Manager praises departing Pope, club says fans will have chance to pay tribute
Post-war record goalscorer Tom Pope is one of fifteen players to be released by Port Vale and following his departure manager Darrell Clarke and the club have paid tribute.
Port Vale fans – what are your favourite memories of the Pope? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.
Pope scored 115 goals in 343 appearances during three spells with the club. Following the news of his departure, manager Darrell Clarke told the official website that:
Since I’ve been at the club Tom has been the consummate professional. He’s worked hard and helped me and the dressing room. He’s had a difficult season with injuries but his commitment to the cause has been first class – as you’d expect of a club legend – and his record will stand the test of time…
The Valiants also suggested that there would be an opportunity for fans to say goodbye to the popular forward as they added:
Port Vale looks forward to welcoming Tom and his family to Vale Park in the years to come and honouring him at future events where Vale supporters can pay tribute and with a legacy project at the club.
Tom Pope at Vale Park
Age: 36
Spells: 2010 (loan), 2010-2015, 2017-2021
Appearances: 343
Goals: 115
Honours: Promotion 2013, League Two Player of the Year 2013, Port Vale Player of the Year (2013,2014 and 2018)
Port Vale fans – what are your favourite memories of the Pope? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.
Mike Rennie
10th May 2021 @ 5:24 pm
the hattrick at Cheltenham got us the Man City tie.Dont want him to go ,could still do a job for us,a bit too ruthless .
James
11th May 2021 @ 1:55 pm
Tom pope wat a legend not just a player he was a good all rounder at the club true pro and will be sadly mist all the best tom for the future james stubbs
Jon deen
11th May 2021 @ 2:07 pm
Left the club once when they wanted to reduce his wages then been overplaid since.
A financial burden that a club cannot sustain for another season. We could get 2 good strikers for the money he is paid. His best season was the promotion one but although he chipped in with a few goals since he is too old to play a viable part in the club