Our brand new two minute guide looks ahead to Port Vale latest away fixture…
Pre-match talking points
Pre-match talking pointsVale’s poor form is causing some concern with manager Neil Aspin saying that the team “need a result” at Forest Green.
The Vale manager will be boosted by the expected return of Manny Oleyeke (right) and Tom Conlon to the squad while Aspin has also praised sub Ricky Miller’s contribution against Newport County.
Forest Green are fresh from a 4-0 thumping of their local rivals Cheltenham Town in the Checkatrade Trophy. However, the side will be missing highly-rated striker Christian Doidge who joined Bolton Wanderers for a seven figure sum.
Infographic
Our unique onevalefan infographic (right) provides a rundown the fixture history between the two clubs plus a touch of trivia. All in one image.
Read it, download it, share it on social media…
Quotes
Quotes“We need to get a result and Forest Green have improved. They improved last year from January where they brought in a lot of players, they’ve continued to improve their squad, and they’ve grown used to playing at this level.
“So we go there now against a much better Forest Green and one that is capable of doing well… we went there (last year) and found it difficult, didn’t make any chances and lost to a goal from outside the box.
“It’s all about confidence and I have to try and make sure that our players are confident when they go out on Saturday and they put on a good display. We certainly need to have more as an attacking threat then we did in our last away game…”
Port Vale manager Neil Aspin
Man in charge
Well-travelled manager Mark Cooper joined Forest Green in 2016 after a brief spell with Notts County. The 49 year-old has now been in charge of 617 games during a fourteen year managerial career.
From the vaults
Some photos from our first game against Forest Green – a dramatic 3-2 FA Cup win…
Featured connection
Featured connectionIt’s an obvious one but Gavin Gunning’s move to Forest Green from Vale Park was a controversial one. The Irishman had developed a cult following and Vale’s refusal to offer him a payrise after an impressive start to his Vale career was seen as shortsighted by some. He certainly played his part in helping to keep Rovers in the League last season.
I love the way Aspo discreetly refers to FGR improving their squad by signing better players from January without actually mentioning Gavin Gunning, which many sources say was a decision that he was livifd about, and certainly nearly cost the Vale their league place to save a minimal amount.