EFL Trophy is like a walk down memory lane for John Askey
When the draw was made for the EFL Trophy, the rivals for Port Vale will certainly have brought a wry smile to the face of John Askey. Along with Newcastle’s academy, his current side were drawn alongside two former clubs, Macclesfield Town and Shrewsbury, where past experiences couldn’t be any more contrasting.
Prior to taking the helm at Port Vale in February this year and helping to steer the team away from relegation, Askey had endured a torrid time at Shrewsbury. While ambitions at the New Meadow were lofty, with the club believing they could push for promotion from League One to the Championship, Askey was sacked by November 2018 with the team in 18th position.
After such a frustrating experience at his last club, there’s no doubt that Askey was filled with pride on Tuesday 3rd September when Port Vale beat Shrewsbury 2-1 at Vale Park. Despite going a goal behind following a Kieran Kennedy own-goal, the Valiants drew level from the spot as David Amoo converted successfully, then Jordan Archer scored the winner.
Return to Macclesfield
Scheduled for Tuesday 24th September in the EFL Trophy, Port Vale take on Macclesfield Town away at Moss Rose. The game will no doubt be one that Askey has circled on his calendar, given that he still remains a much-loved figure amongst fans of the Silkmen.
Askey spent almost 20 seasons as a player with Macclesfield, setting the club record for appearances with over 500 outings, helping the team rise from the Northern Premier League to the Football Conference, then eventually to the Football League. Although his first managerial spell at the club was tough, his second opportunity brought much success.
During that second period as head coach between April 2013 and June 2018, Askey learned a great deal as he kept the club afloat in the National League, even amidst huge financial constraints. Such difficulties made finishing first and winning promotion at the end of the 2017-18 campaign, all the sweeter for Macclesfield Town and their boss.
A massive congratulations to boss John Askey after if it was revealed the Silkmen boss will be awarded the Freedom of Macclesfield. https://t.co/hIjB53H2J0 pic.twitter.com/2IAZloznjb
— Macclesfield Town (@thesilkmen) May 22, 2018
Fondly regarded as a club legend at Macclesfield, home fans are sure to give Askey a hero’s welcome when he returns with Port Vale in the upcoming EFL Trophy encounter. Thanks to both teams having won their opening group games, a win for either would guarantee progress to the next round.
For anyone regularly keeping an eye on the latest match odds for Port Vale, you can bet on football at Space Casino by checking their wide selection of betting markets for every match, including live in-play markets when EFL Trophy and League Two games are in progress. If the football results aren’t favourable, there’s also a wide selection of the newest and most popular casino games to play instead.
While a strong campaign in League Two remains the utmost priority for Port Vale during the 2019-20 season, the chance of a good run in the EFL Trophy shouldn’t be ignored.