BOTH Barnsley and Darrell Clarke will face very familiar opposition when they visit Port Vale in the FA Cup tomorrow but insist they are not dwelling on last year’s embarrassing expulsion from the world famous competition.
The Reds have played Vale 118 times – more than any other club in their history – with 50 wins, 21 draws and 47 defeats.
Clarke was in charge of the Staffordshire club for more than two years, until last year.
Last year in the FA Cup first round, the Reds were held 3-3 at home by seventh-tier Horsham then, after winning the replay, were thrown out of the competition for fielding Aiden Marsh when he was ineligible.
Clarke told the Chronicle: “I want to do well in the FA Cup for us and the fans, not for what happened last year.
“I heard about it.
“It was obviously a big error and a big punishment for the club.
“The focus is this year, not last year.”
Clarke added: “It was a family tradition growing up to watch the FA Cup final with some sandwiches.
“I loved it and it was always special.
“When I was Salisbury manager, we got to the third round proper against Sheffield United, after winning what felt like 25 games.
“I’ve also been the victim of surprises so I have seen both sides.”
Clarke took over at Vale in February 2021 when they were 18th in the fourth tier and, the following season, led them to promotion via the play-off final.
He had taken compassionate leave during the promotion run-in after his daughter tragically died.
Clarke was sacked in April last year following a poor run of form.
He did the double over them last season as Cheltenham manager and has an unbeaten personal record against Vale as a manager, winning six – including the last four – and drawing two of the eight meetings.
Clarke, who also had a brief loan at Vale as a player, said: “The fanbase is special. I got on great with them and had great times, a Wembley win.
“They are very passionate fans and the club is very passionate with good people.
“It was an emotional time for myself with what myself and family went through.
“But we’re there to win. They know me well enough to know that.
“I’ve been back before with Cheltenham.
“It will be nice to thank fans again for the support I had while I was there but then it’s down to business.
“I can put it (his connection to Port Vale) to one side very easily because I want to win.
“I’m there to be professional.
“That drive’s never going to stop.”
Vale, after being relegated to League Two last season, are currently top of the fourth tier. They are unbeaten in 11, including five straight wins.
They are now managed by former Barnsley defender Darren Moore who, last year, led Sheffield Wednesday to victory over the Reds in the play-off final.
He left the Owls that summer then, after a brief spell at Huddersfield Town, was appointed Vale manager in February but could not keep them up.
Clarke said: “I get on well with Darren Moore.
“He’s a top guy.
“He had a tough start with relegation but they are kicking on and finding momentum. It’s pleasing to see them doing so well but hopefully not at 3pm on Saturday.
“He’s changed their whole game and the club has invested heavily in the squad.
“The expectation is they will be going straight back up but it’s still early in the season.”
Barnsley have won the last three meetings – thrashing Vale 7-0 on the opening day of last season then winning 3-2 away on Boxing Day.
They have won their last three league games at Vale Park, including on Valentine’s Day last year over Clarke’s team, having lost against him in the EFL Trophy earlier in the campaign.
The result will be decided on the day, with extra-time and penalties if needed, as replays have been scrapped for this season.
If he plays, this will be defender Marc Roberts’ 100th game for Barnsley.
