by Dave Knapper

PSYCHIC Dean Maynard could be set to turn his powers to Port Vale after successfully backing Stoke City to stay in the Premier League.

Back in July, the self-proclaimed lucky charm told The Sentinel he was going to put the good fortune – which comes to him naturally – on to the Potters to ensure their survival in the top flight.

"I've been in touch with a Vale supporter this season and I could be helping them next year. It's still to be confirmed, though," said Dean.

Dean, nicknamed Midas following his previous correct predictions, said that Stoke would benefit from late goals to stave off relegation.

Supporters will no doubt recall Mama Sidibe's injury-time winner over Aston Villa in the 3-2 victory at the start of the season, along with Glenn Whelan's late strike in the reverse fixture to seal a draw, and Abdoulaye Faye's 90th-minute goal against Newcastle United in the 2-2 draw at St James's Park.

The 37-year-old, who lives in County Durham, said: "The first part of it was predicting that Stoke would stay in the Premier League. Out of the teams that came up, I thought Stoke would do the best and supported them in a positive way.

"I have a reputation of being a lucky charm. People who have me around and have my backing usually do quite well.

"It's achieved through only having positive thoughts and meditation.

"A lot of people told me Stoke would get relegated and I would be a laughing stock. But who's laughing now?

"I thought they would definitely survive following the comeback against Aston Villa. Tony Pulis and the players have done a fantastic job."

Dean, who is backing Lichfield-born singer Shaun Smith in Britain's Got Talent, made his first prediction at the age of nine, when he picked a Grand National winner.

A number of successes backing footballing underdogs followed, before he made headlines in 2005 after being approached to help Sunderland out of a hole.

He said fans believed the club was jinxed after a player claimed to have seen a training ground ghost.

Dean claimed that a run of defeats, penalty misses and injuries was halted when he gave them his total backing.

And after his profile was boosted by his work in the north-east, he was called on to work his magic at Torquay United, who recorded a shock 4-1 cup victory over Yeovil) and even to lead a campaign to restore David Beckham to the England team.

After Stoke secured their Premier League status with the 2-1 win against Hull City earlier this month, Dean admits he will only follow the Potters as a fan.

He said: "It did get nerve wracking at times as people would like at you as if to say 'make us score'.

"I will always look for Stoke's results and will never back a team in the same division as them."

Bryan Shaw, chairman of Stoke's official supporters' club, offered to buy Dean a pint if his prediction came true.

He said: "I shall still get him a drink. I haven't forgotten. All he needs to do is give me a ring, and if he is a psychic...he'll know my number."

Other Stoke City stories online today:

Diao poised to leave the Potters

Martin Smith: A season to remember

Pato set for trip to the Brit

Lou Macari: Champions League final will be tense affair

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