2008–09 Port Vale F.C. season

Port Vale 2008–09 football season From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2008–09 season was Port Vale's 97th season of football in the English Football League, and first season in League Two, following their relegation from League One. The season began under manager Lee Sinnott, who was dismissed in September after a series of poor results. Dean Glover was appointed as his successor but was unable to prevent the club from finishing in 18th place with 48 points, narrowly avoiding further relegation.

OwnerValiant 2001
ChairmanBill Bratt
ManagerLee Sinnott
(until 22 September)
Dean Glover & Andy Porter
(caretakers 22 September – 6 October)
Dean Glover
(from 6 October)
StadiumVale Park
Quick facts Owner, Chairman ...
Port Vale
2008–09 season
OwnerValiant 2001
ChairmanBill Bratt
ManagerLee Sinnott
(until 22 September)
Dean Glover & Andy Porter
(caretakers 22 September – 6 October)
Dean Glover
(from 6 October)
StadiumVale Park
Football League Two18th (48 Points)
FA CupSecond round
(eliminated by Macclesfield Town)
League CupFirst round
(eliminated by Sheffield United)
Football League TrophyFirst round
(eliminated by Stockport County)
Player of the YearJoe Anyon
Top goalscorerLeague: Marc Richards (10)
All: Marc Richards (11)
Highest home attendance7,273 vs. Bradford City, 6 September 2008
Lowest home attendance4,090 vs. Dagenham & Redbridge, 10 March 2009
Average home league attendance5,522
Biggest win3–0 vs. Chester City, 27 January 2009
Biggest defeat1–4 and 0–3 (three games)
Close

In cup competitions, Vale experienced early exits. They were eliminated in the Second Round of the FA Cup by Macclesfield Town, and both the League Cup and the Football League Trophy saw them knocked out in the First Round by Sheffield United and Stockport County, respectively. Marc Richards was the club's top scorer, netting 11 goals in all competitions, with 10 in the league. Goalkeeper Joe Anyon was named Player of the Year, despite suffering a broken leg towards the end of the season. The club's highest home attendance was 7,273 against Bradford City on 6 September 2008, and the lowest was 4,090 against Dagenham & Redbridge on 10 March 2009.

Top-scorer Marc Richards.
Louis Dodds hit ten goals.
Captain Sam Stockley.
John McCombe in action against Bury in April.

Overview

League Two

The pre-season saw manager Lee Sinnott sign non-League midfielder Rob Taylor,[1] former Hereford United defender John McCombe,[2] and former Middlesbrough midfielder Steve Thompson.[3] Both players cited Sinnott as their reason for joining the club.[4][5] He also added experienced defender Sam Stockley (Wycombe Wanderers);[6] midfielder Anthony Griffith (Doncaster Rovers);[7] and attacking midfielder Louis Dodds (Leicester City) to the squad.[8] Lee Collins also joined on an extended loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers,[9] and would sign a permanent contract with the club in January.[10] Stockley was appointed captain,[11] and most of these players would become key for the club over the next few seasons. Just before the season's start, teenage Tom Taiwo also arrived on a month loan from Chelsea,[12] as did Plymouth Argyle youngster Damien McCrory.[13] The club was aiming for an immediate return to League One,[14] and fans got behind the club with record high season ticket sales of over 6,000.[15][16]

