for the injured Richard Duffy at right-back while Micky Adams will choose from Joe Davis or Gareth Owen (right) to replace the suspended Clayton McDonald.
Northampton have been hit hard by injuries with Chris Hackett (knee), David Artell (Achilles), John Johnson (knee), Ben Harding (ankle) and Luke Guttridge (foot) all either doubtful or ruled out.
Pre-match quotes
“We are pretty much as we were in terms of bodies for Saturday. I’ve never had a situation as bad as this in my managerial career.”
– Adie Boothroyd
“We’ve an injury and suspension in defence and there’s a chance now for the players that have been patient on the bench.”
– Micky Adams
A load of cobblers? The cod philosophy of Adie Boothroyd
Boothroyd is very much a modern manager and very much a fully paid-up subscriber to the David Brent school of motivational speaking. Here are a selection of his pre-match thoughts ahead of the Vale game…
“Anybody can steer a ship through calm waters, there is a little bit of a storm at the minute and we are going through some choppy waters but we have just got to deal with it and get through it.”
“We’ve been hit by a couple of lightning bolts.”
“Every second of every minute of every game is crucial.”