Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
James Piercy

Bristol Rovers legend Darrell Clarke dedicates Port Vale's play-off win to tragic daughter Ellie

Darrell Clarke dedicated Port Vale’s League Two play-off final triumph to eldest daughter Ellie, after the 18-year-old tragically died earlier this year.

Vale beat Mansfield Town 3-0 at Wembley, via goals from Kian Harratt, James Wilson and Malvind Benning, to join Bristol Rovers in League One next season, with Clarke tearful, triumphant but also very much still grieving at full time.

The 44-year-old had taken a leave of absence in February following his daughter’s death, before a six-week phased return, with assistant Andy Crosby at the helm. But the play-off run has coincided with Clarke stepping back into the dugout to lead from the front.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.