Port Vale v Luton Town preview – all eyes on Valiants line-up for first home friendly

After many of the team’s new signings missed the defeat at Burton at the weekend, there will be renewed interest in the starting line-up for the first home friendly of the summer.

Regardless of the line-up, the 2-0 defeat to Burton on Saturday was still a disappointing result. The Valiants were missing several key players for that clash including Nathan Smith, Ben Heneghan, Jayden Stockley, George Byers and Mitch Clark. Whether any of them will play (or be risked) in this game will be of much interest. After all, while the club don’t want players to aggravate injuries, they are running out of friendlies and the likes of Byers are yet to feature in a Vale shirt.

It’s possible that in light of these knocks, Vale will look to strengthen their side. So, before the main match there will be a “behind closed doors” friendly where the club’s trialists, including full-back Kyle John, will get a chance to impress.

The opposition

Man in charge

Rob Edwards started his managerial career at Forest Green Rovers and took them to promotion to League One before jumping ships to join Watford. His spell at Vicarage Road was not a happy one but after his dismissal, he revived his career at Luton Town. Edwards guided the club to the Premier League via the play-offs and almost managed to keep the rank outsiders up last season. They were sadly relegated towards the end of the season after an entertaining top-flight season.

Team

We have little idea which Luton players will feature as the club has promised an eleven containing a mixture of first-team and junior players.

Summer signings

It’s been a relatively quiet summer for the visitors. Manager Rob Edwards said the side didn’t have to sell anyone following relegation so disruption has been fairly minimal. There have been a number of departures including Ross Barkley (Aston Villa), Luke Berry (Charlton Athletic), Ryan Gilks (Hull City) and Gabriel Osho (Auxerre). Town have also signed midfielder Shandon Baptiste from Brentford.

Connections

Current connection

Summer signing Jayden Stockley had a loan spell with Luton Town earlier in his career. The forward played thirteen games in the 2013-14 season scoring three times in the process.

Vintage connections

Over the years there have been a number of players to feature for both clubs. The list includes defender George Pilkington, forward Mark Cullen and striker Calvin Andrew.

Probably the most well-known connection between the two sides is Valiants legend Brian Horton who played for both sides with distinction and also had a successful spell as Vale manager.

History

Last time we met

The last competitive fixture was a good one for the Valiants. A Ben Whitfield inspired display saw Vale triumph 4-0 at home back in 2017. The Vale goalscorers that day were an own-goal, two for Tom Pope and another for man of the match Whitfield.

First time we met

The two clubs first met way back in 1898 in a Division Two fixture. The first match finished in a 1-0 Vale away win while the return game ended in a 4-1 win for the Valiants. Richard “Jammer” Evans was the scorer of the first Vale goal against Luton.

Brief history

Luton Town was formed on 11 April 1885. At the time Luton contained several clubs and the new “Town” combined all the best players in one side. It worked as the club entered the Football League in 1897. A spell in non-league followed before the club returned to the League in 1920. During the early 1950s, one of Luton’s greatest sides emerged under manager Dally Duncan. It culminated with promotion to the top-flight and an FA Cup final appearance. The club returned to the top tier under David Pleat in the early 80’s and won the League Cup. The club then declined and left the League in 2010, returning in 2014. The team then dramatically rose through the division to reach the top-flight again in 2023 before being relegated at the end of last season.

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

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Rob Edwards
2. Jayden Stockley
3. Port Vale 4-0 Luton Town
4. 1885