Port Vale midfielder Michael Husbands has spoken about his time at Edgar Street ahead of Tuesday's LDV Trophy game.
Husbands has scored twice in five appearances and hopes to force his way into the starting line up on Tuesday, but he remembers his short stay at Edgar Street fondly: "I don't know the current players, but I know what Graham Turner will want from them and that they will try to play football. It was a good experience there and showed me just how hard it is to play in non-league."
Husbands, who made five substitute appearance at Edgar Street in early 2003, has spent nearly two years on the sidelines through injuries after signing for Southend in the summer of 2003. An unsuccessful trial at Bristol Rovers led to a move to Walsall where he signed a short term deal - meaning he is technically a loan player at Port Vale until January even though his Walsall contract ran out. Husbands hopes for a longer term deal at Port Vale, but is unable to sign a contract until January thanks to the transfer window.
Meanwhile, Vale boss Martin Foyle was furious at his side after their 1-1 draw with bottom club Swindon: "That was a very bad performance and the criticism from the fans was more than justified. I apologise to them and will take the flak but I wonder how many of the players will hold their hands up". Foyle is likely to make changes for tomorrow's game, and hopes to have Chris Birchall, Danny Sonner, and Gary Mulligan fit again after missing the weekend match.