Port Vale: Foreign signings learning what to expect in England, says Michael Brown

Michael Brown played in the Premier League for Manchester City, Tottenham, Fulham amd Wigan

Port Vale assistant boss Michael Brown says the club's influx of foreign signings will adapt to the challenges of English football.

The League One club have brought in 12 new players this summer, with only two from the UK - winger Jerome Thomas, 33 and striker Anton Forrester, 22.

"It's taken a bit of organisation but it's starting to run smoothly," Brown, 39, told BBC Radio Stoke.

"Pre-season is difficult but we are starting to know what everyone wants."

Vale, who finished nine points outside the play-offs last season, are rebuilding under new manager Bruno Ribeiro and Brown, who helped bring the Portuguese boss to Vale Park, says everyone is learning together.

"Communication is the key - getting to know what Bruno likes," said Brown, who will combine coaching and playing this season.

"We know what the staff are bringing to the table and it seems very organised."

French midfielder Sebastien Amoros is Port Vale's latest recruit.

He is a veteran of over 600 senior games in his career and is using that experience to give the overseas players an idea of what playing in England will be like.

"I try to give them a little nudge when they turn my way in training - I'm teaching them that so they know what to expect," he said.

"On a serious note, the (pre-season) games against Wolves and Birmingham will bring that out and be a bit more realistic about what's to come.

"You learn everyday about the players, and what they can do, and trying to find a system and pattern we're going to be comfortable with."

Port Vale's foreign legion

Curacao: Rigino Cicilia

France: Sebastien Amoros, Anthony de Freitas, Quentin Pereira

Netherlands: Kjell Knops, Calvin Mac-Intisch

Portugal: Kiko, Paulo Tavares, Carlos Saleiro

Sweden: Christopher Mbamba