Kick-off time for controversial Checkatrade tie put back
Port Vale have changed the kick-off time for their Checkatrade Trophy game against Stoke City U21 after consulting the police.
A statement said:
Port Vale Football Club would like to advise all supporters that the kick off time for the Checkatrade Trophy game against Stoke City under 21’s schedule for Tuesday 4th December 2018 will now kick off at 7.45pm, not 7pm as previously notified.
The kick off has been put back to 7.45pm after consultation with Staffordshire Police, this decision has been taken for safety and operational reasons. Port Vale Football Club would like to apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause but trust that all supporters will understand that our priority is the safety of all supporters and staff.
No B-teams in the Football League Trophy
This website has been vocal in its opposition to the introduction of U21 or B sides to the Checkatrade Trophy. Both Port Vale and Stoke City have won the tournament and will know the pride and prestige the tournament can bring. We believe that the need to play junior sides in full, competitive fixtures is humiliating and diminishes the competition. We respect the views of those Vale fans who wish to boycott the competition.
Having said that, we hope that next week’s fixture is played in a sporting fashion both on and off the pitch regardless of the two club’s opposing views on the competition.
Our views on the introduction of B-sides can be read below: