Port Vale: Former Stokie helps feed hungry Vale players

THE son of former Stoke City boss Lou Macari yesterday stepped in to feed Port Vale's hungry stars....with 16 large pizzas.

Paul Macari graduated through the Potters' youth ranks and made three first-team appearances before leaving the club to join Sheffield United in 1998.

But these days Macari Jnr can be found behind the counter at Hanley-based Domino's Pizza shop which he runs along with joint-franchisee Barry Marshallsay.

Micky Adams's first-team squad have not received their supply of food by the club's in-house caters Azure since not being paid their monthly pay-packet last week.

So Macari stepped in to hand defensive duo Gareth Owen and Adam Yates 16 super-size pizzas, although his act of kindness was sparked by another generous donation.

"A lady gave the gaffer £100 on Thursday and asked him to give the money to the lads," explained Owen.

"We considered the fairest way of splitting the money up and the idea was mooted that we should buy some food for after training.

"We called a few people, but Yatesy knows Paul Macari who said he would supply us with the pizzas.

"But he wanted the £100 to be given to the Port Vale Supporters' Club hardship fund or to the club's youth department.

"We decided to give it to the youth department.

"It was a great gesture and the generosity people have shown has been overwhelming.

"It typifies the deep feelings people have for the club."

Macari also played for Huddersfield Town before a serious back injury eventually forced him to retire from the professional game.

And despite being a fan of both Stoke and Manchester United, for whom his dad appeared for as a player, he had no qualms about putting allegiances aside to help his struggling neighbours.

"Our family are from the red and white half of the city," said Macari. But when I was young some of the best matches I saw were ones between Stoke and Vale so it would be a shame if we never saw those great games again.

"Yatesy told me the problems at the club and I was more than happy to help them out.

"But, of course, we made sure we supplied the players with the healthy varieties such as chicken and sweetcorn and ham and pineapple pizzas."

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