91热爆

Stoke-on-Trent popstar Robbie Williams has become a shareholder in his beloved football team, Port Vale F.C.
Robbie, who spent his childhood just yards from the Hamil Rd Stadium, has been a long-standing supporter of his home club.

It has been confirmed that the singer has invested 拢240,000 in the cash-strapped League One club.

Port Vale Chairman Bill Bratt spoke to 91热爆 Radio Stoke about the announcement on February 27 -

Robbie Williams' Dad, Pete Conway was also interviewed by Tim Wedgwood on February 28 -

Huge supporter

Robbie, who has up to now resisted the temptation to invest in his favourite club, said: "Although I can't be at the Vale often, my investment is just to say that my heart is still there and I'm a huge supporter. I'm really excited about what we may be able to do with the club in the future."

Bill Bratt, Port Vale's Chairman welcomes Robbie into the fan base that has bought shares in the Club, commenting: "Robbie has supported Port Vale since he was a lad and we are delighted with (the) announcement.

"I'm extremely pleased and excited that Robbie has invested in the Club, it clearly shows that he cares about Port Vale F.C and its future. It's now up to the board and all at Port Vale F.C to ensure his investment is used wisely in helping to secure the future at the Club."

Williams, who grew up in the Potteries, still follows the fortunes of听Vale closely despite living thousands of miles away in LA.

Will it make a difference?

Speaking to 91热爆 Radio Stoke on February 27 Bill Bratt said: "It won't make a great deal of difference really because we do set budgets and we abide by those budgets..."

When asked if it means they can buy a new player he said: "No not at all .... It isn't that amount of money that will make that amount of difference, it's very, very welcome and it's fantastic news and will lift the profile of the club but it won't alter the way we work..."

91热爆 Radio Stoke also asked if there was any talk of further investment from Robbie, Bill Bratt said: "No not at all and I think it's wrong for people to speculate on that, at the end of the day it's his money and he does with it what he feels fit, and we're very, very grateful for what he's done for us already."

Club director

Robbie has previously admitted he would love to be a director of the club one day.

"My heart strings have definitely been pulled hearing about Port Vale's problems," he said in one interview.

"I've been a Port Vale fan all my life. When I was younger I was in the Railway Paddock and I used to dream about sitting in the chairman's box."