PORT Vale have signed former Newcastle midfielder Ryan Taylor in time for tomorrow’s game with Oxford United.

Although Football League clubs are unable to bring in contracted players on permanent or loan deals, free agents can join at any time.

Taylor could line up against his Oxford namesake.

Valiants chairman Norman Smurthwaite took to Twitter on Wednesday night after a run of only one win in their last five games.

While also referencing the midweek gate of 3,494 for the 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic, he tweeted: “To underpin our current position and build for promotion l am going to act. I must ask however when are the lost fans going to return if ever.”

Despite the recent run, Vale have the best home record in Sky Bet League One, with 16 points collected from their seven games.

But Ribeiro’s assistant, Michael Brown, views United as dangerous opponents.

He said: “Oxford have been going well for 18 months now so we have to be aware of that.

“A team coming up are always going to be a tough challenge.

“We have found over the years that some go and do it twice with their momentum so hopefully we can stop them in their tracks on Saturday.”