Michael Brown will welcome Crewe Alexandra to Vale Park in his first outing as manager in this Cheshire-Staffordshire derby tomorrow.
Last time the Railwaymen visited Vale Park their fate of relegation from League One was sealed with two goals from Louis Dodds and a strike from JJ Hooper.
Crewe will be looking for revenge, and this is what the gaffer said on the fixture as he spoke to the club’s official website: “The people that are available certainly know the importance of the game, and are looking forward to a big derby game.
“It should be a good atmosphere and an entertaining game. We are looking forward to it. In an ideal world we would have more players back fit and ready to go.”
This is the first time that the 40-year old will take charge of this fixture, and looks back on his playing days as crucial experience: “I understood from a young age what derbies are about, and I have been involved in some magnificent derbies over the years. I am looking forward to a new one as manager.”
Crewe have started the season well earning five points in the first three games, but Vale will be looking to end their undefeated streak: “They have started well. They are a hard-working team and I think that they will be a bit more direct than they used to be.
“We have got to be mindful that they do have a good record against us and it will be a tough game.”
Vale will be looking to make amends from last weekends away defeat to Chesterfield, and there are not many fixtures more fitting for the fans to get behind the team and cheer them on!