Port Vale have been praised as “class” after the Valiants voted to end the season early despite being just one place from the play-offs.
Port Vale owner Carol Shanahan told the BBC that “It wasn’t an easy thing to do. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done… it was for the greater good. I think it was the right thing to do.”
The decision has earned praise from a number of quarters:
Northampton Town chairman “very impressed” with Port Vale
Northampton Town chairman Glenn Thomas told Sky Sports News he was: “Very impressed . I’m not sure how I could have voted in that situation.
“I’m glad we weren’t in it. It was a bit easier decision for us, but I think the collective view is important… showed good soidarity.”
Coventry Telegraph: Port Vale’s class has made League One promotion row look all the more foolish
Tom Leach writes in an editorial:
Port Vale were just a point behind the play-off pack in the fourth division and are enjoying a lengthy unbeaten run with it all to play for.
Owner Carol Shanahan has, after 37 games, stopped her club from getting promoted but may well have saved hundreds of people across the country their jobs – and for that, lower league football thanks her.
Meanwhile, in League One, the disagreements continue… Thank you, Port Vale. You’ve shown your lower league rivals just how it should be done.
What a marvellous, magnanimous gesture. A credit to the EFL! As a casual fan of the game in the North Midlands, at all levels, I applaud Port Vale for their down to earth approach, understanding that football is secondary to what we have in these scary, surreal times we live in. Well done Carol and Kevin, and to all at PVFC. I hope you’ll be in the frame for promotion next time around.