Vale opened the season with a 3–1 win over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, with Louis Dodds and Sam Parkin goals cancelling each other out in the first half, whilst second-half strikes from Rob Taylor and Marc Richards won the game.[17] August went well, but all four league games in September ended in defeat. However, Sinnott refused to compromise his managerial philosophy to pick up results.[18] Vale lost 2–0 to Bradford City on 6 September, with goals from Lee Bullock and Peter Thorne.[19] A 4–1 home defeat to Macclesfield Town on 20 September would prove to be Sinnott's last game in charge. Sinnott was sacked on 22 September, with the Valiants in 16th place, Dean Glover taking over as caretaker manager for the second time in twelve months.[20] The players were against the decision to axe Sinnott.[21] Sinnott would later take court action against the club for a breach of contract,[22][23] and settle out of court.[24] Glover was appointed as manager permanently on 6 October.[25] A win at Shrewsbury Town instigated a run of four away wins out of five. However, Vale soon returned to their poor form and slid back down the table. At the end of October, former Vale star Dave Brammer joined on loan from Millwall,[26] and would join permanently in the January transfer window. The next month Scott Brown also arrived on loan from Cheltenham Town,[27] and would also join on a permanent transfer two months later.[28] This is also what happened with defender Gareth Owen,[29] who arrived after leaving Stockport County following a bust-up with Jim Gannon.[30] Notts County player Neil MacKenzie also joined on loan.[31] Attempts to bring back Chris Birchall on loan failed.[32] Leaving Burslem was Chris Slater, who returned to former club Chasetown.[33] In December, Andy Porter left the club's backroom staff after 17 years at the club,[34] highlighting the unrest in the camp. Both Porter and Mark Grew had turned down offers to become Glover's assistant.[35]

In January, striker Luke Rodgers was released from his contract after a bust-up with manager Dean Glover,[36] and immediately signed with Yeovil Town.[37] Shane Tudor retired due to injury on 21 January.[38] As well as the permanent signings of a number of loan players, Glover also brought in Pakistan international Adnan Ahmed on loan from Tranmere Rovers.[39] Glover stated the club's revised aim was a top-half finish.[40] In February, Glover signed Carlisle United striker Kevin Gall on loan.[41] He failed to score in seven games with the club, and returned to Carlisle after picking up a calf injury.[42] In March, Kyle Perry was allowed to join local non-League side Northwich Victoria,[43] after being told he had no future at Vale.[44] In his place came loanee winger Paul Marshall from Manchester City.[45] On 21 March, Vale recorded a surprise 1–0 win over Bradford City at Valley Parade with Howland the only scorer.[46] On 28 March, Anyon broke his leg at Saltergate in a defeat to Chesterfield.[47] With Vale going eight games without a win, Glover admitted he was 'a dead man walking',[48] and implored the fan's not to boo his son.[49] Fans protested against both the board and the manager.[50] The final game was a 2–1 win over Barnet at the Underhill Stadium.

They finished in 18th place with 48 points, 21 points short of the play-offs, and eleven points clear of relegation. Only Accrington Stanley and Chester City scored fewer than Vale's tally of 44 goals. With 14 defeats, only Macclesfield Town and Chester lost more games than Vale. Had Bournemouth and Luton Town not faced point deductions, then Vale would have finished in twentieth place. Marc Richards was the club's top scorer with eleven goals in all competitions, whilst Louis Dodds also contributed ten goals.

At the end of the season, most of the playing staff were retained. However, Scott Brown returned to Cheltenham Town, and Kyle Perry was released and signed with Mansfield Town,[51] and Dave Brammer had to retire after Chairman Bill Bratt informed him via voicemail that he would not be offered a new contract.[52] Youth team graduate Paul Dixon was not offered a new contract. Dean Glover, unpopular with the fans, was also informed that he would not be retained as manager for the following season,[53] and left the club permanently after he rejected the opportunity to remain as a youth coach.[54] A slow uptake of season ticket sales was one major factor in Glover's sacking.[55] Following Glover's departure the club withdrew their contract offer to Paul Edwards,[56] who went on to play for Barrow. However, Player of the Year Joe Anyon stayed at the club, despite claiming other clubs were interested in his signature.[57]

Finances

On the financial side, poor results encouraged Vale fans to organize protests against manager Glover and the board, including Chairman Bill Bratt.[58] With talks of fresh investment from shirt sponsors Harlequin Property came rumours on the internet that the company were planning to demolish Vale Park and build a supermarket, paying off Bratt to ensure his compliance.[59] Bratt passionately denied these accusations, seemingly angered by the suggestion and claimed that if he were to comply with the protesters demands and remove himself and the rest of the V-2001 directors from the Board, then the club would fold as banks and creditors would seek their money. He also reiterated his prior statements by stating that he would be prepared to leave his position if the right offer were to be made.[60] The club had to make monthly repayments of around £19,000 for a £2.25 million loan taken out from the local council in 2005.[61] The club's shirt sponsorship came from Harlequin Property.

