Fans groups meet with Port Vale owners to air concerns
Several supporters groups and the football club have issued a statement confirming a meeting has taken place with “the overarching aim of resetting the relationship between the Club, Owner, and Supporters.”
There has been strong criticism of the club in recent weeks including the lack of communication with fans. The joint statement is reproduced in full below:
Members of the Supporters Club, the Black and Gold Group and North London Valiants met with Carol Shanahan OBE, Matt Hancock, and Patrick Shanahan to discuss various matters on Monday evening, with the overarching aim of resetting the relationship between the Club, Owner, and Supporters in the best interest of Port Vale FC.
The meeting was centred on constructive and open dialogue, with a view to addressing supporters’ concerns in respect of on-pitch performance and wider activity including Club communications, ticketing and matchday facilities, marking the start of renewed and regular future collaboration between the Club and its loyal supporter base.
Key points included:
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- A clear commitment from fan groups in their support for the Shanahan family.
- A strong intent from all parties to reconnect the Club and the supporters, as well as acknowledgement that Club communication has not been at the level supporters should expect.
- Robust and honest feedback around accountability for football performance.
- The Club was honest and candid in responding to queries and concerns, with all parties in agreement that the meeting represented a positive and significant step forward in realigning the Club’s commitment to putting supporters at the centre of its thinking.
A significant part of the discussion focused on the current football situation and the role of Director of Football, and although there were differing views on certain aspects, there was also – importantly – a mutual respect and agreement that the Club must improve communication on how performance is measured moving forward.
Supporters were provided with clarity and reassurances as to the scope of the role – one which has recently been complemented by the experience of newly-appointed manager Darren Moore and his coaching staff – with the Club’s new-look football operation now confirmed as of last week. Moore and his team will work closely with David Flitcroft to review and shape football-related matters moving forward.
Crucially, a key theme of the meeting was a consensus on the need for togetherness. It was unequivocally agreed that, given our current fight to retain our League One status, everyone associated with Port Vale is urged to put aside their current frustrations to help give the players and management a much-needed lift.
As Owners, staff and supporters, we take collective pride in representing a Club that fights for each other and sticks together through difficult times, something that has been consistently evident throughout our great 148-year history. Together, we will do everything in our power to show those same qualities going into the final 12 league games of the season and look forward to progressing with a renewed approach and sense of unity.
UTV.
Vale fan
6th March 2024 @ 3:17 pm
So Carol gets her way by sweeping the supporters under the carpet and Jonah Flitcroft stays in charge,what was said about the so called team, you know the one WITHOUT A STRIKER
William
6th March 2024 @ 5:18 pm
Sounds like a complete waste of time with all the usual platitudes, better communications, all pull together, etc etc. The main point of contention i.e flitcroft appeared to be “off limits” with just some vague waffle about clarifying his goals. Did nobody mention that 85% of supporters want flitcroft gone?
As I said at the start, a complete waste of time.
BONDI
6th March 2024 @ 5:36 pm
You will listen to what I say. 3 very poor tranfere windows says it all, and will be no change next season. Get ready for the National League folks.
John stevens
6th March 2024 @ 5:49 pm
Waste of time meeting, ???????? I for one won’t be there on Saturday, unless flitcroft is gone , not renewing my season ticket
Ian Mountford
6th March 2024 @ 10:49 pm
Basically select a few fans who are well in with the club behind the backs of the rest of the loyal fans, blow a bit of smoke up their bottoms, Job done ! This is what Carol , Hancock and the club calls clearing the air. There’s a bigger problem with this club than I thought. This is strike three for me, first the open letter from Carol, then the video Hancock did, now this. Carol and the club appear to look down on the vast majority of loyal Vale fans as nonentities, it’s THEIR club! Your thoughts, your. Opinions count for nothing. Basically just turn up, sit in your cheap seats and shut up while we ruin your club. The club is nosediving into non league football and the owner’s clearing don’t care. We just went into the most important transfer window that we’ve had in years and instead of strengthening the squad we came out of it 6 players lighter. Smurthwaite listened to the fans more than this lot.
Vale fan
7th March 2024 @ 6:12 am
Well i have read what the supporters say and i along with another 8 mates say “Carol you keep Jonah Flitcroft we will keep our cash and our time, we will not contribute to his salary ,he could not run a party at a brewery,