Clarke’s Valiant final push

Play-off Semi-final, Kick-off 12pm

DARRELL CLARKE’S emotional return following a lengthy absence due to a family bereavement could have a poignant Wembley ending.

The 44-year-old Port Vale manager (above) handed over the reins to his assistant Andy Crosby when tragedy struck in February.

A phased return to his duties with the League Two club were completed with full-on involvement from the dugout in last weekend’s 1-0 win at Exeter City, which sealed a place in the promotion play-offs.

Vale face Swindon in the first leg of their semi-final at the County Ground today with striker James Wilson admitting: “Maybe we needed that lift of the gaffer being back for the Exeter game.

“He’s a brilliant character, which is reflected in his team talks. He is driven from the first minute he arrives at the training ground.”

Wilson, the former Manchester United forward, scored the winning goal – one that also denied the home side the title, with Forest Green snatching top spot.

There was a big hug for assistant Crosby at the final whistle after Vale arrived in the West Country on the back of a three-game losing run, which was threatening their participation in the play-offs. Now they stand just a couple of games away from a Wembley date with Mansfield or Northampton Town.

Crosby was relieved the partnership was back in harness.

“Darrell is an experienced manager and has been in this situation before,” he said.

“You can see what he brings to the whole group.

“We’ve had a few blows lately and you just have to climb off the canvas and get the job done.”

Following today’s clash with keen interest will be Port Vale celebrity fan Robbie Williams, who will next month realise a musical ambition to stage a concert at his beloved Vale Park.

A charity gig was originally planned for the summer of 2020 only for the pandemic to intervene and now it has been rescheduled for June 4.

By then he will be hoping that the club he has supported all his life – he was born in the area – will be in League One.

The former Take That singer said: “It has always been an ambition of mine to play a show at Port Vale and the fact that it is finally happening is the best possible news.

“It was frustrating having to cancel the original date but it was all about keeping people safe.

“Now it’s about to happen I couldn’t be more excited.”

For Clarke’s side, the only gig they are concentrating on right now is a date at Wembley in the final.