Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell has praised the professionalism of the Port Vale captain Tom Pope, but he hopes that his defence can keep the prolific hit-man quiet this weekend!
Pope recently became the club’s record scorer at Vale Park when scoring his 56th goal at the ground against Newport County earlier this month.
Artell has been an admirer of Port Vale’s striker for years and says that Neil Aspin's side always miss him when he is out injured.
Ahead of this weekend’s derby clash at Gresty Road, David said: “Tom is a good guy and he has been a terrific servant for Port Vale.
“When he is not in the team for whatever reason they certainly miss him up there. They play to his strengthens and he is always a threat to the opposition.
"He has scored plenty of goals for them and I congratulate him on him setting that recent club record for them. Good luck to him.
“Tom is a good guy in the dressing room and a really good pro. He works hard off the pitch, as much as he does on it and he deserves to be a Port Vale legend.
“If he scores on Saturday, I might change my mind! I’m hoping we keep him quiet.”