Ryder in ‘extremely encouraging’ talks with Supporters Club
Port Vale Supporters Club have held talks with potential owner Keith Ryder during which plans for the unveiling of the long-awaited Roy Sproson statue and a summer open day were discussed. Chairman of the Supporters Club Pete Williams described the talks as “extremely encouraging.”
The full press release is copied below:
PORT VALE SUPPORTERS’ CLUB PRESS RELEASE
APRIL 25, 2012
The meeting, which lasted 90 minutes, involved three SC committee members. They discussed of a range of initiatives which the Supporters’ Club (SC) has put forward to the man who is in pole position to take over as the new owner of Port Vale.
No decisions have yet been made, but topics talked through with Mr Ryder included:
- An event to mark the unveiling of the Roy Sproson statue co-ordinated by the SC
- A community open day involving Vale players, staff and SC volunteers
- Pay-on-the-gate prices, the cost of season tickets and other match ticket options
SC Chairman Pete Williams said: “We are in a strange situation at present. Obviously Mr Ryder is not yet the owner of Port Vale and there are still several hurdles to negotiate.
“However, he is keen, as is the Supporters’ Club, that we have an on-going dialogue so that fans’ voices are represented as Mr Ryder begins to make plans for the club.
“It was great that Mr Ryder was able to meet with fans and answer questions and most people seemed to leave the fans’ forum feeling optimistic for the first time in a while.
“What has been extremely encouraging is that Mr Ryder wants to work with the Supporters’ Club because he is keen to get as much feedback as possible from fans.
“To that end, we will continue to hold meetings with Mr Ryder and look forward to announcing some positive news, in conjunction with the club and as soon as we are able to.”
Mr Williams added: “At the Supporters’ Club we work on the basis that we will never be able to please everyone – in spite of what has been achieved in recent months when Vale fans united behind a common cause.
“However, it is disappointing that a small number of fans continue to snipe at the Supporters’ Club via the internet over some sort of alleged lack of transparency
“To make our position clear: If anyone has suggestions for the Supporters’ Club they can contact us via our website, Facebook page or Twitter and also by email. Those are the forums for discussing the effectiveness or otherwise of the SC and its representatives.
“More to the point, if anyone wishes to become involved with the Supporters’ Club they can simply put themselves forward at the next AGM or volunteer at any time. There’s much to do and we would certainly appreciate the help.”
Mr Williams added: “Mr Ryder has emphasised the importance of discretion at this delicate stage and we appreciate the trust he has placed in us.”
The Supporters’ Club, which now boasts a membership of more than 1,500 fans would like to take this opportunity to wish Micky and the lads all the best for Saturday’s game away at Swindon.
Membership of the Supporters’ Club is completely free and you can join online through this link:
http://www.portvalesupportersclub.org