Hundreds of Port Vale fans attend Burslem promotion celebrations
It was a special day for fans of Port Vale FC as hundreds turned out to celebrate with the team's promotion heroes. A party atmosphere could be felt at Vale Park in Burslem on Saturday, after the side secured automatic promotion to League One following a one-season absence. Crowds turned out to see the promotion trophy, in an event put on especially for those who could not attend the side's last two home games. Manager Darren Moore and his players were later honoured with a civic reception by the lord mayor of Stoke-on-Trent.
Moore said the team understood that the way they played had an impact on the community of Burslem and Stoke-on-Trent as a whole. "To be recognised by the city is what we wanted to do," he said. "To do what we've done in the last year has been fantastic. For me today it's a proud moment of a coming together."
Co-owner Carol Shanahan said her club wanted to positively influence the area. "It just shows every owner of every football club that it's not just about what happens on the pitch," she explained. "It's about that ripple effect out into the community." Striker Jayden Stockley added it was a privilege. "We've had all the emotions on the pitch but coming somewhere like this today is a real honour for the football club," he said.
The side were just pipped to the title by Doncaster, but supporters previously told the BBC the promotion would be a boon for the community. Mark Porter, chairman of the Port Vale Supporters Club, said it would lead to extra season ticket sales and more away fans visiting the ground, as well as helping businesses. He said Vale would have more money and local firms would benefit from advertising and sponsorship "on a bigger platform" in the higher division."[Vale will] sell more shirts, sell more memorabilia, sell more drinks," he said. "It's win, win, win."
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