What’s the latest news for Port Vale FC regarding Covid-19?
Here is an update on what we know so far regarding Port Vale FC and other Football League clubs and the global pandemic.
It’s been a unique season for Port Vale FC so far. While many bet sites have the club as one of the favourites to be in the promotion shake-up, the only way fans have been able to see the action so far is via a live stream.
Here’s an update on how the Covid-19 crisis has changed the season for the Valiants and other clubs throughout the country…
What’s the latest on crowds?
At the moment, Port Vale like all other Premier League and Football League clubs are not allowed to have supporters in the stadium. The only way for season ticket holders and walk up fans alike to watch the matches is to view them via the iFollow service. Port Vale chair Carol Shanahan has published an open letter she wrote to the government’s sports minister airing her concerns about the lack of progress in allowing fans back in, but for the moment there is no sign that the situation will change.
What’s the latest on positive cases?
There has been rigorous testing of players throughout the game. However, some other League clubs have unfortunately suffered incidents of positive tests for players and as a result a handful of fixtures have had to be postponed. This has not been the case for Port Vale so far with the only incident of note occurring when defender Nathan Smith self-isolated after coming into contact with a positive case.
What’s the latest on finances?
Port Vale, like other league clubs are really worried about their finances as a significant part of their revenue is derived from matchdays. Shanahan spoke to the Daily Mirror and warned that some clubs are on the brink of collapse. The League has appealed for emergency funds to be handed out and this was backed by the government. However, the Premier League have stalled on any bailout deal and while the rival “Project Big Picture” has been backed by League clubs, it is unlikely to be backed by the Premier League itself. League clubs such as Vale therefore face an anxious wait to see if any cash will be forthcoming soon.
Any other business?
Away from football, Port Vale FC has conducted itself with dignity and integrity during the pandemic. The club has worked in conjunction with its Hubb Foundation and delivered well over 150,000 meals to over 45,000 families in the city. It’s a tremendous achievement and shows the giant strides the new owners have taken to embed the club firmly into the local community. It’s an effort which saw some reward recently as Shanahan was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Honours.
Related features on the pandemic:
Here are some more useful features which this site has published which may give you further information:
- When people are dying, football goes out of the window; Port Vale manager John Askey on the Coronavirus pandemic
- Port Vale chair is awarded an OBE
- Port Vale goalkeeper and chair speak out on financial crisis
- Port Vale match still on despite Scunthorpe player’s positive Covid-19 test
- Football League and Premier League issue Coronavirus update