Valiants: The club is appealing for help in honouring Port Vale supporters, former players and staff who have passed away during the period that fans were unable to attend sporting stadia.

On Saturday, September 4, when Port Vale host Rochdale AFC, the club will be honouring anyone with a connection with Port Vale who has passed away during the period of Covid restrictions.

Before kick-off there will be a short memorial service, the laying of wreaths by both the club and the Port Vale Supporters’ Club, and we will be observing a minute’s silence.

The club will also include as many names as possible in a memorial feature in our match day programme.

If you are aware of someone who you would like to be included in our commemorations, please email the details and your contact information to our Director of Communications, Martin Tideswell, at: martin.tideswell@port-vale.co.uk

Port Vale co-owner and Chair, Carol Shanahan OBE, said: “We very much want Saturday’s first home league game against Tranmere Rovers (August 14) to be a celebration and allow myself, Kevin, the Board of Directors and all at the club to thank fans for their magnificent support during unprecedented times.

“However, it is vital that we allocate a game and the time to reflect and be thankful for the lives of all the Valiants who have passed away during the period of the pandemic and lockdowns.

“We had intended to do this on the evening of August 17 at the home game against Carlisle but a night game would probably mean a smaller attendance and many of our younger fans might not be with us for a special moment.

“Thus we have selected the Rochdale fixture as our Remembrance game and would dearly appreciate any help from the fanbase in helping the club to honour those we have lost.”