02-28-2006, 03:17 PM
Robbie's mum has today revealed her son was always planning to invest in his beloved boyhood club.
Jan Williams said lifelong Port Vale fan Robbie is delighted with his decision to invest in the Burslem club.
In the past decade the financial fortunes of Robbie and Port Vale have moved in opposite directions. While Robbie has amassed a multi-million pound fortune with a string of hit albums, the Valiants have had to fight back from administration leaving them among the lowest spenders in League One.
In an exclusive interview with The Sentinel two-and-a-half years ago, the singer put paid to calls for him to invest in his boyhood club after claiming he would rather use his wealth for the benefit of his children's charity - Give It Sum - ahead of buying players for Port Vale.
Speaking today, Jan said: "Nothing has ever changed. Robbie was always going to do something with the Vale. He has never said he wouldn't invest in the Vale.
"At the time of the statement people where having a go, but he was busy getting his own life on track and committed to establishing his charity. That is not to say that he wasn't a Vale fan.
"Port Vale will be an important part of the community with the plans for a children's centre and the proposals for a treatment centre for autism. Robbie loves the Vale and just wants to help the city as much as he can and give it a boost.
"Robbie's heart is very much still in the Potteries and he wants to share what he's got. He is absolutely delighted he has been able to invest in the club and is delighted for the people of Burslem, the Vale fans, and the fact that the club are playing a part in regenerating the city."
The superstar's dad Pete Conway said: "I think it is a very good move for the Vale and Robbie would not have made the investment if he was not happy with the decision.
"His heart is there and his interest is there, and I'm pleased for Port Vale as a fan."
Last week, an autism charity supported by Jan Williams lodged plans to build a £5 million national treatment centre at Vale Park.
Officials running the North Staffordshire Asperger and Autism Association (NSAAA) have now submitted the proposals with Stoke-on-Trent City Council for the development.
The move comes after officials from the charity met Port Vale directors to see if the building could be developed in the unfinished section of the club's Lorne Street Stand.
NSAAA chairman Kevin Healey said the news of Robbie's involvement with Port Vale was positive for the proposed treatment centre.
He said: "I'm absolutely ecstatic about this. People are always slating Robbie but he's the one person from Stoke-on-Trent to do so much for autistic children and adults. If it wasn't for his generosity the NSAAA wouldn't be here today."
World darts champion Phil Taylor believes Robbie's investment will prove to be a major boost for the club.
"I think this is great news," said the 13-time world champion from Bradwell. "Why he's done it now I don't know.
"Because of the fans that Robbie has it will mean they will sell more shirts and more merchandise."
NICK MCDERMOTT AND MARIO CACCIOTTOLO on thesentinel.co.uk
Gareth and I met Kevin Healey, who is an aspie too, at a conference last year. He's also a member here. Great news for his organisation there. :smile:
Jan Williams said lifelong Port Vale fan Robbie is delighted with his decision to invest in the Burslem club.
In the past decade the financial fortunes of Robbie and Port Vale have moved in opposite directions. While Robbie has amassed a multi-million pound fortune with a string of hit albums, the Valiants have had to fight back from administration leaving them among the lowest spenders in League One.
In an exclusive interview with The Sentinel two-and-a-half years ago, the singer put paid to calls for him to invest in his boyhood club after claiming he would rather use his wealth for the benefit of his children's charity - Give It Sum - ahead of buying players for Port Vale.
Speaking today, Jan said: "Nothing has ever changed. Robbie was always going to do something with the Vale. He has never said he wouldn't invest in the Vale.
"At the time of the statement people where having a go, but he was busy getting his own life on track and committed to establishing his charity. That is not to say that he wasn't a Vale fan.
"Port Vale will be an important part of the community with the plans for a children's centre and the proposals for a treatment centre for autism. Robbie loves the Vale and just wants to help the city as much as he can and give it a boost.
"Robbie's heart is very much still in the Potteries and he wants to share what he's got. He is absolutely delighted he has been able to invest in the club and is delighted for the people of Burslem, the Vale fans, and the fact that the club are playing a part in regenerating the city."
The superstar's dad Pete Conway said: "I think it is a very good move for the Vale and Robbie would not have made the investment if he was not happy with the decision.
"His heart is there and his interest is there, and I'm pleased for Port Vale as a fan."
Last week, an autism charity supported by Jan Williams lodged plans to build a £5 million national treatment centre at Vale Park.
Officials running the North Staffordshire Asperger and Autism Association (NSAAA) have now submitted the proposals with Stoke-on-Trent City Council for the development.
The move comes after officials from the charity met Port Vale directors to see if the building could be developed in the unfinished section of the club's Lorne Street Stand.
NSAAA chairman Kevin Healey said the news of Robbie's involvement with Port Vale was positive for the proposed treatment centre.
He said: "I'm absolutely ecstatic about this. People are always slating Robbie but he's the one person from Stoke-on-Trent to do so much for autistic children and adults. If it wasn't for his generosity the NSAAA wouldn't be here today."
World darts champion Phil Taylor believes Robbie's investment will prove to be a major boost for the club.
"I think this is great news," said the 13-time world champion from Bradwell. "Why he's done it now I don't know.
"Because of the fans that Robbie has it will mean they will sell more shirts and more merchandise."
NICK MCDERMOTT AND MARIO CACCIOTTOLO on thesentinel.co.uk
Gareth and I met Kevin Healey, who is an aspie too, at a conference last year. He's also a member here. Great news for his organisation there. :smile: