Port Vale: Match programme a Valiant effort

by Michael Baggaley

WITH a record 11 home defeats last season, Port Vale's fans didn't always get value for money on the pitch.

But when they couldn't bear to look, they could at least delve into a quality match programme which has been voted the second best in England.

The Vale publication was pipped only by Grimbsy Town to the Soccer Club Swap Shop award.

There were entries from 64 clubs, including Premier League sides Arsenal, Bolton, Man City, Blackburn, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Fulham and West Ham.

The honour is a reward for Vale's hard-working press officer and programme editor Dave Johnson.

He said: "I'm chuffed and extremely proud, but more so for the club and everyone who plays a part in producing the programme.

"From design to photographs to proof reading, there are a lot of people who play their part and don't get paid for it."

"There can't be many clubs who have a programme with so much done for free."

Soccer Club Swap Shop judge Phil Watkins said: Vale were well worth the recognition.

He added: "Port Vale provided a decent programme with plenty to read, for all sorts of fans." That includes the statto, the home fan, the away fan and the supporter who likes different contributors. Also, the pocket-size is brilliant."

This season's programme will be the same price, £2.50, and the same length at 76 pages. But under new manager Micky Adams, fans should hopefully be able to leave their reading until half-time.