Football Season Guide

Port Vale are blessed with two of the best club owners in the EFL in Carol and Kevin Shanahan. It’s been a rollercoaster ride since taking control of the Valiants in 2019 and relegation from League One in 2024 was a painful experience for everyone. Darren Moore had taken on the job in February of that year but was unable to halt the slide. He was largely seen as a victim of circumstances, rather than a cause, with the players, Director of Football David Flitcroft and the Shanahan’s taking the blame. Moore made several important signings last summer, creating the spine of the team that saw them bounce straight back at the first attempt, finishing as runners-up in League Two. Centre-backs Ben Heneghan and Connor Hall provided the defensive stability; Ryan Croasdale was the midfield anchor allowing midfielders Ben Garrity and Ronan Curtis to push further forward in support of strikers Jayden Stockley and Lorent Tolaj, who dovetailed nicely. Curtis proved to be a real talisman, often coming off the bench to score crucial goals. Croasdale however was voted both players and supporters player of the season, underscoring his importance to the team. Moore finds himself in the unusual position of having not lost any of his best players and has the basis of a team that can carry positive momentum into the new season. He has looked to supplement the squad with a handful of quality additions. He has brought in wing-backs on either side in Jordan Gabriel-Lawrence and Liam Gordon. The latter spent last season battling against the Valiants for promotion with rivals Walsall. Jordan Shipley brings plenty of League One experience with him after signing from Shrewsbury Town. Both Stockley and Tolaj finished last season shattered having carried injuries for a while. There will be questions over their fitness and will need more support in attack.