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Opposition View: Port Vale

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ACCRINGTON Vital Football caught up with Vital Port Vale editor David Griffiths, who kindly supplied us with his expert opinion in the lead up to the big game on Saturday.

This is what happened when Martyn Robinson spoke to David earlier this week:

What are your predictions and hopes for the new season?

After the performance we gave at Luton last weekend I really do think we’ve a good chance of finishing in the top seven, we’ll certainly be a difficult team to beat. Our support was fantastic at Luton, and with over 6500 season tickets sold we should get Vale Park rocking again.

Who’ve been the major ins and outs at Vale Park, transfer wise?

We’ve finally managed to get rid of the deadwood that has plagued us over the last couple of seasons, Colin Miles, Robin Hulbert, Mark McGregor, Craig Rocastle, Keith Lowe, dave Mulligan have all gone – in fact bar Luke Prosser every defender who was at the club last season has gone! In have come Sam Stockley, John McCombe, Lee Collins, Rob Taylor, Anthony Griffith, Louis Dodds, and Steve Thompson.

How has your pre-season gone?

We were distinctly average over pre-season, virtually unable to string two passes together and looked toothless going forward, but I don’t think thats anything to worry about, Vale showed what they are all about at Luton last week.

First season back in League Two, some very strong teams in it, yourselves being one, how do you think your side will cope?

Again, after the game last weekend I don’t see us having too many problems coping with teams this season. We look organised and strong at the back and battle hard in midfield.

What players should we be looking out for on Saturday?

Anthony Griffith is a strong tackling midfielder, although not so clever with the ball at his feet, striker Marc Richards is clearly too good for this league, as is Luke Rodgers who may well be partnering him up front. Louis Dodds has started playing out on the right for us and looks a dangerous player. New centre half John McCombe was my man-of-the-match last week.

And what about any weaknesses?

Chris Slater had a nervy game last weekend in central defence, although apparently had a decent game at Sheff Utd last night. Keeper Joe Anyon is poor with crosses, constantly flapping at the ball, but is a good shot stopper.

What’s your most memorable Vale game?

2001 LDV final! We beat Brentford at the Millenium Stadium, coming back from a goal down to win 2-1. just a perfect day!

What do you make of Stanley’s chances this season?

I really hope you survive, but I don’t see you managing anything above mid-table. I think the fact that you are playing league football again is a massive achievement.

If there was one player you could take from Stanley to Port Vale, who would it be and why?

I’ve read good things about Ian Craney, and he seems to score a lot of goals from midfield. We could definitely use a player like that!

And if there was one player from Vale Park that you could send our way, who would it be and why?

Kyle Perry. A striker we bought from Chasetown last January who has yet to score – although it has to be said that he has played out on the left more often than not. some Fans really rate him, but on every occassion I’ve seen him he looks like a flat footed donkey! That why you can gladly have him!

And now for your score prediction for Saturday?

Port Vale 3-0 Accrington Stanley.

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