Dale return to the road after two home matches in a row, as we head to Port Vale.
Our hosts come into the game with mixed recent results, having won one, drawn one and lost one of their last three league games.
ADMISSION DETAILS
Tickets are on sale until 4pm on Friday, with on-the-day sales also available from Vale Park both prior to and on matchday.
Supporters are reminded that all tickets are physical and must be collected before entering the turnstiles.
Click HERE for the full details.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
The early kick-off is available to watch live in the UK & Ireland as well as overseas.
Click HERE for full details.
PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW
Ian Watson and Ian Henderson spoke to the local press ahead of the trip to Vale Park.
Click HERE to watch Watson’s interview in full, and HERE to view Henderson discuss a potentially record-equalling fixture.
TEAM NEWS
Our Head Coach confirmed that none of our injured players returning for Saturday’s game, but also no fresh injury concerns.
The missing list stands at 13. Nils Ramming, Ryan East, Laurence Maguire, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Mani Dieseruvwe, Devante Rodney, Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Casey Pettit, Jonny Smith, Kane Taylor, Dan Moss, Bryant Bilongo and Will Jenkins all continue to be out.
THE OPPOSITION
Overview – Port Vale are in their first season back in the fourth tier, after relegation from League One. The Valiants had been promoted at the first time of asking in 2024/25, finishing four points behind Doncaster under Darren Moore. Vale started slowly in 25/26, rooted at the foot of the table when Moore was removed. Jon Brady inherited his post, and despite form picking up slightly, Vale could only climb to 22nd on the final day. The club also made the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, famously defeating Sunderland 1-0 at home before bowing out against Chelsea 7-0. Vale currently find themselves in the relegation zone, but have picked up points recently.
Manager – Jon Brady took over in January 2026 with Vale at the foot of League One. Brady started his managerial career at Brackley Town in March 2009 on a caretaker basis, before being given the job permanently a month later. After two play-off campaigns, Brackley won the Southern Football League Premier Division title, before three seasons in the Conference North. After stepping down, Brady joined the youth ranks at Northampton Town before being named Caretaker Manager in 2021. Despite five wins in 20 and relegation, Brady was named permanent manager, guiding the Cobblers to a play-off campaign followed by promotion and survival in League One. Brady resigned from his post in December 2024.
Last Game – Port Vale 5-0 Manchester City Under-21s (Jersey Mike’s Trophy).
Top League Goalscorer (2026/27) – George Byers (2).
New Signings
Max Watters (FW)
Kyle Dempsey (MF)
Jasper Moon (DF)
Matthew Craig (MF)
Tyreece Simpson (FW)
Aaron McGowan (RB)
Lewis Montsma (CB)
Jackson Smith (GK)
Keyrol Figueroa (FW)
Mo Faal (FW)
Maleace Asamoah (FW)
Mason Terry (GK)
Oliver Lynch (FW)
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Current Dale squad members Devante Rodney and Luke Hannant have had spells at Vale Park, whilst goalkeeper Jackson Smith, who played once for Dale last season, is a permanent fixture Port Vale.
Other players to have played for both clubs include Calvin Andrew, Nathan Broome, Gareth Griffiths and Scott Tanser.
WE’VE MET BEFORE
Games Played – 60
Rochdale Wins – 12
Draws – 24
Port Vale Wins – 24
Most recent matchup – Rochdale 1-1 Port Vale (22nd February 2022).
First ever matchup – Port Vale 3-3 Rochdale (26th October 1929).
VALE PARK
Port Vale have put together a visitor’s guide. Click HERE to read.
OFFICIALS
Referee | Emily Heaslip.
Assistants | Marvyn Amphlett & Andrew Ellis.
Fourth Official | Callum Jones.
