Two minute guide to: Rotherham United
Port Vale travel to Rotherham United on Boxing Day and here’s our two minute guide to the opposition.
The man in charge
OVF is NOT a big fan of Steve Evans. For those with short memories, it’s worth reminding you of Evans’ career which includes the following:
- 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
And no review of Evans is complete without Micky Adams memorable tongue-in-cheek quote from last season: “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.”
Last time we met?
Vale chalked up a remarkable 6-2 home win thanks to Tom Pope scoring four goals against his former club. The other Vale goals came from Louis Dodds and Ashley Vincent.
Overall record
It’s dead level. Rotherham have 23 wins, Vale have 23 wins and there have been 12 draws.
Featured connection?
Exodus Geoghaghan, probably one of the most maligned players to appear for the Vale, had a spell with Rotherham before joining Vale. The lanky defender made 16 appearances on loan in 2010.
Other connections
Tom Pope will be face his former team. 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 (right).
Team news
Louis Dodds is expected to continue up front for Vale. Jennison Myrie-Williams could replace Rob Taylor after serving a suspension.
Rotherham skipper Ian Sharps and left-back Liam Ridehalgh are expected to return but Craig Morgan and Lionel Ainsworth are both injured.
Pre-match quote
“As a game it is not the be-all and end-all of the season if we lose or win because there are still an awful lot of games to go. But it will be a big game, no doubt about it.
– Mark Grew
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.