Port Vale summer review: July sees friendly fire and a new kit

We conclude our look back over the summer months by focusing on the month of July…

Transfer news continued to be the dominant story in July which began with reports of three trialists at the club. Vale ended up fielding five trialists in a game against Kidsgrove. Vale won that game thanks to goals from new strikers Richie Bennett and Mark Cullen.

There was a further addition to the squad with the signing of David Amoo who then promptly scored in a friendly win over Leek Town. The goalscoring seemed to please manager John Askey who said the side would be stronger upfront next season. However, in contrast, the Vale boss also insisted that the side’s defending must improve. Askey’s comments on forward power seemed timely as Amoo was on target again as Vale defeated League One Fleetwood in a friendly.

What pleases me most is the fact that the colours used within the new kit are traditional and meaningful to the Port Vale family…

Owner Carol Shanahan on the new Port Vale kit

Shortly after the Valiants unveiled a traditional-looking new kit, it was time for Vale to pit their wits against Premier League Burnley. Tom Pope gave Vale the lead but they were eventually to lose 3-1. Vale also added right-back Callum Evans to their squad.

The final friendly match of the summer would see former midfielder Antony Kay return to Vale Park and the match itself was a disappointment as the Valiants fell to a poor 3-1 home loss. John Askey continued to add to his squad with the signings of Rhys Browne and Jonny Maddison as they prepared for the new League Two season.