Port Vale co-owner admits she could have walked away
The world of football is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with highs and lows that can leave even the most seasoned fans feeling a whirlwind of excitement and disappointment. For Carol Shanahan, co-owner of Port Vale, the roller coaster took a particularly harrowing turn last season, culminating in a painful relegation from League One. In the aftermath of the team’s struggles, Shanahan found herself questioning her role and contemplating a departure from the club she holds dear.
Despite a promising start to the season, the Vale’s fortunes took a dramatic downturn, resulting in a disheartening string of losses. The mood among the fans, once jubilant after securing promotion, shifted rapidly, and the negativity surrounding the club’s performance began to weigh heavily on Shanahan. She revealed in an interview with BBC Radio Stoke that the onslaught of harsh criticism she faced on social media took a toll on her mental well-being, prompting her to seriously consider stepping down from her position.
“During that time, I looked very seriously at, ‘Am I the right person to be running a football club?’ Were we the right people to be doing this? Because it didn’t feel like it,” she admitted. The relentless negativity and the pressure of trying to navigate the club through a turbulent period began to take its toll, leading her to question her own ability and the team’s direction.
However, Shanahan and her husband Kevin, who are deeply invested in the club’s future, ultimately decided to stay the course, fueled by their belief in the new management structure that had been implemented. This decision was based on a conviction that the changes made, including the appointment of Matt Hancock as chief executive and Darren Moore as head coach, were the right steps towards restoring the club’s glory.
- Port Vale co-owner, Carol Shanahan, contemplated walking away from the club due to the team’s struggles and harsh criticism faced on social media.
- The relentless negativity and pressure of navigating the club through a turbulent period took a toll on Shanahan’s mental well-being.
- Despite considering stepping down, Shanahan and her husband Kevin decided to stay committed to Port Vale, believing in the new management structure implemented at the club.
- The appointment of Matt Hancock as chief executive and Darren Moore as head coach were seen as crucial steps towards restoring the club’s glory.
- Shanahan’s decision to stay was driven by her faith in the new system and belief that the changes made would lead Port Vale in the right direction.
- Ultimately, Shanahan’s dedication to Port Vale prevailed over doubts, showcasing her commitment to steering the club through challenging times.
The Turning Point: Belief in the New System
The Shanahans’ decision to weather the storm and stay committed to Port Vale was driven by their faith in the new management team. The appointment of Darren Moore as head coach, despite his initial struggles to turn the tide, was a significant step in their eyes. Moore’s reputation as a capable manager and an exemplary individual was a source of confidence, and they believed in his ability to turn the team around.
The couple’s decision to remain involved was also influenced by a need to see their hard work and commitment pay off. They had meticulously implemented changes, bringing in key personnel they believed in, and they were unwilling to abandon the project at its most crucial stage. Their long holiday, a time for reflection and contemplation, solidified their resolution to stay and support the club they had poured their hearts and souls into.
“We went away on a long holiday, which was really good,” Shanahan explained. “It gave Kevin and me time to talk and think. The conclusion we both came to was, ‘Hang on. We’ve done all the hard graft and worked hard to get the right two people here. Why would we not want to be part of that?'”
The Dark Side of Social Media: The Valley of Vulnerability
One of the most challenging moments for Shanahan was the experience of having her heartfelt words, spoken from the heart after another disappointing loss, secretly recorded and then widely circulated on social media. This betrayal of trust and the subsequent scrutiny of her words, taken out of context and dissected for every perceived flaw, left her feeling vulnerable and exposed.
“I speak from the heart,” she said. “It wasn’t scripted. I was just hurting as we really hadn’t played well, but someone recorded it, they put it out there, it got shared and analysed and every word was commented on – and I thought that was so mean. To have that amount of vulnerability and for it to come back to me was hard. It isn’t right that sort of behaviour – and football has so much of it.” The experience left her questioning the nature of fan engagement and the often-toxic environment that can permeate social media platforms.
The Importance of Authenticity: A Voice From the Heart
Shanahan’s openness about her struggles and the challenges she faced as a co-owner of a community club like Port Vale resonates with many fans who understand the emotional investment that comes with supporting a team. She emphasized the importance of authenticity and speaking from the heart, even in the face of criticism and negativity. Her decision to continue speaking her mind, despite the backlash she received, demonstrates her commitment to genuine communication and her refusal to be silenced by the trolls and critics.
“I don’t want to be scripted. I just want to speak from the heart,” she declared. “And I thought the best thing I can do is shut up. But I’m not going to do that. I’m just going to carry on – and I’m not going to shut up.” Her resilience and determination to stay true to herself are a testament to her strong character and her deep commitment to the club.
A Fresh Start: Hope for a Brighter Future
The Shanahans’ decision to persevere and stay the course has been met with renewed optimism among the Port Vale faithful. With a fresh batch of signings and a renewed sense of purpose, the club is poised for a strong season. Their summer splurge has brought in a wave of talent, and the team is now considered a strong contender for a swift return to League One. The atmosphere in Burslem is once again buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the future.
Shanahan’s story serves as a reminder that the world of football is a demanding one, with ups and downs that can test even the most dedicated individuals. It also highlights the importance of authenticity, resilience, and faith in the face of adversity. In the end, the Shanahans’ decision to stay and continue their journey with Port Vale was a testament to their commitment to the club and their belief in the new direction it was heading.
