Salford City v Port Vale preview – how will new-look Valiants start the new season?

Our first match preview of the new season includes team news, fixture details, a little bit of history and (of course) our traditional match preview quiz…

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The Vale perspective

Form

It’s not been the best warm-up in terms of friendly results but then again manager Darren Moore did point out that the Valiants had deliberately selected a tough list of fixtures. That proved to be in the case in the last game when Vale were outclassed at home by Bolton Wanderers, losing 3-0.

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Fitness

A number of players have been missing the friendlies as Vale take no chances with knocks. Mitch Clark and Conor Grant are definitely out while there must be doubts about the participation of George Byers, Jayden Stockley (pictured), Nathan Smith and Ethan Chislett. Chislett’s craft will be especially missed if the creative midfielder does miss out.

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Team selection

It’s a tricky one as no position has a guaranteed starter after Vale’s summer activity. The four certain starters, if fit, would appear to be captain Ben Garrity, Ronan Curtis, Connor Hall (pictured) and Sam Hart who have all featured heavily in the friendly campaign. Connor Ripley looks to be favourite to start in goal while, in the absence of Nathan Smith, Ben Heneghan may well partner Hall at the back. Upfront, Ruari Paton is probably favourite to start if Jayden Stockley is out although Lorent Tolaj is another option. Right-back is a bit of an issue after an apparent long-term  injury to Mitch Clark with Tom Sang probably edging out youngster Ben Lomax.

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Viewing guide

As there’s a new TV deal in place it’s worth a mention for those fans who can’t make the game. UK viewers will be able to see the game on Sky+ (available as a day pass on Now TV for those without a Sky subscription). The 3pm blackout doesn’t apply for this fixture as the Premier League are not in action. Viewers abroad need to obtain a pass from the club’s new PVTV service.

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Pub guide

We’ve received a message from the The Star Inn where Vale fans are more than welcome to call in for a friendly pint or two pre or post match! It’s a customer owned (community) pub. There’s lots of covered and comfortable outdoor space and parking is easy in surrounding streets. They always have two real ales on and the usual selection of lagers, stouts and alcohol free! If you are a coach party please let them know and they will put extra bar staff on! Directions, photos, questions and more on their Facebook Page

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The opposition

Man in charge

43 year-old Karl Robinson is now in charge of his fourth club. He began his managerial career at MK Dons, where he won promotion and then had spells with Charlton Athletic and Oxford United. He was appointed Salford boss in January and he has a 33% win ratio from 21 games.

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Form

A promising pre-season which saw an eyebrow raising win over Everton ended in disappointing fashion with a 5-2 defeat to National League Rochdale. Salford are not among the bookies favourites to go up this season but are expected to be there or thereabouts in the play-off spots.

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Summer signings

One-time Vale target Cole Stockton was an early signing for Salford. Now 30 years of age, Stockton was brought in from Burton Albion. He was swiftly joined by another experienced face in 35 year-old defender James Chester. Stockton is expected to fill the shoes of prolific forward Matt Smith who left the club at the end of last season.

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Pre-match quotes

“I’m just really looking forward to the game. All the players want to play that’s a lovely headache to have. They’re competing against each other which is what we want.”

Port Vale manager Darren Moore on the competition in the squad.

“I think it (the away support) is fantastic and a big thank you to the Vale fans. We’re sold our full allocation – fantastic, just fantastic.”

Moore on the Port Vale away following

“We’re ready to go now. I think we’ve got so many options in so many areas. There’s a lot of competition at the moment.”

Midfielder Ben Garrity on the strength of the Vale squad

“What a great game next week. Port Vale at home. Against the favourites to get out of the League. Can’t wait.”

Salford City manager Karl Robinson on the game

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Connections

Current connections

Vale’s summer signing Lorent Tolaj spent a loan spell with Salford back in 2012. The striker made seventeen appearances scoring a single goal. Defender Dan Jones is another Vale player with Salford connections. The defender spent two years with Salford but only made six appearances after being loaned out on two occasions. Finally, veteran midfielder Jason Lowe was snapped up last summer after being released by Salford.

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Vintage connections

Over the years there have been a number of players to feature for both clubs. The list includes goalkeeper Chris Neal, forward Devante Rodney, defender Theo Vassell and midfielder Danny Whitehead.

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Featured connection

Striker James Wilson was released by the Valiants at the end of last season. A talented frontman when fit, Wilson hit top form at the tail end of the 2021-22 season and his goals helped inspire Vale to promotion to League One. He was affected by injuries in subsequent seasons and is now on Northampton Town’s books. Prior to his Vale spell he made 35 appearances for Salford, scoring ten times.

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History

Last time we met

The two sides last met in the Football League Trophy knock-out stages during the 2022-23 season when it ended in a 1-0 win for Salford. The last League meeting was in April 2022 when a solitary Harry Charsley strike won the game for the Valiants.

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Memorable meetings

The two clubs first met in 2019 when it finished in a honourable 1-1 draw with Richie Bennett the scorer of Vale’s first goal against Salford. It wasn’t until the fourth meeting that Vale recorded their first win – a 1-0 victory in 2020 thanks to a Cristian Montano winner. Vale did the double over Salford in the 2020-21 season, winning both fixtures 1-0.

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Brief history

The club was founded as Salford Central Mission in 1940 and changed its name to Salford Central in 1947. The club’s nickname, “The Ammies”, stems from their name from the early 1960s to the early 1970s, Salford Amateurs. They changed their name again in 1989 to Salford City. The club won promotion to the English Football League after winning the 2019 National League play-off final, under the stewardship of Graham Alexander.

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Opinion and quiz

Discuss the game

Want to discuss things before, during and after the game? Our forum’s dedicated match thread is the place to be. Share your views with fellow fans…

Salford City v Port Vale match thread

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Predict the score

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Quiz

Have you been paying attention? Here’s our traditional preview quiz

(answers below – no cheating)

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Quiz answers

1. Karl Robinson
2. Lorent Tolaj
3. Salford City 1-0 Port Vale
4. Richie Bennett

The tough one: 5,108

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How do you think the match will go for the Valiants? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.