Festive period kicks off

With all of our side’s itching to play after postponements, the festive period kicks off with a Boxing Day feast.

Stoke City travel to managerless Blackburn Rovers in search of a win to leapfrog the Lancashire outfit.

In League Two, Port Vale have a home tie against strugglers Lincoln City and Burton Albion travel to an in-form Northampton side.

In the Blue Square North, Stafford Rangers have a home match against Telford AFC.

The Evo Stik First Division South will play their matches on December 27 where Leek Town host their match with Belper (34 days since they last kicked a ball) and Newcastle host a derby clash with Kidsgrove Athletic.

North Staffs Football will keep you informed of any postponements, but let us know your score predictions from our games.

Port Vale statement over takeover talks

Port Vale Football Club have released a statement following talks with Newcastle-under-Lyme businessman Mo Chaudry over his takeover bid.

“Representatives of Port Vale Football Club have now met with Mr. Chaudry and his representatives. Those discussions were in confidence and any further comment from either party is inappropriate at this stage.

Mo Chaudry

The club’s board wishes to reiterate that it is committed to seeking further investment in the club.

It is enshrined within the club’s institution that no single shareholder should hold more than 24.9% of the club and this reflects the ethos of Valiant 2001, which gave rise to the club’s current structure. It is the board’s view that any new investment should adhere to Valiant 2001 principles.

Any credible and substantive investment proposals received by the club will be properly considered to evaluate their merits and appropriate action will be taken by the board in the light of such evaluation.

The team is making excellent progress this year and the support of the fans has been integral to this. The board is confident that the vast majority of supporters appreciate that stability and unity within the club is essential in the coming months, as the success of the season is defined.”

Port Vale’s next match with take place at Vale Park on Boxing Day against Lincoln City.

 

Early inspection postpones Port Vale match

Port Vale’s clash with Stevenage has been postponed after an early pitch inspection.

The Saturday match has fallen foul of the freezing weather conditions that grip North Staffordshire, following a 12.30pm referee pitch inspection.

 The Vale Park pitch has remained covered since last Friday’s FA Cup victory over Accrington, but with further snow forecast and the icy conditions set to continue, it was decided there was no prospect of the game going ahead.

Micky Adams told the clubs website: “We are glad an early decision was made because we can decide what to do with the players now. We can’t help the elements but at least we all know where we are now.

“It is frustrating because we were on fine form and needed a game and Stevenage would have posed a stern test.”

Match preview: Port Vale vs Wycombe Wanderers

Port Vale entertain Wycombe Wanderers in a top of the table clash at Vale Park the host sit second in League Two, the visitors are just outside the automatic promotion spots in fourth, writes James Hale.

Micky Adams side’s attention turns back to the league after victory in an FA Cup replay over non- league side Dartford.

Vale have failed to score in their last two league matches, drawing both, while Wycombe have won three of their previous four matches.

The hosts who are in talks with an American investor will hope to put on a performance for the perspective buyers.

A victory could see them regain top spot in the division.

Victory for Wanderers will see them leapfrog Vale into the automatic promotion places.

Kick-off is 3.00pm at Vale Park.

North Staffs Football predicts: Port Vale 2-2 Wycombe

Click below to see Sam Morris’s report for Staffs Live as players from both side’s give their thoughts ahead of the match.