The focus may be on the new man in charge but the Valiants also need to get past opponents Fleetwood Town in what is sure to be a keenly contested third round game. Here’s our preview.
Vale viewpoint
Essentials
- Opposition: Fleetwood
- Date: Friday January 9th, 7.30pm
- Competition: FA Cup third round
- Viewing guide: Discovery+ in the UK
Talking points
All eyes on Brady
So, it’s official. Jon Brady is the successor to Darren Moore. He will be in the dugout on Friday evening and clearly a lot of attention will be on his team selection and tactics.
Cup rotation or same again?
While there was regular team rotation in the cup under Darren Moore, perhaps that will change. After all, the next match (in the Football League Trophy) may give ‘fringe’ players a chance of gametime. However, with much at stake (a place in the fourth round could be lucrative) it would make sense to play the strongest starting eleven in this game.
More creativity?
If there are changes then they could come in the form of George Hall and Ronan Curtis. Both gave Vale a greater cutting edge. With opponents Fleetwood being a division lower, will Vale resort to a back four and play the duo from the start?
Known injury list
Funso Ojo, Ben Garrity, Jordan Gabriel and Liam Gordon are all long-term injured.
Possible Vale line-up (4-4-2)
Amos – Clark, Heneghan, Humphreys, Johnson – G.Hall, Croasdale, Byers, Curtis – Stockley, Cole
Jon Brady – first match in charge
Opposition briefing
Essentials
- Name: Fleetwood
- Manager: Pete Wild
- Stadium: Highbury stadium
Need to know
Meet the manager
41 year-old Pete Wild took over at Fleetwood in December 2024. Formerly in charge at Oldham Athletic, FC Halifax Town and Barrow, Wild has managed over three hundred games. He has been in charge of Town for 45 games, winning 17 of them.
Recent form
Patchy. Fleetwood are in thirteenth place in League Two but without a win in their last three games.
Last match
A 1-0 loss to Tranmere Rovers.
Manager Pete Wild
Opposition history
Essentials
- Record appearance holder: Nathan Pond, 498
- Record goalscorer: Dave Barnes, 101
- Record win: 13-0 vs Oldham Town, 1998
Over the years
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.
Stadium
The Highbury stadium has been in use since 1939. As well as football, it has also hosted the Fleetwood Flyers speedway team. The distinctive main stand was opened in 2011.
Trivia
When a new West Stand was built, builders had to clear about 5,000 tonnes of cinder and ash still left over from the speedway track.
The Highbury stadium
Archive
This site is thirty years old and has thousands of posts. Here are a couple to feature the opposition.
Head-to-head
How it stands
- Vale wins: 35
- Draws: 11
- Vale losses: 33
Previous games
Fixture history
The two clubs first met in 2012 when it ended in a memorable 5-2 win for the Valiants. More on that above. However, the Vale lost the return match 0-2 at Vale Park. In addition to their League meetings, the clubs have met once in the League Cup with it ending in a 3-2 win for Vale. Ethan Chislett scored the winner. They have also met once in the Trophy (more on that below)
Last time we met
It ended in an entertaining 3-3 draw in the Football League Trophy group stages earlier this season. Fleetwood won the penalty shootout 4-2.
Shootout drama albeit in front of empty stands in the Trophy
Jayden Stockley in action for Fleetwood
Played for both
Player connections
There are a couple of current connections with Port Vale strikers Jayden Stockley and Devante Cole both having played for the opponents. In recent years the likes of Danny Butterworth, Brandon Cover and Kian Harratt have played for both sides.
Vintage connection
Chris Neal served both sides with distinction. The keeper is best remembered at Vale Park for his role in the 2012-13 promotion side. Seen as the best Vale goalkeeper since Mark Goodlad, he made 143 appearances. He spent a two year spell at Fleetwood where he made 36 appearances. He is currently the goalkeeping coach at AFC Fylde.
Predict the score
Have your say
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
Join the debate:
The Vale Park stadium
Test your knowledge
Have you been paying attention? Here’s our traditional preview quiz
Who is the current Fleetwood manager?
In what year was the club formed?
What was the score the last time the two sides met?
Which two current Vale players have had spells with Fleetwood?
In what year was the club formed?
What was the score the last time the two sides met?
Which two current Vale players have had spells with Fleetwood?
(answers below – no cheating)
Answers
Quiz answers
Pete Wild
1997
Port Vale 3-3 Fleetwood Town (FLT)
Jayden Stockley and Devante Cole
Quiz ratings
0/4 – Enfield 1981
1/4 – Chasetown 2007
2/4 – Bristol Rovers 2025
3/4 – Spurs 1988
4/4 – Everton 1996
Theme – Vale FA Cup performances
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