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.

 

Port Vale keeper dismisses manager move

Port Vale goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson says the speculation linking manager Micky Adams with a move to Sheffield United is having no effect on the team.

Adams, 49, a Blades fan as a boy, has been linked with the job after Gary Speed left to become Wales boss.

Tomlinson told BBC Radio Stoke: “It’s speculation, I don’t think it’s affecting the gaffer or our team.

“They haven’t got a manager and ours is doing well so I suppose it makes for good reading.”

Micky Adams

Tomlinson admitted that the rumours have been discussed in the Port Vale dressing room but added that the squad see it as a compliment to how far they have come in a short space of time.

He said: “A couple of the lads have mentioned it but newspapers always need something to write about.

“He’s a good manager so obviously clubs are going to try and headhunt him but he’s doing his thing at Port Vale.

“He’s not been here that long and he’s obviously turned the club around and I’m sure he’s going to want to continue the success he’s having,” the former Barrow stopper said.

Vale sit second in League Two, two points behind leaders Chesterfield going into the Christmas period.