Port Vale defender Sam Stockley believes defence will be the key as they attempt an immediate return to League One.

Vale were relegated last season with a defensive record that saw 81 league goals leaked and 30-year-old Stockley, who signed a two-year deal from League Two rivals Wycombe, knows they must improve.

He told The Sentinel: "Whatever the players up front do, my main concern is the back four and the keeper. That's my job. I want clean sheets and I want the defence to work as a unit within a unit.

"I know the gaffer is looking for a solid back four. If we can keep clean sheets, the attacking players and the flair we have in this team will win us games.

"Ultimately, I think if you can keep clean sheets and have a consistent back four, you have a good chance, especially at this level - the most important thing is having a consistent, solid nucleus that we can build around."