‘The EFL have not listened to fans. This move is a disgrace’

THE CHECKATRADE TROPHY HAS DIVIDED FANS IN RECENT TIMES - AND THERE ARE SOME STRONG VIEWS FROM PORT VALE SUPPORTERS’ CHIEF MARK PORTER. MICHAEL BAGGALEY REPORTS ...

THE chairman of the Port Vale Supporters’ Club, Mark Porter, says he is bitterly disappointed that academy teams are set to continue in the Checkatrade Trophy for at least the next three years.

The EFL have revealed that Checkatrade are ending their sponsorship at the end of this season, but say there is an agreement ‘in principle’ with clubs to carry on with the current format providing they are happy with funding.

Vale’s two lowest attendances in the history of Vale Park have been recorded in this season’s Trophy the 601 who saw the home game against Burton and the 554 who turned up for the match against Middlesbrough Under-21s.

Vale’s biggest crowd of the season, 7,940, saw the 4-0 win at home to Stoke under-21s in the last 32, but Porter says the decision to allow Premier and Championship clubs to continue to field academy teams is ‘a disgrace.’

He said: “The clubs and the league haven’t listened to what fans are saying. Attendances are down, the format is rubbish and no-one is interested.

“They have basically stuck two fingers up to football supporters. I think it is a disgrace.”

Porter says the attendance for the Stoke game was very much the exception to the rule. He added: “Vale fans only bought tickets because Stoke sold 4,000. There was a bit of interest with it being Vale against Stoke, but anyone who voted for it should hang their head because it’s a joke, it’s ruined a great tournament.”

Vale’s win over Stoke has earned a last 16 tie at home to Shrewsbury on January 8 (7.45pm).

Admission is £10 and £5 concessions but fans are advised that prices will rise £2 on matchday.

Porter says he can understand fans who have boycotted the competition since academy sides were introduced two years ago, particularly those who fear it could eventually lead to ‘B’ teams in the Football League itself.

However, he says supporters should make up their own minds.

He said: “Every fan is entitled to do as they want. I have read about fans who won’t go even if we got to Wembley. We have great memories of Wembley but I am not interested in this tournament.”

The EFL issued a statement after holding a Checkatrade Trophy Fan Forum at Wembley Stadium on Monday.

They say: “The future of the competition is secure, with an agreement in principle in place with EFL clubs that will see the competition continue in its current format for a further three seasons, subject to an acceptable level of funding being in place.”

The Valiants have so far made £70,000 from this season’s competition in prize money and a participation fee.

They netted £20,000 just for taking part, £10,000 for each of their group stage wins - over Burton, Walsall and Middlesbrough under-21s - plus a further £20,000 for beating Stoke in the last 32.

The winners of the Port Vale v Shrewsbury game will receive a further £40,000 prize money.

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