I’d like to start by extending a warm welcome to the players, officials and especially the fans of Port Vale FC today.  Following relegation to League 2 at the end of last season, this season hasn’t provided too many opportunities for Vale fans to celebrate (our visit to Vale Park being one exception).  With Port Vale’s league status pretty much secure for this season (at the time of writing they are 10 points clear of the unmentionable zone), Mariners fans will be hoping that our in form side can avenge December’s disappointing defeat as Town continue their battle for league survival.   

Although Port Vale do not currently have an active Supporters Trust (more on that story later), supporter involvement is very much alive and well in Burslem.  The current owners of the club are a consortium called ‘Valiant 2001’, formed in 2001 by a collection of local businessmen and lifelong Port Vale supporters (the consortium currently boasts c. 500 shareholders).  Shortly after formation, Valiant 2001 started moves towards attaining ownership of the club, an objective finally realised in 2003 after the club had gone into administration under the previous owners in 2002.  A share issue in February 2006 resulted in a £250,000 investment into the club, the majority of that coming from Vale’s celebrity fan, Robbie Williams.  Although indications are that financially the club are reasonably stable, fans are understandably not happy with the current league position and place the blame for the current state firmly at the feet of Valiant 2001.  It remains to be seen whether more decisive supporter action will be taken.

One option open to Port Vale supporters would be to reactivate the now dormant Vale Supporters Trust (VaST).  VaST was established in 2001, when Supporters Direct was in its infancy and only a handful of football clubs had an affiliated Trust.  Despite a degree of initial success which resulted in a membership base of c. 200 and a £4k investment made in the club (to purchase 800 shares), VaST never really got off the ground to the degree that a Supporters Trust at a club in administration could or should have done.  It has been reported that one of the reasons why VaST failed to attract sufficient support is due to the degree to which they were critical of the club (even in good times), but as no-one appeared to be willing to take the reins and change the situation VaST went into dormancy on 2007.  Despite ongoing rumours of VaST being resurrected, this has not yet happened.

A new Supporters Club was formed about 18 months ago with the primary aims of giving a true voice to the supporters of the club and to help to raise funds where possible (in conjunction with the Port Vale Volunteers Group).  The Supporters Club are affiliated to the Football Supporters Federation, and although they may be viewed as the natural successor to VaST, have no intention right now of taking on the Trust status.

By far one of the most active supporters group is the Port Vale Volunteers Group (PVVG).  Since its formation in 2005, PVVG has raised thousands of pounds for the benefit of both the club and the local community.  Regular events such as raffles, quizzes and themed nights (e.g. curry night), along with less frequent but higher profile events such as the Player of The Year Awards night and open days has helped raise in the region of £16,000 in the last three years alone.  This money has been ploughed back into the club to help fund ground improvements, refurbishment and purchase vital equipment, as well as being used for donations to local community groups.  The 50 or so volunteers that make up PVVG also provide non-financial assistance to the club by way of giving their time to help with activities key to the running of the club, such as maintenance of the ground and administrative activities.

Finally (but in no way least), there is the Sproson Fund.  This is a supporter led fundraising initiative focussed primarily on funding a lasting tribute to Vale’s most celebrated player – Roy Sproson.  Roy made 837 starting appearances for Port Vale, and there has long been a desire to erect a bronze statue of the player at Vale Park.  Happily, years of hard work appear to be coming to fruition, as the 9ft high statue has been cast and is in the final stages of production.  I wonder whether Macca would prefer one of those over an MBE? 

Emma Blackbourn – GTST Board Member

www.gtst.net