Accrington: Fans (but not the board) are welcome
Opponents Accrington Stanley FC have told OVF that there will be pay-on-the-day turnstiles available for Port Vale supporters on Saturday and that the club have also asked the Port Vale board of directors to stay away from the ground.
Accrington host Vale on Saturday and a bumper away gate is expected as Valiants fans show their support to Port Vale staff and players who have not been paid, due to the club’s financial meltdown.
However, Accrington are keen to avoid a re-occurrence of last season’s events where then Vale manager Jim Gannon was forced to remain in the stands after the game for his own safety and Exodus Geoghaghan was involved in an ugly confrontation with fans.
The match also marks a poignant anniversary for Accrington as the club plan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of when the club was expunged from the Football League.
Stadium manager Mark Turner told OVF: “In the interests of public safety, we have taken advice from the FA and from other clubs and decided to politely ask the Port Vale board not to attend.
“We also appreciate that many Port Vale fans feel strongly that their club has not been run correctly and Accrington would therefore be grateful if the Port Vale directors did not attend.
“It is fifty years ago that Accrington’s records were expunged from the Football League and the last thing we want is for our day of remembrance to be spoilt.
“We ask all Port Vale fans to come along and support your team, but at the same time respect Accrington as we reflect on a dark period in our club’s history.”
