The Valiants kick off their pre-season schedule with a friendly fixture away to Kidsgrove Athletic on the 8th of July.

With that in mind, Michael Brown is preparing for everything getting under way again.

He said: "We can't wait to start. We have got some different things in mind for the players, some varying training areas and so on.

"Of course, the new kits arrive soon too and we have some fresh faces so it's getting close. The staff will be in full-time from Monday and the players begin training from Thursday.

"The final few bits of organisation are being done now in preparation for that and I am looking forward to it kicking off."

The League Two fixtures were also released on Wednesday morning, but the draw for the Carabao Cup first round took place prior to that.

Vale have been drawn away to Leeds United, a team Brown used to play for, and the manager is relishing a return to Elland Road.

He said: "It's a great fixture for me and the players as well. There should be a big crowd with it being their first home game.

"For me personally being a Leeds United player I can't wait to back as a manager and I'm thoroughly looking forward to it."

The tie versus Leeds United will take place the week commencing the 7th of August.