A message from co-owner and Chair Carol Shanahan OBE, following the latest government announcement.

“Following confirmation from the UK Government earlier today that Stoke-on-Trent will be placed in Tier Three restrictions when the nationwide lockdown ends on December 2, the situation remains that supporters will not be permitted back inside Vale Park for the time being.

“Whilst everyone at the club is disappointed, the news is not entirely unexpected given the local Covid-19 infection rates and the strain being placed on local NHS services.

“The local trajectory is positive, however, and there is reason to be cautiously optimistic that when the next review happens on December 16 Stoke-on-Trent may be moved into a lower Covid alert Tier.

“As supporters will know, clubs situated in Tier One and Tier Two areas are able to host matches with a limited number of spectators (up to 4,000 fans or up to 2,000 fans respectively) for the first time since March 2020.

“Your club is ready. A huge amount of work has taken place and is taking place to plan for the return of fans to Vale Park.

“We look forward to welcome supporters back home as soon as we are allowed – something fans will know we have been pushing for for some time. On behalf of everyone at Port Vale I want to thank supporters for their continuing incredible support. We miss you and can’t wait to see you all soon. UTV!”