Fan Focus: What Can Sunderland Expect From Port Vale?

[ASFN Admin]

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BURSLEM, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Ben Waine of Port Vale celebrates victory following the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Port Vale and Bristol City at Vale Park on March 03, 2026 in Burslem, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Port Vale are currently bottom of League One, 10 points from safety – what would you say are the key factors behind this?

Darren Moore being tactically poor and he didn’t know how to change things when needed. At one point, we had four wing-backs injured and he still didn’t change our shape. To add to that, the board sacked him far too late after backing him financially. Overall, it’s a mixture of issues.

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Darren Moore was sacked as Port Vale’s manager in December. After delivering promotion from League Two, what went wrong?

A lack of plan B. He limped over the line in League Two. We could have and probably should have won the league last year, but many mistakes meant that we didn’t.

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The man to replace him was former Northampton boss Jon Brady – what has he brought to the table?

Energy, passion and a bit of belief!

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Despite the above, Port Vale are currently on a run of just one defeat in seven league matches. What has changed to prompt an upturn in form?

I’d say the above. We look more energetic, more organised, and believe that we aren’t a bad football team.

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Out of your current squad, who do you think can cause Sunderland problems?

Ben Waine – he’s looking like the striker we were told we were signing. Running in behind and creating problems for defences.

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On the flip side, which players would you say have been underwhelming this season?

How long do we have? The majority at one stage or another have been underwhelming this season, but the main one that sticks out is Jordan Shipley. He came with good reviews from Coventry fans, but doesn’t seem to have clicked until Tuesday night.

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If you Regis Le Bris, how would you expose Port Vale’s weaknesses?

Pace, we aren’t blessed with it!

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Are any players missing and which eleven players do you think Brady will start?

Our captain and vice-captain, Ben Garrity and George Byers are missing.

(5-2-1-2) – Gauchi (GK) – Gabriel John Humphries Hall Gordon – Ojo Shipley -Hall -Waine Stockley.

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Port Vale have won their last three FA Cup matches without conceding a goal – what is your prediction for the final score?

2-0 Sunderland.

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