Cup competitions

In the FA Cup, Vale advanced past Huddersfield Town with a 4–3 win at the Galpharm Stadium, Dodds hitting a brace.[62] They then were knocked out by Macclesfield Town at the second-round stage with a 3–1 home defeat.[63] This meant the Vale missed out on a lucrative home tie with Premier League side Everton. Keeper Anyon slammed his defenders for their part in the defeat.[64]

In the League Cup, Vale were defeated 3–1 by Championship club Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.[65]

In the Football League Trophy, Vale exited in the first round with a 1–0 defeat to Stockport County at Edgeley Park.[66]

Results

Football League Two

League table

More information Pos, Pld ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
16 Accrington Stanley 46 13 11 22 42 59 17 50
17 Barnet 46 11 15 20 56 74 18 48
18 Port Vale 46 13 9 24 44 66 22 48
19 Notts County 46 11 14 21 49 69 20 47
20 Macclesfield Town 46 13 8 25 45 77 32 47
Close
Source: The Football League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

Results by matchday

More information Round, Ground ...
Round12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546
GroundAHAHHAHAHAAHHAAHAHHAHAHHHAHAAHAHAHHAAAAHHAHAHA
ResultWLDWLLLLLWWLWLWLLDWLLLWDLLWDLLWLDLWLWLLDDLDLDW
Position31197101216181916141513141314151414151518151616171616171716171718181817181818191919191918
Points33477777710131316161919192023232323262727273031313134343535383841414142434344444548
Close
Source: Statto[67]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Matches

