Two minute guide to: Cheltenham Town
With Vale travelling to Cheltenham on Saturday for their latest League Two fixture, we take a brief look at the club’s next opponents.
Man in charge:
Mark Yates has been in charge at Whaddon Road since 2009. He has managed 157 games, winning 62, losing 57 and drawing 38.
Last time we met:
The two sides last met back in January where Vale suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Town. The visitors scored twice through Alan Bennett and Brian Smikle before Sean Rigg’s consolation for the Valiants.
Overall record:
Cheltenham are in front with five wins to Vale’s three. There have also been four draws. Vale have a poor recent record at Whaddon Road having failed to win on their last four visits.
Featured connection:
Former Vale defender Keith Lowe should line up against his former club on Saturday. The former Wolves stopper joined Vale on a season-long loan in 2007 but with mixed results. Vale ended up relegated and Lowe found himself in and out of the Vale side. Lowe subsequently linked up with Mark Yates at Kidderminster before joining him at Cheltenham. He has now close to 100 appearances for Town.
Other connections:
Vale midfielder Ryan Burge and winger Ashley Vincent will probably face their former club but another former Robin Jennison Myrie-Williams is banned. Other players to appear for both clubs include Chris Banks, Scott Brown, Justin Richards, Daniel Lloyd-Weston, Guy Madjo, Steve Brooker and Micky Bell.
Team news:
Vale will have to replace the suspended Myrie-Williams with Rob Taylor, Chris Shuker or Ryan Lloyd the likely candidates. Ben Williamson may earn a recall at the expense of Calvin Andrew upfront.
Jeff Goulding could return for the home side along with midfielder Marlon Pack.
What they are saying:
“It’ll be strange coming back to play against Cheltenham because when I was younger I used to watch them every week. I know so many people in the town and a lot of my mates are fans. I’m sure my grandad will be in touch to give me some stick before the game too. I really hope Cheltenham do well this season, just not on Saturday.”
– Ryan Burge
“We haven’t got the work into the players we would have liked , but a lot of teams are in a similar situation and we’re not making excuses. Hopefully, we’ll go out there at Cheltenham and put on a performance.”
– Micky Adams