Following the recent meeting between the club and Stoke City Council, Vale Chairman Bill Bratt made the following statement.

"The initial approval of the loan from Stoke City Council is excellent news for Port Vale Football Club. It will help secure the future of the club, but just as importantly, the community facilities that are planned at Port Vale will be of massive benefit to the local population and hopefully as things transpire, will be used for community facilities for six days a week.

"The fine details have yet to be worked out and agreed with the council. This will take about six weeks. Once this has happened and the loan is ratified, full details will be given to supporters.

"With regards to alleged fears of supporters that this is the thin and of the wedge for ground sharing with our neighbours - how can people say this after we have worked long and hard to save Port Vale? I find this insulting. There is absolutely no chance of that happening."