We sat down with First Team Coach Danny Pugh, who takes the reigns on an initially temporary basis as Port Vale seek a permanent replacement for the vacant managerial role.
This isn’t Danny Pugh’s first time as interim manager of Port Vale Football Club, although Saturday’s clash against Grimsby may prove the first time he ever manages the side in a Sky Bet League Two fixture, providing adverse weather conditions don’t prove a stumbling block.
“The first one got called off against Tranmere, it was a similar situation to now [change in management]. Obviously, it’s something new to me and completely different being on that side of things, but I’m looking forward to it and have been preparing as well as possible.
“I’m really looking forward to it if I do get the opportunity to take a game.”
Asked whether he will be planning any major changes ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Mariners, Pughy was quick to quash any radical alterations.
“I’m not planning anything drastic. I have my own ideas and different things I would possibly look to do differently, but there won’t be anything drastic.
“We have been very close [in a number of games which haven’t gone our way] and there is still a very good group of players there who I think can still do something in this league.
“I will try and put my own ideas across and hopefully, that can get results.”
Evaluating Port Vale’s recent series of results, Pughy was quick to remind fans of the position Port Vale started the season in, as well as going back to previous methods which have yielded success.
“The results have been very disappointing recently. It’s about going back to what we have done well in the past, it’s the same group of players who, a couple of months ago, were in a great position.
With the January transfer window in full swing with a number of clubs conducting early business, Pughy was quick to highlight the support both the co-owner and CEO have provided.
“We have been identifying players for a while and seeing who’s available and what we need. Carol and Colin have been very supportive, they know what we need and what we are looking for.
“I think if the right player is available, we’re still in a situation to do it.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s home clash against Grimsby which will mark the midway point in our Sky Bet League Two season, Danny Pugh is expecting a challenging encounter from another side who recently parted with their manager.
“They obviously have a new manager as well and we have watched them quite a bit already, we know it’s going to be a tough test.
“I don’t think their league position really shows [a representation of the squad’s abilities]… they’re not a bad side, they work hard and they are well organised but it’s a test everyone is very much looking forward to.”
Coverage:
iFollow The Vale will be providing full 90-minute coverage of the match for all domestic supporters, whilst the Port Vale Twitter and Facebook feeds will be providing live updates for the entirety.
To purchase an iFollow match pass click here.
There will also be the build-up to the game with the official Snapchat and Instagram accounts: @officialpvfc
Reaction will be available on the website post-match, as well as on YouTube, iFollow and our official social media channels.