9 August 2008 1 Luton Town 1–3 Port Vale Luton
Parkin 35' Report Dodds 25'
Taylor 45'
Richards 58'
Stadium: Kenilworth Road
Attendance: 7,149
Referee: Mike Thorpe
16 August 2008 2 Port Vale 0–2 Accrington Stanley Burslem
Report Craney 3'
Mullin 89'
Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 6,643
Referee: Graham Horwood
23 August 2008 3 Dagenham & Redbridge 1–1 Port Vale Dagenham
Benson 5' Report Richards 7' Stadium: Victoria Road
Attendance: 1,843
Referee: Graham Scott
30 August 2008 4 Port Vale 3–1 AFC Bournemouth Burslem
Richards 15'
Richman 64'
McCombe 66'
Report Lindfield 58' Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 6,048
Referee: Mick Russell
6 September 2008 5 Port Vale 0–2 Bradford City Burslem
Report Bullock 17'
Thorne 76'
Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 7,273
Referee: Phil Gibbs
13 September 2008 6 Darlington 2–1 Port Vale Darlington
Burgmeier 38'
Hatch 77'
Report Rodgers 28' Stadium: The Darlington Arena
Attendance: 3,040
Referee: Karl Evans
20 September 2008 7 Port Vale 1–4 Macclesfield Town Burslem
Dodds 44' Report Dunfield 36'
Yeo 75' (pen.), 83'
Reid 86'
Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 6,645
Referee: Iain Williamson
27 September 2008 8 Gillingham 1–0 Port Vale Gillingham, Kent
McCombe 34' (og.) Report Stadium: Priestfield Stadium
Attendance: 4,986
Referee: Andy Woolmer
4 October 2008 9 Port Vale 1–2 Notts County Burslem
Rodgers 48' Report Forrester 6'
Weston 66'
Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 6,247
Referee: Simon Hooper
11 October 2008 10 Shrewsbury Town 1–2 Port Vale Shrewsbury
Symes 89' Report Dodds 19'
Richards 90'
Stadium: New Meadow
Attendance: 7,162
Referee: Darren Deadman
19 October 2008 11 Chester City 1–2 Port Vale Chester
12:00 BST Lowe 85' Report Richards 11'
Richman 78'
Stadium: Deva Stadium
Attendance: 3,102
Referee: Scott Mathieson
21 October 2008 12 Port Vale 1–3 Exeter City Burslem
Rodgers 86' Report Stewart 17'
Sercombe 18'
Gill 65'
Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 5,493
Referee: Jon Moss
25 October 2008 13 Port Vale 2–1 Morecambe Burslem
Rodgers 80'
Richards 90'
Report Bentley 81' Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 5,629
Referee: Phil Crossley
28 October 2008 14 Aldershot Town 1–0 Port Vale Aldershot
Soares 13' Report Stadium: Recreation Ground
Attendance: 3,039
Referee: David Phillips
1 November 2008 15 Lincoln City 0–1 Port Vale Lincoln
Report Howland 26' Stadium: Sincil Bank
Attendance: 4,793
Referee: Carl Boyeson
15 November 2008 16 Port Vale 0–3 Brentford Burslem
Report Osborne 45'
Bean 67'
MacDonald 90'
Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 6,058
Referee: Andy Haines
22 November 2008 17 Wycombe Wanderers 4–2 Port Vale High Wycombe
Harrold 23' (pen.), 82'
Zebroski 45', 65'
Report Richards 51' (pen.)
Brown 66'
Stadium: Adams Park
Attendance: 4,521
Referee: Iain Williamson
25 November 2008 18 Port Vale 0–0 Barnet Burslem
Report Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 4,617
Referee: Pat Miller
6 December 2008 19 Port Vale 2–1 Grimsby Town Burslem
Richards 28'
Richman 88'
Report Proudlock 85' Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 5,058
Referee: Karl Evans
13 December 2008 20 Bury 3–0 Port Vale Bury, Greater Manchester
Futcher 2'
Hurst 11', 45'
Report Stadium: Gigg Lane
Attendance: 2,651
Referee: Keith Hill
20 December 2008 21 Port Vale 0–1 Chesterfield Burslem
Report Downes 54' Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 5,011
Referee: Craig Pawson
26 December 2008 22 Rotherham United 1–0 Port Vale Sheffield
Broughton 67' Report Stadium: Don Valley Stadium
Attendance: 4,350
Referee: Carl Boyeson
28 December 2008 23 Port Vale 2–1 Rochdale Burslem
Glover 74'
Thompson 90'
