Port Vale owner: Stoke City yet to respond to damage repair bill
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite says he has contacted Stoke City FC about the estimated £100,000 damage to the away stand but has yet to receive a definite answer back.
The stand was damaged by Stoke supporters during a Checkatrade Trophy game between Stoke City U21 and Port Vale. The damage was caused by a minority of the visiting supporters but Smurthwaite’s argument is that neighbours Stoke should assist to bring the stand back to the “same condition” it was before their fans attended the game.
I am trying to get to a resolution so that Port Vale Football Club is in the same condition as it was prior to the Stoke game…
However, Smurthwaite has told the Sentinel newspaper he has yet to receive a definitive answer from the Potters. He commented: “Far from it. Nobody is taking ownership of the dialogue at Stoke.”
He added: “I am trying to get to a resolution so that Port Vale Football Club is in the same condition as it was prior to the Stoke game. I would like Stoke City’s assistance to get me there, if indeed they are even going to consider it.”
Smurthwaite added that damage to PA system does mean the club’s next home game could be called off by safety authorities. He added: “There are still some doubts in relation to that. It is the PA and also the Safety Advisory Group want some information, for which I can’t blame them. If they are not satisfied with the answer to that information then they have the grounds to not allow us to play.”