Boss says facing former players only adds spice to the derby occasion.
Steve Davis says he completely understands that there is no sentiment when it comes to the Staffordshire/Cheshire derby.
The likes of Anthony Grant, AJ Leitch-Smith, Michael O’Connor (if declared fit) and Byron Moore could be facing their former club tomorrow in the colours of Port Vale.
Davis says that professionalism and rivalry always suppresses any personal friendships when it comes to derby games.
Davis has had to deal with his own sons Harry Davis and Joe Davis facing each other in a Vale Vs. Crewe derby before and he stresses that his only concern is getting a result for the Railwaymen at Vale Park.
Steve told the club’s official web-site: “There is always something riding on a derby game regardless of the situation. We know what it means to the supporters and it makes for a better weekend if you can get that win over your neighbours. Nothing has changed with that.
“They have a few of our former players in their squad and that happens in football. Sentiment goes out of the window in games. We are all professionals and we all want to win for our club and for our supporters.
“That will be the case with AJ, Granty or Byron in their team and I know my players will be feeling exactly the same way. They will want to get one over on their former team-mates.
“Yes, having former players in their team does add some spice to it but that has been the case over the last few seasons and our record has been good.
The boss added: “In a derby you have to compete and fight for everything. We have managed to do that in the last few years and our football has come through and won us the game. We will be doing everything we can to get that edge again this weekend.”