Newcastle Town and Kidsgrove Athletic previews – new-look Valiants take part in back-to-back friendlies

Right, the playing break is over as the Valiants are back on the pitch with two friendly games in two days. Here is our preview…

The Kidsgrove Athletic stadium

It’s a first chance for Vale fans to see Darren Moore’s much changed side with Jayden Stockley, Ryan Croasdale, Ronan Curtis, Lauren Tolaj, Ben Amos and Connor Hall all brought in. You can check out all the summer moves in our dedicated section here

In terms of fixtures, Moore and co have certainly changed things around from last summer. The squad is staying in the UK and have lined up seven fixtures over the summer period – a big change from the handful of games in 2023.

Moore may well split his team over the first two fixtures. However, there’s every chance of seeing the new signings over the two games. Tickets for both fixtures are available from the home clubs.

The opposition

1. Newcastle Town

Newcastle Town manager Neil Baker (left) with John Askey at a Leek Town v Port Vale friendly game

There was a Port Vale related transfer story for Newcastle Town with young goalkeeper Nik Bentham snapped up by Port Vale to join the ranks of the academy. The youngster has been with the club since seven years of age

Meet some of the players

• The skipper is Tommy van der Laan, the son of the Port Vale legend Robin
• In goal is Joe Slinn, a former Port Vale youth teamer
• Vice captain Kyle Stubbs plays in central defence
• Upfront is powerful striker Nathan Berry

Meet the man in charge

Well-known in local non-league football, Neil Baker brings a wealth of experience after spells with Crewe Alex, Leek Town and Macclesfield Town. He was appointed Newcastle boss in December 2023.

2. Kidsgrove Athletic

Action from a previous fixture with Funso Ojo warming up

There was also a Port Vale related story for Kidsgrove over the summer as they snapped up former Valiants defender Ritchie Sutton at the start of the month.

Meet some of the players

• Upfront is Aaron Bott who was top-scorer last season
• Attacking full-back Harry Goode has joined from Romulus
• Midfielder Robbie Hatton came from Stalybridge

Meet the man in charge

Former Kidsgrove player Scott Dundas was appointed this summer. He is a former Chasetown, Norton United and Newcastle Town manager.

Connections

1. Newcastle Town

The club was managed by former Port Vale midfielder Robin van der Laan (pictured) for six years and remains at the club as a director. There have been a host of players to appear for both clubs over the years with a steady succession of released Vale youth teamers moving over to Newcastle. The list includes midfielder Joe Berks, defender Lewis Bergin and Paul Donnelly. There have also been numerous loan moves from Vale Park to Newcastle Town.

2. Kidsgrove Athletic

There’s the afore-mentioned Ritchie Sutton who played 11 times for the Valiants and is set to face them again at the grand old age of 38. Another well-known player is former Valiant Anthony Malbon who spent many years with Kidsgrove after leaving Vale. Like Newcastle, there have also been numerous loan moves.

Last time we met…

Tom Sang: on target last summer

The Vale met both clubs in the summer of 2023. The Valiants ran out 2-0 winners over Kidsgrove thanks to strikes from James Plant and Tom Sang. They managed a goalless draw against Newcastle Town.

Opinion and quiz

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 –

Pre-season games match thread

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

• Who is the current Newcastle Town manager?
• Who is the current Kidsgrove Athletic manager?
• What was the score when Vale last played Kidsgrove?
• What was the score when Vale last played Newcastle?

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Neil Baker
2. Scott Dundas
3. Kidsgrove 0-2 Port Vale
4. Newcastle 0-0 Port Vale