On Friday, the English Football League (EFL) announced that the League 2 season cancelled and positions would be decided on an “unweighted points per game system” – which meant Port Vale narrowly missed out on a play-off place.
Representatives of the clubs in the division met via video link to discuss how to go forward with the season amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A spokesperson for the EFL said: “Having considered the protocols and costs that would be required to be met to conclude the current season, League Two clubs have unanimously indicated a preferred direction of travel to curtail the campaign in line with the framework outlined by the EFL Board.
“In addition, clubs asked for consideration to be given to suspending relegation to the National League for 2019/20 as a result of circumstances created where fixtures cannot be completed.
“No commitments were made in this respect and the Board will now consider the implications of the division’s preferred approach at their next meeting.”
Port Vale previously indicated that it would vote in favour of carrying on the season but club owner Carol Shanahan, after hearing the opinions of other clubs at the meeting, agreed with the other 23 outfits to ‘curtail’ the season, saying: “Being part of League Two and what was right for League Two was more important than the hurt Port Vale would feel.”
She later tweeted: “Couldn’t be prouder of (club captain) Leon Legge and the rest of the Port Vale team, on the field and off.
“Now we all start planning to go again next season and one thing’s for sure. We won’t finish 8th. (We) Don’t do 8th.”
Legge added: “The best thing for next season is to take the hurt of how far we’ve come this year and use it as motivation for next season. We recognise as a group what we needed to do to put us in this position.
“(It) was a good season and shame it had to end the way it did but health is key.”
Vale goalkeeper Scott Brown said: “Just about coming to realise that the season is actually over for Port Vale. It’s been a great season on and off the field and some memories that will last a life time but will look back and always think what if.
“Thanks to everyone home, away and off the field this season for the support, always means the world.”
Port Vale fans reacted to the news predominantly positively.
One supporter said: “All in all it’s the best season we could of wished for in the balance. To finish 8th playing great front foot football after the dross of the two previous seasons is unbelievable Jeff! If we can keep the majority of the squad we should do well next season.”
Another stated: “Unfortunate the way it’s come to an end but the right decision.”
“I suppose it was always going to be a tough decision to take, but we’ve had a great season and there’s so much to look forward to at our club. It’s a club to be proud of both on and off the pitch. Great people, great club, great future. Come on Vale,” a fellow fan added.
Others took a more sombre tone, with one fan commenting: “Been a great season all said however can’t help but feel we kind of threw it away…28 points dropped from winning positions.”
Another said: “Disgusting. Player efforts should get a rewarded. Effectively means fans spent all that money on a season that in reality is relegated to pointlessness.”
One supporter summed the situation up from his perspective, stating: “Reading all these comments and my own clubs, it proves it’s impossible to please everyone with the correct decision.”
In other news Nottingham Forest loanee Jake Taylor has ended his spell at Vale Park after the midfielder scored seven times in 25 games in all competitions for the club.
He stated: “Due to the current situation, my time at Port Vale has come to an end. I’d like to thank everybody associated with the club from owners, manager, staff, players and fans for making my time here a great one and would like to wish everyone of you all the best for the future.”
Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
WE HAVE MOVED! 