PORT Vale Supporters' Club say they have delayed the unveiling of the Roy Sproson statue amid fears that anti-board protests could disrupt the long-awaited ceremony.

They had planned to unveil the statue of the Vale legend before the home game against Aldershot on Saturday week.

But recent revelations about the share dealings of club chairman Peter Miller and club chief executive Perry Deakin have prompted supporters to put back the event until January.

Supporters' club chairman Pete Williams said: "Having spoken to the Sproson family, and considering the situation at the club, we felt we couldn't guarantee there would be no anti-board demonstrations at the Aldershot game.

"The fans and shareholders feel they have been duped, so there could a demonstration.

"We feel it would be inappropriate for the focus to be on the unveiling of the statue for a few minutes and then on any protest."

The supporters' club now aim to unveil the statue before one of Vale's home matches in January. They are against Cheltenham on January 2, AFC Wimbledon on January 14 or Plymouth on January 28.

Williams accused Vale of refusing to provide free hospitality for VIP guests at the unveiling, including the family of Roy Sproson, who made 837 starts for the club between 1949 and 1972.

"The club haven't come back to us over the free hospitality, which makes it difficult to plan the event," added Williams.

"I told Perry Deakin that at least 30 guests would be coming, but he said the club couldn't feed that many.

"He said he would have a word with the club's caterers, but hasn't come back to us."

One-time Vale suitor Mo Chaudry has since stepped in to offer free hospitality for up to 50 guests before the ceremony.

However, Vale have dismissed claims they are not co-operating.

"Pete Williams spoke to Perry Deakin and requested hospitality for 30 to 50 guests, but as our catering is contracted out to Azure we said we had to speak to them," said a club spokesman.

"We also asked Pete Williams to confirm the number of guests, but he has yet to do so. We will speak to Azure when numbers are confirmed.

"The supporters' club has also yet to inform us that the date for the unveiling ceremony has changed."

STEVE SHAW