Club change mind on closed door friendlies
In a decision that’s perhaps symbolic of a chaotic summer at Vale Park, the club has now announced that supporters will now be able to see Vale’s friendly against Tranmere, although the Coventry fixture will remain closed to fans.
Earlier this week, the club announced that both games would have to be played behind closed doors because essential maintenance work had not yet been completed, a decision slammed as “pathetic” by the Supporters Club.
A club statement announced the club’s change of mind with Secretary Bill Lodey commenting: “We had a very meaningful meeting with the Supporters’ Club today and they have kindly agreed to supply some labour, in addition to an amount of funding, so that the club is able to complete some of the required maintenance work to the ground.
“Although this will enable the club to open sections of the ground for the friendly against Tranmere, we will not have the necessary work done to allow supporters in for the Coventry game. Again, we apologise for this.
“I would like to thank Pete Williams and the Supporters’ Club for their help during what is a very difficult period for the club.”
Pete Williams, Chairman of Port Vale Supporters’ Club, added: “We are pleased that the club has taken us up on our offer to help with the necessary maintenance work to Vale Park.
“Ideally, we would like the stadium open for both fixtures but logistically, this is unable to happen. This has been a frustrating situation for everyone because I believe that with better communication, this could have been avoided.
“However, the fact that supporters can now come and support Micky and the team for the Tranmere game is a big step forward and I am pleased we can help in delivering that.”
The Lorne Street Stand will be open for home supporters against Tranmere Rovers, while the Hamil Road end will be open for away fans.