Barnsley v Port Vale preview – how will revamped Valiants kick off new season?
We preview Port Vale’s first game of the 2023-24 season – it’s a tough start for Andy Crosby’s side (updated preview now with added James Wilson signing content)…
Venue: Oakwell stadium | Date: 5th August 2023, 3pm | Competition: League One
Predict the score
Preamble
So, Andy Crosby prepares to take charge of his first game as permanent Port Vale boss but he’ll have to do it without David Worrall, Tom Pett and not too many forwards either. Nevertheless, it’s been a busy summer at Vale Park with the likes of Connor Ripley, Mitch Clark, Tom Sang and Conor Grant all arriving at Vale Park. It will also be the first game for skipper Nathan Smith, named as Crosby’s new captain in the summer and due reward for the reliable, long-serving defender.
Want to know who’s who?
Check out our position-by-position guide to Port Vale’s summer business:
- Port Vale 23-24 season squad preview – the forwards
- Port Vale 23-24 season squad preview – wingbacks and midfield
- Port Vale 23-24 season squad preview – the defenders
- Port Vale 23-24 season squad preview – the goalkeepers
Pre-match quotes
We have a new group that came together five weeks ago with ten new players. You are trying to do things on and off the pitch to help that competition grow and that togetherness grow and those connections and relationships grow as quickly as they can. The team that starts the new season won’t be the team that’s going to end it. It’s going to have to grow both on and off the pitch and we are starting out on that.
Port Vale manager Andy Crosby
Port Vale haven’t played in a league game just like ourselves, so there’s always the unknown of that. I know Port Vale right now as well as any other opponent that I did in the USL because I’ve done the research, but also my staff have done the research. I’m starting to learn about our team now, and I’m really starting to learn more about the other teams because you’ve got other coaches that are new in their position or they’ve signed new players and that may change how they approach things. A lot of it will be down to us doing the things we do well and then obviously the opponent always comes into that. We need to focus first and foremost on what we try and do.
Barnsley boss Neill Collins
Port Vale team news
Former skipper Tom Conlon is definitely out with a long-term injury but after that it’s then the case of just how many debutants will be fielded by the Valiants. Looking at the line-up that faced Plymouth in the final game of last season – starters Aidan Stone, Mal Benning, Aaron Donnelly, David Worrall, Danny Butterworth and Conlon definitely won’t feature.
Connor Ripley looks a certainty between the sticks while Mitch Clark, Conor Grant and Tom Sang are also very likely to make their debuts. However, things become less clear upfront. Ellis Harrison looks certain to start if fit and youngster James Plant could also feature after a strong end to last season. The recent addition of loan signing Josh Thomas adds some much needed cover upfront.
Edit 04/08/23 15:00: the Valiants will also be boosted by the deal agreed with James Wilson and he will also be in contention for this game. The striker’s signing now mean Vale have THREE (yes, count them) strikers to select from. It’s a far cry from last season when they started the season with just a half-fit Jamie Proctor. Striking riches indeed!
Vale’s one to watch…
It’s been some years since the Valiants could count on a reliable presence between the sticks. That was back in 2021 when veteran Scott Brown was around. However, hopes are high that the significance presence of Connor Ripley will take on the mantle. The former Morecambe man comes to the club on the back of the player of the season award at former club Morecambe.
Opposition team news
It’s also been a busy summer for the home side after their late heartache in the League One play-offs. Unlike the Valiants, Barnsley made early additions to their frontline with the additions of former loanee Max Watters as well as former Chesterfield and Solihull striker Andrew Dallas. They’ve strengthened their defence with the signing of the experienced Corey O’Keeffe from Forest Green while goalkeepers Ben Killip and Liam Roberts (on loan from Middlesbrough) will be aiming to replace the departed Brad Collins.
Barnsley’s one to watch…
Striker Andrew Dallas was rumoured to be a possible Vale target so it will be interesting to see how he fares on Saturday, particularly considering the Vale’s woes in strengthening their frontline. The 24 year-old has been prolific in the National League for the past three years and will be keen to impress on his return to the Football League.
Man in charge
Barnsley lost manager Michael Duff to Swansea over the summer and he has been replaced with Neill Collins, who is in his first role as a Football League head coach. Collins joins after four years in charge of US team Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Familiar faces
Barnsley boss Neill Collins will be familiar to some Vale fans as he had a brief spell on loan with the Valiants. The defender had a seven game loan spell during the 2014-15 season.
Oakwell will be very familiar to Port Vale Director of Football David Flitcroft, who managed the club between 2012 and 2013. He had a 31% win ratio during his time at the club.
Old boys club…
There have been a number of players to appear for both clubs over the years. Defender Lee Collins was sold to the Tykes in 2012 as the Valiants went into administration. Dutch midfielder Robin van der Laan also served both clubs with distinction. There’s also diminutive winger Chris Shuker who had spells with both clubs.
Through the years…
The two sides first met in 1898 when it finished in a 2-0 home win for the Valiants. Interestingly in the first six seasons that the two clubs met it finished all-square in every one with each club winning one fixture. That run finally ended in 1906 when Barnsley did the double. The last visit to Oakwell ended in a 1-1 draw with striker Ellis Harrison on the mark for the Vale.
Last time we met…
Vale’s winless run last season was stretched to seven games as the Valiants lost 3-1 at Vale Park. Defender Nathan Smith was on target for the home side but to avail. It was played in front of 5,663 supporters.
Overall record
47 Port Vale wins | 20 draws | 47 Port Vale losses
From the archive
Taken from our YouTube channel, here’s a full match from the 1990s…
A brief history of…
The club were founded in 1887 and since 1888 they have been based at the Oakwell stadium. They joined the Football League in 1898. They reached the FA Cup final, where they lost out to Newcastle United after a replay. In 1912, they reached the FA Cup final again, and defeated West Bromwich Albion 1–0 once again after a replay. They have also won the Football League Trophy in 2016.
Our traditional quiz…
- Who is the current Barnsley head coach?
- What was the score the last time the two teams met?
- In which year were the club formed?
- Who was the last Port Vale scorer against Barnsley?
Answers below (no cheating)…
Join the debate
Our forum is the place to be to discuss the game. Join the debate before, during and after kick-off and share your thoughts with fellow Vale fans. Just click on the link below:
Quiz answers
- Neill Collins
- Port Vale 1-3 Barnsley
- 1887
- Nathan Smith