Hancock: Privacy a factor in some of Vale's matches

MATT Hancock has explained the need for Port Vale to play in behind-closed-doors friendlies ahead of Saturday's opening League One match at Rotherham.

- Clive Youlton

The club's CEO had plenty to discuss at the supporters forum last week, but also gave an update on why fans had to wait a couple of weeks after the Bath City game to see the players in action as they lost 2-0 to Birmingham City on Saturday.

The team were scheduled to play at Altrincham in the club’s final preseason friendly on Tuesday night as the Sentinel went to press.

"It's quite topical, with supporters, who ask why we do behind-closed-door games, and it’s for a variety of different reasons," he told Port Vale TV.

“We do believe in giving supporters the opportunity to see the team and it’s important. Kidsgrove, Newcastle, Bath City and Birmingham were there and equally preseason is all about relationships with other clubs.

“With Everton [for example] we were quite keen to push some stuff out and look at how we delivered any content but for Everton it was really important they kept it a little more closed and we had to respect that. When we are playing away from home it’s important that we do that.