Football Season Guide

The Valiants have spent the summer licking their wounds after suffering relegation back to League Two following a season to forget. They finished in 21st place in League One, just a point from safety but the consequences of relegation were felt almost immediately as Norman Smurthwaite resigned as Chairman, claiming he had “seriously damaged the club.” The following day caretaker Michael Brown was appointed as manager on a permanent basis despite having won just 5 of his 24 matches in charge. He has been given the brief of bringing the club straight back up at the first attempt. A plethora of players have left the club this summer including influential full-backs Ben Purkiss and Ryan Taylor as well as midfielders Chris Eagles and Sam Foley who all rejected offers of new deals to leave for pastures new. Brown will be delighted to have held on to defender and player of the season Nathan Smith but he has spent the close season looking to completely rebuild his squad. Goalkeepers, Rob Lainton and Sam Hornby, have both joined from Bury and Burton Albion respectively so they will fight it out for the No.1 jersey whilst the signing of versatile defender Lawrie Wilson from Bolton Wanderers looks to be an excellent addition. Defender Joe Davis and striker Tom Pope have both returned for their second spells at the club with the latter having been a huge favourite with the Vale Park faithful in his first spell. Port Vale also paid an undisclosed fee to AFC Wimbledon for striker Tyrone Barnett but have been dealt a huge blow after he was ruled-out for months with a torn hamstring. Brown hasn't finished yet and is still looking to add to his squad before the end of the transfer window. His first priority will be to bring some stability back to the club in the hope that they will have the quality to challenge for a play-off place.