Report Le Fondre 82' (pen.) Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 5,720
Referee: Dean Whitestone
17 January 2009 24 Port Vale 1–1 Shrewsbury Town Burslem
Thompson 9' Report Walker 28' Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 7,068
Referee: Trevor Kettle
20 January 2009 25 Port Vale 1–3 Gillingham Burslem
Richards 28' Report Oli 49'
Miller 69'
Jackson 72' (pen.)
Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 4,539
Referee: James Linington
24 January 2009 26 Notts County 4–2 Port Vale Nottingham
Weston 32'
Forrester 55', 65', 81' (pen.)
Report Richman 51'
Dodds 73'
Stadium: Meadow Lane
Attendance: 4,447
Referee: Jon Moss
27 January 2009 27 Port Vale 3–0 Chester City Burslem
Glover 59'
Taylor 73'
Lawrie 89'
Report Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 4,448
Referee: Andy Hall
31 January 2009 28 Morecambe 1–1 Port Vale Morecambe
Stanley 4' Report Richman 43' Stadium: Christie Park
Attendance: 1,823
Referee: Colin Webster
14 February 2009 29 Brentford 2–0 Port Vale Brentford, West London
Osborne 45'
MacDonald 86'
Report Stadium: Griffin Park
Attendance: 4,702
Referee: Steven Cook
20 February 2009 30 Port Vale 0–1 Lincoln City Burslem
Report N'Guessan 12' Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 5,097
Referee: Fred Graham
25 February 2009 31 Macclesfield Town 0–2 Port Vale Macclesfield
Report Ahmed 85'
Dodds 90'
Stadium: Moss Rose
Attendance: 2,267
Referee: Mark Haywood
28 February 2009 32 Port Vale 1–3 Luton Town Burslem
McCombe 26' Report Hall 43'
Gallen 52'
Martin 63'
Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 5,689
Referee: Roger East
7 March 2009 33 AFC Bournemouth 0–0 Port Vale Bournemouth
Report Stadium: Dean Court
Attendance: 5,924
Referee: Graham Horwood
10 March 2009 34 Port Vale 0–1 Dagenham & Redbridge Burslem
Report Guy 25' Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 4,090
Referee: Oliver Langford
14 March 2009 35 Port Vale 3–1 Darlington Burslem
Dodds 45'
Taylor 51'
Richards 78'
Report Carlton 26' Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 4,860
Referee: Lee Probert
17 March 2009 36 Accrington Stanley 2–0 Port Vale Accrington
Procter 4'
Ryan 27'
Report Stadium: Crown Ground
Attendance: 1,144
Referee: Colin Webster
21 March 2009 37 Bradford City 0–1 Port Vale Bradford
Report Howland 49' Stadium: Valley Parade
Attendance: 12,436
Referee: Steve Bratt
28 March 2009 38 Chesterfield 2–1 Port Vale Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Lester 68', 74' Report Marshall 77' Stadium: Saltergate
Attendance: 3,511
Referee: Michael Oliver
31 March 2009 39 Exeter City 1–0 Port Vale Exeter
Prosser 29' (og.) Report Stadium: St James Park
Attendance: 4,235
Referee: Simon Hooper
4 April 2009 40 Port Vale 1–1 Bury Burslem
Lawrie 57' Report Bennett 68' Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 5,763
Referee: Paul Taylor
7 April 2009 41 Port Vale 0–0 Aldershot Town Burslem
Report Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 4,140
Referee: Anthony Taylor
11 April 2009 42 Rochdale 1–0 Port Vale Rochdale
Buckley 36' Report Stadium: Spotland Stadium
Attendance: 3,100
Referee: Andy Haines
13 April 2009 43 Port Vale 0–0 Rotherham United Burslem
15:00 BST Report Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 4,814
Referee: Richard Beeby
18 April 2009 44 Grimsby Town 3–0 Port Vale Cleethorpes
Conlon 4', 49'
Jarman 21'
Report Stadium: Blundell Park
Attendance: 6,511
Referee: Graham Scott
25 April 2009 45 Port Vale 1–1 Wycombe Wanderers Burslem
Collins 61' Report Sawyer 80' Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 6,047
Referee: Phil Crossley
2 May 2009 46 Barnet 1–2 Port Vale Chipping Barnet, London
Hart 90' Report Dodds 11'
Glover 45'
Stadium: Underhill Stadium
Attendance: 2,305
Referee: Roger East

