Hancock optimistic about Valiants' League One return

MATT Hancock says he believes that Port Vale are ready for League One football once again.

- Clive Youlton

The Valiants' chief executive saw the club win promotion from League Two at the end of last season, finishing as runners-up to champions Doncaster.

Hancock also revealed that boss Darren Moore will have the finances to build a “competitive” squad, which isn't a surprise given he was allowed by owners Carol and Kevin Shanahan to bring in 14 players last season.

The squad was considered in many quarters as 'a League One squad in League Two' and Vale went on to earn promotion even though they couldn’t lift the title.

It is the second time Vale have been promoted to League One in the past four seasons and, although Hancock only joined the club in January 2023, he says the feeling around the club this time, compared to the aftermath of their play-off final win in 2022, is different.