Relegation continues to look inevitable for Jon Brady’s side. Here’s our match preview.
Vale viewpoint
Essentials
- Opposition: Reading
- Date: Saturday 21st January 3pm
- Competition: League One
- Viewing guide: not available in the UK, live on PVTV overseas
Talking points
Will the pitch be up for it?
The Vale Park pitch has been subject of some criticism after its state for the Trophy tie for Stockport and the subsequent cancellation of the Bristol City game. Work undertaken in 2023 has “failed” according to the club. Will it be recovered in time for this home match?
Known injury list
Ben Garrity and George Byers remain injury doubts.
Possible Vale line-up (4-4-2)
Gauci – John, Humphreys, C.Hall, Campbell – G.Hall, Croasdale, Ojo, Archer – Stockley, Waine
The pitch in happier days
Opposition briefing
Essentials
- Name: Reading
- Manager: Leam Richardson
- Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Need to know
Meet the manager
46 year-old Leam Richardson was appointed in October and has nine wins from 18 games in charge. He has previously managed Wigan Athletic, Rotherham Utd and Accrington Stanley.
Recent form
Decent. Reading have picked up under Richardson and have three wins from their last four League games.
Last match
A dramatic 3-2 win over Wycombe Wanderers.
Manager Leam Richardson
Opposition history
Essentials
- Most goals: Trevor Senior (109)
- Most appearances: Martin Hicks (603)
- Biggest win: 9-0 versus Exeter City (FLT) 2023
Over the years
Brief History
Reading were formed in 1871. They did not join the Football League until 1920. The club won the 1987–88 Full Members’ Cup being one of only two Second Division clubs to lift the trophy. Since 2006, the side have reached the Premier League on two occasions. In recent years, Reading’s finances have hit the headline under the controversial ownership of Dai Yongge. After a series of protests, Yongge’s tenure ended in May last year when Redwood Holdings took over the club.
Stadia
The fledgling club played at four different grounds before settling at Elm Park, where they played for 102 years until they moved to the 24,000 capacity Madejski Stadium in 1998. Visiting fans are housed in several sections of the South stand.
The Madejski Stadium 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: 24
- Vale losses: 27
- Draws: 14
Previous games
Fixture history
The clubs first met in 1926 when it ended in an honourable 1-1 draw. Vale’s first win came two fixtures later when they on 3-0 at home in 1927. Record scorer Wilf Kirkham was on the target during that fixture.
Once a fairly regular fixture, contrasting fortunes meant the game in 2023 was the first in twenty years It ended in a 1-0 win for the Valiants. The return was more eventful with the original fixture called off as fans protested against the Reading owners. It led to a bit of a love-in between the two clubs after Vale fans joined in the protests. The Reading protest group thanked Vale fans and Reading fans made donations to the John Rudge statue appeal at Vale Park. However, when the game was replayed, Vale lost and went on to be relegated from League One.
Last time we met
It ended in a 1-0 away loss for Vale earlier this season.
The line-ups for a 1951 clash
Jack Stevens – played for both
Played for both
Player connections
Goalkeeper Jack Stevens is likely to be on the bench for Reading. The keeper spent a season on loan at Vale Park. There is anotehr player to appear for both clubs, but he’s not likely to feature. Youth teamer John Clarke was sold to Reading back in 2022. To date, he’s only played three times. Other players over the years to appear for both sides include strapping central defender Bob Hazell, winger Alex Smith, forward Tony Rougier and defender Andre Bikey.
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 Reading manager?
What the score the last time we met?
How many times have Vale beaten Reading?
Which former Vale keeper will be on the Reading bench?
What the score the last time we met?
How many times have Vale beaten Reading?
Which former Vale keeper will be on the Reading bench?
(answers right – no cheating)
Answers
Quiz answers
Leam Richardson
Reading 1-0 Port Vale
24
Jack Stevens
Quiz ratings
Today’s theme is players to appear for both sides.
0/4 – Jack Stevens
1/4 – Andre Bikey
2/4 – Alex Smith
3/4 – Bob Hazell
4/4 – Tony Rougier
Rob, Is Cole really partnering Jayden up front on Saturday?
Nick,
Ah, that’s what happens when you use a template for the match previews. That is amended!
Thanks!