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A community group has been praised by a football club boss for its fighting spirit. Port Vale FC co-owner Carol Shanahan and chief executive Matt Hancock paid a visit to Sandyford and Goldenhill Residents’ Association’s latest meeting where they spoke about the club’s community work.

The club is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. And Carol is one of the notable Stoke-on-Trent figures to be featured in the 100 Years 100 Faces artwork unveiled on Marsh Street, Hanley, to mark the city’s centenary.

She has described Sandyford and Goldenhill Residents’ Association (SAGE) as the “biggest and best residents’ association in Stoke-on-Trent”.

She added: “You fight for what you want and fight for what you need. We came six years ago when (husband Kevin Shanahan) and I bought Port Vale. It was a bonkers thing to do but do I regret? Not in the slightest – I love it.

“We have been promoted and relegated, but what I am really proud of is the work our team has done in the community. We delivered 175,000 meals during lockdown and we phoned people and stood in gardens to have a cup of tea and chat.

“Yes, the football is important and we have got to get that right, but what we have also got to get right is the community work. One of the reasons Stoke-on-Trent is such an amazing city is the social connections you have grown over the years.”

The club’s community actions include setting up Golden Valiants sessions for over 55s to meet up and socialise. The group proved so successful in bringing people together they began visiting one another at home, the meeting heard.

Matt said: “There are so many of you, your family and friends, whose lives have been centred around the football club. Since 2019 we have almost doubled the attendance. A big drive is the impact we make on people’s lives, not just on Saturdays but Monday to Sunday when we are delivering stuff out in the community. We have parent and toddler groups and the community lounge, offering advice and support.”

He added that the club couldn’t take their eyes off football however, and it remained a priority. “We have a huge women and girls’ team now, which goes from strength to strength”, he said.

“We also have disabled teams and walking football teams. So many people proudly wear the Port Vale crest.”