Neal happy with his move

Vale goalkeeper Chris Neal has fond memories of his time with today’s opponents Shrewsbury Town, but has no regrets about moving to Vale Park last year.

He said: “My time there ended with the promotion into League One – things couldn’t get arranged there and I moved on, but I had three fantastic years there.

“This will be the first time I have played against a former club – it will be nice to see all the familiar faces there, but obviously we have got to do our job on Saturday, take it onto the pitch and take the three points on Saturday.

“I left there after I we couldn’t agree terms and that was the be-all and end of it and once I spoke to the gaffer here at the end of June I wanted to sign here.

“I had a fantastic season there that season, as all the lads did. I don’t really know too many of the lads there now, there will be a few there but many have moved on as well.

“Today’s game will be just like any other game – obviously you will speak to them afterwards, but before the game it will be just as professional as any other Saturday and we will be looking to beat them.

“I still speak to the Physio there but not many of the players because there has been a big change in personnel over the last couple of years.

“They have brought in a few loan players who have done well and they are a good side, sitting in mid-table, and they are looking to progress up the table.

Does Chris have any regrets after moving to Burslem? “If you look at what happened last year with the promotion, it is probably one of the better decisions of my career. It was a great move and I am looking to move forward now.

“I remember playing here for Shrewsbury and we brought a few away supporters then so I am hoping the home fans cane come out in their numbers and support us. It is a bit of a derby so it should be a good atmosphere.

“We take on Shrewsbury and then in the next couple of weeks we play both Crewe Alex and Walsall and they are three winnable games to look forward to, so hopefully we can start that today.”

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