Midfielder Luke Joyce says the Valiants are looking forward to their opening fixture of the season against Cambridge United, and are eager to start to the season well.

Joyce, who agreed to sign for the Vale back in May once his contract at Carlisle United expired, was speaking exclusively to us after the teams first training session here in Dublin.

It's been the first chance he's had to speak to us since joining the Vale on a two year deal, and the midfielder has emphasised the importance of pre season if the Valiants want to start the season on the right foot.

"It's always good to get away with your teammates and train in a new environment. For myself, it's quite strange to have to get to know new people having spent a fair emount of time at Carlisle, but I've really enjoyed it all so far and the lads have been great. 

"We all want to prepare as best we can for when the 4th August comes round. Pre season is all about improving your fitness. Making sure you're fit and ready for that first game and hopefully injury free but also working on the chemistry between the players and making sure everyone is in sync.

"We only arrived in Ireland yesterday and enjoyed a bit of rest before heading out to training. It felt good to get out there, I'm looking forward to the rest of the week here."

Joyce joined the Valiants with an abundance of experience behind him. The midfielder has made 377 league appearances since making his debut for Wigan Athletic in 2006. 

Loan spells with Barrow and Northwich Victoria towards the end of his spell caught the eye of Accrington Stanley and he went on to become club captain, making over 275 appearances in the midfield playmaker role.

With all that experience behind him, Joyce says he is always there to help the younger players of the side and offer any advice along the way.

"We've got some great role models in the squad with plenty of experience. The likes of Popey, Pughey, Tonge, Kay have of course been playing for years and are great to have around, especially with the amount of experience they have and tips they can offer.

"I've spent a lot of time here in League 2 with the likes of Accrington Stanley and Carlisle United, and so I like to think I know the league quite well.

"I'm always open to helping any of the younger players coming through the ranks who are looking for any advice, because League 2 is a tough a league and can sometimes surprise you."