Fleetwood v Port Vale preview – after a controversial deadline day, it’s a crucial match for the Valiants
“Where are the strikers?” may have been the calls from the fans but for whatever reason, Vale decided not to strengthen upfront and now everyone must hope they have enough firepower to win what could be a crucial game. Here’s our preview…
PREAMBLE
- Opposition: Fleetwood
- Competition: League One
- Venue: Highbury stadium
- Date: 3rd February, 3pm
So, what words would you use to describe Port Vale’s transfer window business? Now remember this is a family website… Some of the politer terms were embarrassing, shambolic and dreadful with much of the ire directed at Director of Football David Flitcroft. It probably didn’t help that he said at last week’s fans forum that the club were targeting a left wingback and striker and then delivered none. It probably doesn’t help that Vale have had 31 days to bring in a forward and failed.
Anyhow, enough, our article here dissects the deadline day developments.
TEAM NEWS
Line-Up
There are plenty of problems for Andy Crosby to address. Firstly, to return to a common theme – what to do upfront? Uche Ikpeazu is out for up to twelve weeks and no deadline day additions leaves Vale painfully short of options. James Wilson is therefore likely to be paired with Ryan Loft. Then there’s the issue of an inexperienced midfield pairing of Dan Gore and Jenson Weir. Tom Sang, who offers more experience, may come into the equation there.
Vale did add two loanees in Alex Mighten and Kacper Lopata and both are in contention to start. However, if they did it would mean four newbies in the starting line-up (with Gore and Weir having made their debuts last week). Not an ideal situation for what seems to be a massively important game.
Injuries
None of the injured are expected to return for this one. Funso Ojo is closest but according to Andy Crosby he’s still a couple of weeks away.
OPPONENTS
- League position: 24th
- Form: L-L-L-L-D
- Top-scorer: Jack Marriott (5)
- Manager: Charlie Adam
Season so far
It’s been a pretty dreadful season for Fleetwood who are beset with problems both on and off the pitch. They are fourteen games without a win and have already appointed three managers this season.
Last game
Fleetwood ended a losing streak of five games with a point against Wycombe. However, they will be gutted that they let slip a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2.
Man in charge
Former Blackpool, Liverpool and Stoke City midfielder was handed his first managerial position on New Year’s Eve. He’s yet to win after five games in charge.
CONNECTIONS
Current
There are no current players in either squad who have played for both sides.
Former
Over the years there have been several players to appear for both including goalkeeper Chris Neal, strikers Ryan Edmondson, Jamie Proctor and Ellis Harrison.
Looking further back…
Winger Charles Rattray was known as jazz (not because of his penchant for long drum solos and herbal cigarettes but because he used to “jazz about with the ball”). He sounds like our sort of player. He started his career with Blackpool, winning promotion in 1930 before spending the 1937-38 season with Port Vale. After 25 appearances for the Valiants he left for Accrington Stanley before finishing his career with hometown club Fleetwood.
HISTORY
- Port Vale wins: 5
- Draws: 4
- Port Vale losses: 3
Matches
The two sides first met in a competitive fixture in September 2012 when the Valiants recorded a spectacular 5-2 away victory. The last meeting was earlier this season when the Valiants triumphed 3-2 in the League Cup first round.
Brief History
Fleetwood Town was established in 1997 and is the fourth incarnation of the club which was originally formed in 1908. The current incarnation of the club came into existence as Fleetwood Wanderers in 1997 and changed their name to Fleetwood Town in 2002, Under the ownership of Andrew Pilley they won promotion to the Football League in 2012.
Predict the score
And finally
Discuss
Our dedicated match thread on the forum is the place to go to discuss the match before, during and after the action. View the thoughts of fellow fans and add your comments…
Quiz time
- Who is the current Fleetwood manager?
- In what year was the club formed?
- Which promotion winning Port Vale keeper also played for Fleetwood?
- What was the score the last time the two sides met?
Quiz Answers (no cheating)
- Charlie Adam
- 1997 ( in its current incarnation)
- Chris Neal
- Port Vale 3-2 Fleetwood, League Cup
Bob Norbury
6th February 2024 @ 4:21 pm
I am waiting for someone to tell me why Vale signed Ryan Loft – he is supposed to be a striker but strolls around like a lame wing forward. He puts no pressure on the defenders and fails to get any advantage from his height. The Manager has been bringing him on as sub but he has made very little contribution to the game and then lo and behold ! he’s now getting a full game and doing precisely nothing. If I can see this and the other season ticket holders around say the same thing, how is it that Carol and Mr Flitcroft don’t notice and certainly Andy Crosby can’t have noticed ? unless of course they don’t know as much about football as they make out.