Two minute guide to: York City
We take a look ahead to Saturday’s game with a brief preview of our next opponents – Nigel Worthington’s York City side.
The man in charge
It will be the third game in charge for new York boss Nigel Worthington. The former Northern Ireland International manager replaced Gary Mills just last week. His first game was a defeat against AFC Wimbledon while he drew his second game against Rochdale. No doubt he will be aiming for a win to complete a clean sweep of possible results from his first three games.
Last time we met
A late Jamie Reed goal earned City a point at Vale Park back in November. Vale were leading 2-0 at the break through goals from Ryan Burge (right) and Jennison Myrie-Williams (penalty). But York got one back through Alex Rodman on 67 minutes and Reed’s 89th minute strike made it all-square.
Overall record
The Valiants are just ahead with 19 wins to York’s 17. There have been 12 draws. Vale’s last win at York was back in 1988 when the Valiants triumphed 3-2.
Featured connection
Gary Ford (right) was purchased (with part of the proceeds from the sale of Andy Jones) by John Rudge in 1987 for a £35,000 fee from Leicester. He played a key part in Vale’s excellent start to their promotion season of 1988/89 but tore a ligament in November and sat out most of the rest of the promotion campaign, going to Walsall on loan in March. He was a regular in Vale’s return to the second division before he moved to Mansfield in 1991 for £80,000 (Rudge once again showing his transfer acumen with a profit of £45,000). In total he made 91 appearances, scoring 13 goals. Ford began his career at York City in 1979 making over 350 league appearances before a £25,000 move to Leicester.
Other connections
Former Vale keeper Paul Musselwhite is on the playing books at York but is unlikely to feature on Saturday. Other players to appear for both sides include Simon Mills (right), Jon McCarthy, Scott Brown, Leon Constantine, Christian Smith, Lewis McMahon, Alex Mathie, Peter Swan and Neville Southall. Vale playing legend Martin Foyle has also managed both sides.
Team news
Well, once again it promises to be interesting for the Vale. Midfielders Doug Loft and Sam Morsy are both suspended so Ryan Burge, fresh from the “Burge-gate” Twitter controversy could start the game. Ashely Vincent, Darren Purse and Daniel Jones are all set to miss the game which could mean that Chris Birchall and Adam Yates keep their places.
Talking to the Sentinel on Friday, Adams was cagey about whether he will keep the 5-3-2 formation he adopted on Tuesday evening.
York have signed Ipswich Town’s Northern Ireland international Josh Carson on loan and the 19 year-old could make his debut against the Valiants. City will be without David McGurk (calf), Lanre Oyebanjo (calf), Michael Coulson (cruciate knee ligament) and Jon Challinor (broken leg) for tomorrow’s match
Pre-match quotes
“We’re going through one of those periods of form that hit many teams. But we have enough character in the dressing room to get ourselves out of the mess we’re in.”
– Micky Adams