Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Wycombe
It’s Port Vale’s opening home game of the season and here’s our brief guide to the action…
Essentials
Classic clash
Vale fans celebrate as Lee Hughes’ goal helps seals promotion to League One back in 2013.
Match details?
- League Two
- Saturday 12th August, 2017
- Vale Park, Burslem
Team news
What will the Vale look like?
With Gavin Gunning now suspended after his sending-off against Leeds United it looks like new signing Tyler Denton will line-up at left-back. Rob Lainton is also clearly an injury doubt and Sam Hornby (pictured above) could then be in line for his full debut in the Football League. Vale are also expected to make multiple changes with the likes of Tom Pope, Lawrie Wilson, Marcus Harness and possibly Cristian Montano all set to start.
What about the opposition?
Wycombe hope forward Paris Cowan-Hall can shake off a back problem. Cowan-Hall was forced off at half-time in Wycombe’s 2-0 home Carabao Cup defeat to Fulham on Tuesday night. QPR loanee Jack Williams could feature again after impressing in the Fulham loss.
Boss watch
Gareth Ainsworth
The former Port Vale legend has been in charge at Wycombe since 2012. The former winger holds two Port Vale transfer records being both the club’s record purchase and record sale.
Stats and facts
Overall record
- Port Vale wins: 3
- Port Vale losses: 6
- Draws: 5
Last time we…
The last time we played Wycombe at Vale Park the Valiants ran out as 4-1 winners. The game took place in 2012 and Vale’s goalscorers were Ben Williamson, Ashley Vincent and two from a certain Tom Pope.
Connections
Played for both…
Apart from Mr Ainsworth there have been a number of players to appear for both clubs. They include defender Sam Stockley, winger Steve Guppy (pictured above) plus midfielders Billy Knott and Paul Kerr.
Trivia
Frank Adams’ playing field
Wycombe’s stadium is named Adams Park in honour of former captain Frank Adams. Adams bought the former ground Loakes Park for the club and its sale financed the move to the stadium which was then named after him.
A brief history
Founded around 1884, Wycombe entered the Football League in 1993 under the management of Martin O’Neill. In 2001 they reached the semi-final of the FA Cup while Lawrie Sanchez was in charge. They have been in League Two since 2012.
Gareth Ainsworth
“It is a great place and I had a good year there. They played a huge part in my career in making that step up and they were a brilliant stepping stone. We really did upset a few of the big boys and that season was phenomenal and I can’t thank the club and fans there enough…”
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