DARRELL’S FINAL MISSION
Valiants boss Clarke determined to reward the Vale ‘family’ by winning promotion at Wembley
DARRELL Clarke says it will be a privilege to manage Port Vale at Wembley this afternoon as they try to win promotion in the League Two playoff final against Mansfield (4pm).
Hopes of going up come down to this final game, 11 months after clubs reported for pre-season.
Vale have made the play-offs for the first time in 29 years and are taking nothing for granted against a Mansfield side who finished just one point behind them in the regular season.
Clarke, who returned three weeks ago following a period of compassionate leave following a close family bereavement, says he is honoured to be managing Vale in the final.
He said: “I will be privileged to lead this club into Wembley. I am there to do it for the people of the club – the owners, David Flitcroft, the board of directors, staff and players.
“That is why I came back, to try to achieve it for them.”
The manager also had a message for supporters, saying: “Thank you for the tremendous support. The support we will get on the day but not just that, throughout all the season. Also, on a personal level.
“It is a massive thank you to them all. I hope they enjoy it and hopefully we can give them their rewards after the game.”
Hundreds of fans turned up to Vale Park yesterday to wish the players well as they set off for London.
Vale have sold around 17,000 tickets for the game while Mansfield reported yesterday morning they were up to 16,500 sales.
But while the game is a momentous occasion for both clubs and their supporters, Clarke says he and his players have to focus on the match itself.
He said: “It is a great occasion but it is only a great occasion if you win. It is as simple as that.
“You just have to be prepared for all scenarios on the day and may the best team win.”
Whatever happens this afternoon, the manager has committed his long-term future to the club after signing a five-year deal.
He took over in February 2021 and led the team to safety before rebuilding the squad last summer along with director of football Flitcroft.
Vale took four points off Mansfield in the regular season but Clarke has made clear his respect for the Stags and their experienced manager Nigel Clough.
Mansfield overcame Northampton in the play-off semi-finals while Vale edged out Swindon in a thriller that was finally settled in a penalty shoot out at Vale Park last Thursday.
Clarke had questioned his side’s quality on the ball in their 2-1 defeat at the County Ground in the first leg but was much happier with their efforts back at Vale Park.
Now he wants them to build on that this afternoon.
He said: “Players have to get used to performing in big games.
“That is something I questioned a few games ago if I am honest. I didn’t see the quality that we had been showing at times.
“But that seemed to come together with and without the ball on Thursday night against Swindon.”
· SEE the Green Un for more news, views and analysis ahead of Port Vale’s big date at Wembley Stadium