FA Cup

8 November 2008 R1 Huddersfield Town 3–4 Port Vale Huddersfield
Collins 45'
Craney 51'
Williams 65'
Report Dodds 27', 85'
Howland 79'
Richards 90'
Stadium: Kirklees Stadium
Attendance: 6,942
Referee: Graham Salisbury
28 November 2008 R2 Port Vale 1–3 Macclesfield Town Burslem
Dodds 71' Report Green 9', 73'
Gritton 90'
Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 4,684
Referee: Jon Moss

League Cup

13 August 2008 R1 Sheffield United 3–1 Port Vale Sheffield
Hendrie 41'
Quinn 71'
Webber 90' (pen.)
Report Rodgers 53' Stadium: Bramall Lane
Attendance: 7,694
Referee: Kevin Friend

Football League Trophy

2 September 2008 R1 Stockport County 1–0 Port Vale Stockport
19:15 GMT McSweeney 4' Report Stadium: Edgeley Park
Attendance: 2,290
Referee: Clive Oliver
New signing Lee Collins.
Anthony Griffith quickly established himself in the first team.

Player statistics

Appearances and goals

Key to positions: GK Goalkeeper; DF Defender; MF Midfielder; FW Forward
More information No., Pos ...
No. Pos Nat Player TotalLeague TwoFA CupLeague CupFootball League Trophy
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
1 GK England ENG Joe Anyon 390360201000
2 DF England ENG Sam Stockley 250220101010
3 MF England ENG Rob Taylor 223203001010
4 MF Montserrat MSR Anthony Griffith 420380201010
5 DF England ENG John McCombe 342312101010
6 DF England ENG Luke Prosser 280260100010
7 FW England ENG Anthony Malbon 1010000000
8 MF Northern Ireland NIR David Howland 413402110000
9 FW England ENG Marc Richards 34113010211010
10 MF England ENG Paul Marshall 131131000000
11 MF England ENG Paul Edwards 330310200000
12 GK England ENG Chris Martin 120110000010
14 MF England ENG Louis Dodds 4810447231010
15 MF England ENG Scott Brown 191181100000
16 FW England ENG Kyle Perry 170150001010
17 FW England ENG Steve Thompson 172172000000
18 FW England ENG Danny Glover 263233200010
19 MF England ENG Simon Richman 415375201010
20 MF England ENG Ross Davidson 250230101000
21 FW Northern Ireland NIR James Lawrie 192182100000
22 DF England ENG Danny Edwards 0000000000
23 MF England ENG Luke Chapman 0000000000
24 DF England ENG Lee Collins 421391201000
25 MF Pakistan PAK Adnan Ahmed 5151000000
26 MF England ENG Dave Brammer 140130100000
27 DF Wales WAL Gareth Owen 130120100000
29 MF England ENG Paul Dixon 0000000000
32 GK England ENG Daniel Lloyd-Weston 0000000000
Players who featured but departed the club during the season:
7 MF England ENG Shane Tudor 6050001000
7 FW England ENG Kevin Gall 7070000000
10 FW England ENG Luke Rodgers 175154001110
15 DF England ENG Chris Slater 8060001010
25 MF England ENG Tom Taiwo 5040000010
25 MF Republic of Ireland IRL Damien McCrory 140120200000
28 MF England ENG Neil MacKenzie 3020100000
Close

Top scorers

More information Place, Position ...
Place Position Nation Number Name EFL League Two FA Cup EFL Cup EFL Trophy Total
1FW England9Marc Richards1010011
2MF England14Louis Dodds730010
3MF England19Simon Richman50005
FW England10Luke Rodgers40105
5FW England18Danny Glover30003
MF England3Rob Taylor30003
MF Northern Ireland8David Howland21003
8FW Northern Ireland21James Lawrie20002
FW England17Steve Thompson20002
DF England5John McCombe20002
11DF England24Lee Collins10001
MF Pakistan25Adnan Ahmed10001
MF England10Paul Marshall10001
MF England15Scott Brown10001
TOTALS 44 5 1 0 50
Close

Disciplinary record

Number Nation Position Name League One FA Cup EFL Cup EFL Trophy Total
Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card
2 EnglandDFSam Stockley5100000051
24 EnglandDFLee Collins4100000041
9 EnglandFWMarc Richards4100000041
18 EnglandFWDanny Glover3100000031
20 EnglandMFRoss Davidson2100000021
16 EnglandFWKyle Perry0100000001
6 EnglandDFLuke Prosser9000000090
8 Northern IrelandMFDavid Howland6000000060
11 EnglandMFPaul Edwards5000000050
4 MontserratMFAnthony Griffith5000000050
14 EnglandMFLouis Dodds4000000040
5 EnglandDFJohn McCombe4000000040
25 PakistanMFAdnan Ahmed3000000030
24 EnglandDFDanny Edwards2000000020
19 EnglandMFSimon Richman2000000020
3 EnglandMFRob Taylor2000000020
1 EnglandGKJoe Anyon1000000010
26 EnglandMFDave Brammer1000000010
10 EnglandMFPaul Marshall1000000010
27 EnglandDFGareth Owen1000000010
TOTALS 64 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 64 6

Sourced from Soccerway.[68]

Transfers

More information Date from, Position ...
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More information Date from, Position ...
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References

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