Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Exeter

It’s a crucial game on Tuesday evening as Vale look to secure their first win of 2018…

News

Match background

A hugely disappointing 2018 got considerably worse when Vale were handed a thrashing by Cheltenham Town on Saturday.

Fans are demanding answers from owner Norman Smurthwaite who promised to do “whatever it takes” in the January window but in many fans’ eyes has not backed the manager. But ultimately the players on the pitch have to do the job for Vale in order to stay up…

What will the Vale look like?

There will be changes to the Vale team not least because Antony Kay (right) is suspended and the impressive Luke Hannant is a major doubt. It could mean that the likes of Chris Regis and Harry Middleton come in from the cold.

Anton Forrester failed to impress when handed a start upfront so he may lose his place to Donovan Wilson while Tyrone Barnett may come into the equation as well.

Pre-match quote

“I’m not trying to pull the wool over peoples eyes. We have to get on with the next game, we have to try and put those faults right and we’ve got to get on with the next game…”

Neil Aspin

“We know that they are capable of getting results, so I think we need to be on our toes…”

Paul Tisdale

Boss watch

Paul Tisdale

The longest serving manager in the Football League, Tisdale has been in charge since 2006 managing over 600 games for the club.

History lesson

Overall record

• Port Vale wins: 21
• Port Vale losses: 16
• Draws: 10

Last time…

The last time the two teams met was in October this season when the Valiants secured a valuable three points thanks to a winner from talisman Tom Pope.

The last time Vale travelled to Exeter was for that “infamous” 2-0 FA Cup which arguably spelled the end of Rob Page’s reign at the club.

Played for both…

Players to appear for both clubs in recent years include:

• Defender Richard Duffy (right)
• Winger Mark Chamberlain
• Defender George Pilkington
• Defender Darren Hughes
• Striker Steve Biggins

Other Vale events that happened this day…

1899 Right-back Percy Thorpe is born.

1994 Port Vale sign striker Tony Naylor from Crewe Alexandra for a fee of £150,000.

2005 Port Vale announce the signing of defender Micky Bell from Bristol City.

2010 Port Vale announce the signing of defender Ritchie Sutton.

2014 Port Vale sign midfielder Michael O'Connor on a one-year contract.

2014 Michael Brown and Steve Jennings join Port Vale, the club announces.

2017 Port Vale sign Burton Albion winger Marcus Harness on loan.

2021 Youngsters Ammar Dyer and Michael Lennon are released by Port Vale.