Popstar Robbie makes surprise visit to Port Vale
ROBBIE Williams stunned Port Vale players, staff and fans – by turning up at the club unannounced.
The multi-millionaire, who owns a majority stake in the Vale, toured the ground, signed autographs and posed for photographs yesterday.
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Popstar Robbie makes surprise visit to Port Vale
The 34-year-old singer, who grew up in Burslem and Tunstall, was taking time out from his Los Angeles studio, where he has been working on a new album to be released next year.
And Hamil Road was a far cry from the Nevada desert, where Robbie has been investigating UFO sightings and the possibility of extra-terrestrial life.
Stateside paparazzi have recently been snapping a bearded Robbie who seemed to be carrying a little extra weight.
But yesterday lunchtime, the life-long Vale fan looked trim and in good spirits as he checked out his beloved Vale.
Sporting a beanie hat, casual jumper, jacket and jeans, he chatted to the players and spoke to staff before touring the stadium.
After leaving Vale Park, he popped round the corner to one of his favourite old haunts, the Vale Cafe.
Staff and customers were stunned as the international celebrity walked through the door, bought a coffee and then helped it down with a cigarette.
One worker, who asked not to be named, said: "When he came in, I just said to him, 'I haven't seen you for 20 years'.
"He used to come in when he was a kid. It was good to see him again."
Back at Vale Park, Robbie's visit was shrouded in secrecy. Chairman Bill Bratt said: "We have been asked not to make any comment, I'm sorry."
But fans hope Robbie's visit will inspire Vale footballers still licking their wounds after Tuesday night's defeat at Aldershot Town.
Vale fan Jean Jackson, of Oakhill, said: "I'm not surprised Robbie has been down to the club because he is still interested in the team. I'm delighted he has taken the time to come up here and show his support. It will give a boost to the players and fans."
It is not known why Robbie was in Burslem yesterday, but he is expected to attend the MTV Europe Music Awards at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, on November 6.
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by a robbie fan, stoke
Friday, October 31 2008, 10:28AM
“hey kids might be making comments but at least they can spell”
by Warren, Stoke on Trent
Friday, October 31 2008, 9:51AM
“I dont know what the kids posting hear are geting thought them at all. Anyway, good luck with the album Rob, and as this will be a massave comeback, how about kicking it off in frount of the fan who love you the most, the Germans, no only kidding, us lot in Stoke on Trent.”
by daniel beeston, stoke on trent
Friday, October 31 2008, 9:32AM
“h irob if you have a spare minute and youre in town please visit the maddogs we do martial arts at premier gym chell street hanley we are the best and we are world champions and we come from stoke johnny wilkes was impressed with us at stokes got talent from daniel "maddog beeston"”
by marielle, south of FRANCE
Friday, October 31 2008, 12:43AM
“and when LA VALE FC team will come back for a new season at los angeles soon 2009 or never ? the soccer and the music are his both passion .. he keep the both or let down all for another passion UFO ? that is a question !! happy for you that you are in your family in your children city .. tell hello to the robbie dad , happy to have meet this nice man in los angeles in september ...bye”
by russell, stokie
Thursday, October 30 2008, 8:27PM
“robbie if u see this. let me do u a portraite m8 , big or small up 2 u. ive done work 4 royal family. princess di asked me 2 do her 1 still got it though due 2 her accident. thanks m8 russ good luck with next album m8.”
by Steve Stoke Fan, Las Vegas
Thursday, October 30 2008, 8:15PM
“UFOs Robbie, what you been smoking mate, seriously...
As for beloved Vale, they will need more than just you there to make a difference”
by lucy, burslem
Thursday, October 30 2008, 4:56PM
“Glad to see you back at vale park rob. Vale supporters and your fans will all be glad to see your back in Burslem and visiting your club. Please don't leave it to long till you visit us again( also concert sick of these boyband returns want the return of the burslem lad who puts on the best shows ever). And lastly ignore the idiots !”
by sue, Fenton
Thursday, October 30 2008, 2:17PM
“Rog! if ya read the article it does say that he is working on new album due to be released next year.Must agree his music is good, pity he's a Vale fan hehe!”
by Rog, Longton
Thursday, October 30 2008, 1:53PM
“Robbie, how about a new album mate. All your others, (apart from that Swing one, and that was ok in places) were brill, but Rudebox stank.”
by sharon, sot
Thursday, October 30 2008, 12:51PM
“i hate football but if i d of known robbie was there i would of got tickets!!”