Moore wants right mindset ahead of Plymouth game

Darren Moore has been Port Vale boss since February 2024

Port Vale boss Darren Moore says it is vital supporters come to Saturday's bottom-of-the-table game against Plymouth Argyle with the right mindset to help the team perform at its best.

Vale are one point ahead of the Pilgrims but have played a game more and will drop to the foot of League One if they lose.

After stopping their run of three defeats in a row with a draw against Wycombe last weekend, Moore says they must take full advantage of having such a key game at home.

"We've all got a choice. We can come in Saturday and either get behind the team or not get behind the team," Moore told BBC Radio Stoke.

"The one we're all calling for - myself and the players - is to get behind the team because when Vale Park's loud it's a special place.

"The hard thing is when we need the support when it's not going so good. It's so easy when you're winning games and going for promotion the support's there but when it's not going so good that's when you're really tested.

"When you're winning, the game teaches you nothing. When you're losing it teaches you everything. You start lifting the bonnet and going through things in more detail.

"My rallying call to the fans is 'you've got the choice of what mindset you're going to come into it on Saturday'."

'We have to play the game not the occasion'

Plymouth's visit is Vale's fifth home game in their past six matches in all competitions.

Their only win in that run was their 5-1 thrashing of non-league minnows Maldon and Tiptree in the first round of the FA Cup.

With the spotlight and pressure on Tom Cleverley's Argyle too, Moore knows it can be easy to get caught up in all the hype surrounding a game like this one.

"I've told the players, because of where both teams are and how the media will look at it, we have to make sure we play the game and not the occasion," he said.

"You have to focus on the strong points of your game and not go off on a tangent and get caught up in the atmosphere or the magnitude of the game.

"We've spoken about getting the right performance and where we need to be."

With only three wins so far, Vale are fighting against an immediate return to League Two but Moore says he has no issue with shouldering the pressure of the job.

"From the minute I walked into this football club I accepted the responsibility," he said.

"That will never change. In terms of the run of games [without a win], I'll take it, not a problem.

"My job is to look forward and look at ways of solving problematic situations, such as the one we're in now."