It still seems unlikely that Port Vale can stay in League One but a win over Bradford in midweek would certainly help. Here’s our preview.
Vale viewpoint
Essentials
- Opposition: Bradford City
- Date: Wednesday March 11th, 7:45pm
- Competition: League One
- Viewing guide: Sky Sports in the UK, live on PVTV overseas
Talking points
Injuries bite but will cup upset boost Vale?
There could be a number of faces missing for this clash as Vale’s hectic fixture list starts to bit. Chief among them is Jayden Stockley. However, given the fine performance on Sunday, Vale fans will be hopeful that the team will rise to the occasion regardless of who starts.
Will Chelsea prove a distraction?
One thing Jon Brady will be keen to avoid is the glamour of a tie at Chelsea distracting from the meat and drink of League One football. Survival hopes are slim but could be boosted by a win tonight.
Known injury list
Jayden Stockley is out for several weeks. Cam Humphreys and Martin Sherif are doubts. There is no news on the availability of Ryan Croasdale and Ben Heneghan. George Byers and Ben Garrity remain long-term absences.
Possible Vale line-up (3-4-3)
Gauci – Magloire, John, C.Hall – Gabriel, Walters, Ojo, Gordon – G.Hall, Brown, Waine
Cam Humphreys – a doubt
Opposition briefing
Essentials
- Name: Bradford City
- Manager: Graham Alexander
- Stadium: Valley Parade
Need to know
Meet the manager
54 year-old Graham Alexander has been in charge of Bradford since November 2023, steering them to League One at the end of last season. His previous clubs include Fleetwood Town, Scunthorpe United, Salford City, Motherwell and MK Dons – as he approaches 600 games as a manager. His spell with Bradford has produced 67 wins from 134 games in charge.
Recent form
Somewhat hit and miss. The last five games have seen a sequence of W-L-W-L-W and so if it continues it’s good news for the Valiants.
Last match
A 2-1 home win over Leyton Orient.
Manager Graham Alexander
Opposition history
Essentials
- Record appearance holder: Cecil Podd, 502
- Record goalscorer: Bobby Campbell, 143
- Record win: 11-1 vs Rotherham Utd, 1928
Over the years
Brief History
The club was founded in 1903 and was immediately elected into the Football League. They were promoted into the first division in 1908 and won the FA Cup final in 1911. In 1999 they reached the Premier League where they enjoyed a two year stay.
Stadium
Valley Parade was built in 1886 originally as the home of a rugby club. That club changed codes in 1903 and became Bradford City with Valley Parade as their home ground. It has a current capacity of more than 24,000.
The Valley Parade 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: 36
- Draws: 33
- Vale losses: 45
Previous games
Fixture history
The two sides first met in 1903 when it ended in a comprehensive 5-3 win for the Valiants. The goalscorers were Tom Coxon (2), Adrian Capes, Tom Simpson and an own-goal. The return match was a 1-1 draw, The clubs last met during the 2021-22 with Vale unbeaten during both fixtures.
Last time we met
The Valiants lost 1-0 at Valley Parade back in November. It meant Vale finished the year on a losing note.
Vale lost their last match against Bradford City
Tyler Magloire playing for Vale
Played for both
Player connections
There is one on either side. Recent Vale signing Tyler Magloire spent a spell on trial with Bradford in the summer, while former loanee Will Swann is in the Bradford squad.
Vintage connection
Forward Ron Futcher earned cult status at Vale Park after he joined in 1988 following his signing from Bradford City. Futcher had joined the Bantams for £40,000 in 1987 and scored 23 times in 53 appearances. Rudge infamously gazumped Mansfield Town to Futcher’s signature and the veteran proved the ideal foil to Darren Beckford as the side romped to promotion in 1989. Futch scored 23 times in 69 games and (another Rudge masterstroke) was then sold for a £25,00 profit to Burnley.
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 Bradford City manager?
In what year was the club formed?
What was the score when the two sides last met?
Which Vale defender had a trial at Bradford in the summer?
In what year was the club formed?
What was the score when the two sides last met?
Which Vale defender had a trial at Bradford in the summer?
(answers below – no cheating)
Quiz answers
Graham Alexander
1903
Bradford City 1-0 Port Vale
Tyler Magloire
Quiz ratings
Today’s theme is strikers who played for both clubs. How did you fare?
0/4 – Terry Owen
1/4 – Mark Cullen
2/4 – Kian Harratt
3/4 – Billy Paynter
4/4 – Lee Mills
The next two weeks will go a long way toward deciding Vale’s fate. If we were to survive it would go down as one of the greatest escapades of all time! We just need four teams above us virtually pick up no more points. Then we could be in with a shout