Club Statement

Port Vale FC and Staffordshire Police are urging fans from both Port Vale and Wolves to work with the club stewards and police ahead of this weekends local derby match. 

The club is expecting to welcome one of the largest crowds of the season with Wolverhampton Wanderers already selling out the 4,500 ticket allocation.  

The club and police met again today to discuss the final arrangements for this weekends match. 

Ch Insp David Bird, who will be in command of the police operation on Saturday said: "Our role is to support the clubs stewarding operation and help fans enjoy this football match. We will have sufficient police officers on duty to deal with the larger crowd and with so many away fans coaches expected we will be dedicating the entire area behind the away stand for visiting fans.

“This does mean that some Port Vale fans who would normally use 'Tommy Cheadle's' before the match will have to find an alternative venue. 

“I am sorry about this but it was a decision made with the club and is to ensure everyone can enjoy the fixture. 

“We will have a significant police presence around Burslem and the ground to help everyone enjoy the match in a safe and enjoyable environment and I would ask all fans to work with both ourselves and the club stewards on Saturday." 

Away fans without a ticket are being urged not to travel as it's completely sold out for away supporters.

Vale Secretary Bill Lodey added: “We are delighted to be welcoming a club like Wolves back to Vale Park as we get into the new season. 

“The club have been in constant communication with Staffordshire Police since the fixtures were announced and this is the first of the bigger fixtures that promotion has brought us. 

“We want everyone associated with both clubs to enjoy what should be an entertaining game and would ask supporters to allow extra time to get to and into the ground for what promises to be the biggest gate for many years. 

“The clubs stewarding operation will be run in close conjunction with Staffordshire Police with both aiming for a positive but balanced approach to everyone attending the game. 

“Tommy’s pub will, on this occasion, be given over to visiting supporters and we hope our supporters will understand this decision.”