Two minute guide to: Coventry City
Our brief guide to Port Vale’s next opponents – Coventry City.
City in crisis
After Vale’s recent off-field woes, we sympathise with Coventry City fans. We don’t want to see fans of any club go through what they are experiencing. As a gesture of solidarity OVF has made a small donation to the Coventry City supporters Trust to help their fighting fund. If you’d like to do the same, please go to the link below. In addition, there is an update on Coventry’s dire circumstances courtesy of the ever-excellent Two Hundred Percent:
Vale
Manager: Micky Adams
Last game: 0-2 vs Leyton Orient
Form: L-W-L-L-L
Top scorer: Pope (14)
Coventry
Manager: Steven Pressley
Last game: 2-4 vs Gillingham
Form: L-L-W-D-L
Top scorer: Wilson (18)
Team news
Billy Knott is pushing for a Vale recall after a good showing after coming on as a substitute against Leyton Orient. Loanee Jack Grimmer also comes into contention after being rested following International duty. The Vale otherwise put on a good show against the O’s and we don’t expect to see too many changes.
Coventry defender Dan Seabourne is suspended after his sending off in the defeat to Gillingham.
Possible Vale starting XI:
Neal
Grimmer Robertson Duffy Dickinson
Myrie-Williams Knott Loft Birchall
Williamson Pope
Pre-match quotes
Adams: wants Coventry to play in Coventry
“I have been on record in saying that Coventry City shouldn’t be playing at Northampton. The fans have made their feelings known by staying away. It will be a bit of a strange atmosphere and it will be strange playing Coventry there. I would really have loved to have gone to the Ricoh, I had some good memories there. It is a game we must approach in a professional manner and get on with it whatever the gate.”
– Micky Adams
“Coventry lost at Gillingham on Tuesday night, but the way they have responded to administration and the points deduction this year has been fantastic and they are another club that is doing ever so well. I don’t think people give them the credit they deserve, but it is going to be a tough game against Coventry on Sunday.”
– Adam Yates
History
Chris Birchall: netted late winner
Last time we met
Former Coventry player Chris Birchall netted the winner as the Vale came from behind to win a dramatic game 3-2 at Vale Park.
Overall record
- Vale wins: 10
- Coventry wins: 7
- Draws: 8
Did you know?
The Valiants last won at Coventry (albeit this game is in Northampton) back in 1963. However, despite the long gap, Vale’s away record against the Sky Blues is very impressive. Vale are unbeaten in their last five away games and last lost back in 1959.
Connections
Dickinson: set to face former club
Carl Dickinson, Richard Duffy and Chris Birchall are all in line to face their former club after being named in the starting line-up on Tuesday.
More connections
For our look at some other players to appear for both sides why not read our “Connections” feature?
Opposing views
Read the views of a Coventry City fan ahead of the game
“We lost Leon Clarke in January and haven’t looked forward since…”