Vale soap opera continues as press banned from “press conference”
It seems that only in the world of Port Vale can the press be banned from a press conference and Rob Fielding strongly disagrees with the decision…
Rob Fielding writes…
On Monday, Port Vale have announced a “press conference” to announce their new manager but a significant local newspaper were not invited.
A Facebook post from the Staffordshire Sentinel newspaper said: Our Sportsdesk received a text message over the weekend from Port Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite to say that The Sentinel’s Mike Baggaley would not be allowed to attend today’s press conference at which the new manager is set to be unveiled. We will endeavour to continue to cover news from your club as we have always done in the knowledge that The Sentinel and Port Vale are heritage brands and institutions which outlast personal disagreements.”
As far as this Port Vale fan is concerned this is petty and spiteful behaviour from owner Norman Smurthwaite.
Yes, he may have some personal grudges with some members of the Sentinel staff but the club should put those aside, act like a professional football club and allow all the media to attend a media event.
Regardless of what the Chairman thinks – all football clubs need the media just as much as the media need them – it’s a two-way street and this sad incident could and should have been avoided.