Darrell Clarke: “Port Vale means a hell of a lot. I really love the fanbase”

Clarke had a two year spell with Port Vale, memorably taking the club to an emotional promotion in 2022 despite huge personal tragedy.

Speaking to BRTV ahead of the game Clarke said: “Port Vale means a hell of a lot. I really love the fanbase. I had a challenging time, but a successful time there. We got through the division in the play-offs, and the support I got from a personal loss was amazing. I think the world of the club and the people there, but they also know, and I say this as I’ve come up against them quite a few times, how much I want to win the game as well, because it’s the FA Cup.

“It’s a special competition and I’m looking forward to seeing Darren Moore and the people there, but we’re going there to do business, and we want to try and get ourselves in the third round.”