Northampton Town v Port Vale match preview
It’s the first game of the new season for Darrell Clarke’s side – here’s our preview of the game against Northampton Town.
Match details?
Match details?Northampton Town v Port Vale
Sixfields stadium, Saturday 7th August, 3pm
TICKET & TRAVEL GUIDE FROM PVFC HEREWhat happened last time we played them?
What happened last time we played them?The Valiants travelled to Northampton back in February of 2020 and picked up a valuable three points. The match winner was David Worrall whose 72nd strike settled the match. Earlier in the season it had finished 1-1 at Vale Park with David Amoo on target in the club’s first home fixture of the 2019-20 season.
What’s our overall record?
Northampton are currently leading the Valiants in the overall head-to-head even though Vale are currently unbeaten in their last four games against Northampton. The overall record stands at
- 22 Port Vale wins
- 29 losses
- 21 draws
What’s the Port Vale team news?
What’s the Port Vale team news?It’s too early for defender James Gibbons to be considered for selection and it’s likely to be a similar story for Jake Taylor who picked up a knock in pre-season. However, Vale are likely to begin with a host of debutants including new keeper Lucas Covolan (pictured). The Vale are likely to start with Devante Rodney and James Wilson upfront while Tom Conlon, Tom Pett and Brad Walker are set to make up the midfield three.
The story of the summer…
The story of the summer…Port Vale’s friendly games so far…
What about the opponents?
Back in League Two after their relegation last season, Northampton are managed by Jon Brady in his first Football League managerial role. It’s been a tough start for Brady who has managed just five wins in his first twenty games in charge.
It’s been a busy summer for Brady. Eleven players have departed and eleven have come in. The new boys include goalkeepers Liam Roberts and Jonny Maxted, defenders Jon Guthrie and Sid Nelson, midfielder Paul Lewis and winger Dylan Connelly.
Man in charge: Jon Brady
Man in charge: Jon BradyAge: 46
Appointed: February 2021
Games in charge: 20
Win ratio: 25%
Any Vale connections?
Any Vale connections?here’s no players from either squad who have played for both teams. However, recent Port Vale departees Shaun Brisley and Manny Oyeleke had spells with Town. Brisley had a nine game loan spell back in 2015 and Oyeleke had a loan spell back in 2013.
Vintage Vale Connection
Vintage Vale ConnectionStriker Marc Richards has had lengthy spells with both clubs.
The forward was signed from Barnsley by Martin Foyle, one of his last signings for the club. It turned out to be a good move as Richards totalled 75 goals over a five year spell with the club. He was top-scorer for four consecutive seasons with the club.
After weeks of speculation, Richards left the club in 2012 as he agreed a deal with Chesterfield.
In 2014, Richards joined Northampton for what was his second spell with the club (he had spent two years with Town from 2003 to 2005). He totalled 63 goals from 210 appearances.
Ironically, Richards could also have had a second spell with the Valiants but a deal to re-sign the striker fell through in January 2019.
His current club is St Ives Town.
Potted history
Founded in 1897, the club entered the Football League in 1920. A remarkable period saw the club win three promotions in five years to reach the top-flight for the 1965-66 season. However, after a solitary season, the club were relegated and eventually returned to the Fourth Division in 1969 – setting an English football record of moving from the fourth tier to the first tier and back in only nine years.
Quick stats
- Most appearances: Tommy Fowler (522)
- Most goals: Jack English (143)
- Record buy: £165,000 for Josh Low
- Record sale: £475,000 for Mark Bunn
From the archives…
The Valiants have had Northampton as the opponents as the have celebrated two promotions. Here are pictures from both of the games in 1983 and in 2013…
Were you paying attention?
A quick quiz on the opponents – answers at the bottom of the page…
- In what year did Northampton reach the first division?
- Who is the club’s record purchase?
- Who is the current Northampton Town manager?
- In which year was the club founded?
Quiz answers below:
- 1965
- Josh Low
- Jon Brady
- 1897
Queensberry1
6th August 2021 @ 12:10 pm
Marc Richards is now a coach at Northampton, so he should be in the dug out tomorrow. He retired as a player at the end of last season.