Port Vale midfielder George Byers is hungry for another promotion as the club embarks on their attempt to get back to League One at the first attempt. Byers was part of Vale's successful climb out of the fourth tier two seasons ago and featured in just under half of their league games during last term's difficult campaign that saw them drop back down.
As the 30-year-old prepares for a third season of an eventful career at Vale Park, he said the thought of experiencing more promotion success was a huge motivation.
What happened?
Byers was part of Vale's successful climb out of the fourth tier two seasons ago and featured in just under half of their league games during last term's difficult campaign that saw them drop back down.
Why it matters for Port Vale
Byers' experience and determination will be crucial for the team as they attempt to get back to League One at the first attempt.
What comes next?
Port Vale will start their season at Oldham Athletic on Saturday at 12:30 BST, before back-to-back home matches against Tranmere Rovers and neighbours Crewe Alexandra.
Byers said the fact that the Vale squad still had a number of players who had also gone through the past couple of years would be a significant boost this term.
"That would definitely help us this year because there's going to be no easy games - no-one's going to give us a win, everyone will want to beat us coming down from from League One," he said.
Promotion experience will be 'massive'
Byers said the fact that the Vale squad still had a number of players who had also gone through the past couple of years would be a significant boost this term.
"If you look in the squad there's a lot of players that have had promotions, which is going to be massive for us this year.
Having that little bit of experience when the times are tough, just to get through those moments is going to be crucial.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 22nd in League One, 42 pts, 10W-12D-24L from 46 games, recent form LWLLD.
Goals this season: 36 scored, 61 conceded (-25 goal difference).
Title race: 61 points behind leaders Lincoln.
Last result: Port Vale 0-2 Lincoln (2026-05-02).
Recent form (last 5): 2W-0D-3L (LLWWL, most recent first); lost the last 2.
