We are incredibly proud and honoured to announce that - as we prepare to celebrate our 150th anniversary season - both Port Vale Football Club and Carol Shanahan OBE are to be awarded Honorary Freedom of Stoke-on-Trent at a special ceremony on Thursday afternoon.
Honorary Freedom is the highest honour that the City Council can bestow in recognition of eminent services to the city, under legislation (Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972), and signifies the respect that the city has for the club.
The title recognises our rich footballing history and unwavering commitment to community engagement through the Port Vale Foundation, with specific reference to the importance that we place on increasing sport participation.
As Stoke-on-Trent itself celebrates 100 years since being granted city status on 5th June 1925 by King George v, the Civic Council meeting will not only mark the historic milestone with reflection but with recognition of those that have made an outstanding contribution to the city’s story, including our Chair and Co-Owner, Carol Shanahan OBE.
The honour is testament to Carol's incredible impact on Burslem and wider city in the six-year period since taking over the club in 2019. In 2021, she was awarded an OBE for services to the community in Stoke-on-Trent, being recognised for making a significant contribution to the UK’s Covid-19 response through the football club.
Bestowing Honorary Freedom on the City on a small number of individual recipients helps to connect our city's proud past with the people and values that continue to shape its future.
Port Vale Chief Executive, Matt Hancock, said: "This is a truly special moment for everyone connected to Port Vale and I am extremely proud to be accepting this honour on behalf of the club.
"To be awarded the Freedom of the City as we approach our 150th anniversary speaks volumes about the bond between our club and the communities we serve.
"It’s another proud day for the club, our supporters and our city, as well as a reminder of the incredible impact that football can have on people's lives."
Port Vale Chair and Co-Owner, Carol Shanahan OBE, said: "I’m genuinely touched and a little bit overwhelmed to be receiving this honour, both for myself and on behalf of everyone at the football club. To receive this individual honour while the club is also being recognised makes it even more special.
"Stoke-on-Trent means the world to me; it's a city full of heart, potential and - most importantly - remarkable people. Whether it's been through our business, involvement with charities or the club, it’s where I’ve built my life and found a community that I care deeply about.
"Everything we do at Port Vale is rooted in our commitment to this community; I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together so far and even more excited for what’s still to come."