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.
Speaking after what had been an emotionally-charged afternoon as supporters of Mansfield, his hometown club, had applauded him and his family in the eighth minute, due to Clarke wearing the No8 shirt as a player for the Stags, Clarke was visibly moved as he celebrated promotion.
"It means everything to me but I want to dedicate that to my daughter that I lost, Ellie Clarke. She was up there, helping us out,” Clarke said. “So proud of her, so proud of my family and, as for this (promotion), it’s amazing. I love those lads, I love my staff, it’s a fitting end but I would like to dedicate it to Ellie, and a special mention to my wife.
“I've worked so hard over the last few days certainly to control those emotions but then they all came out when it was nearly the end and we were in a great position.
"It's special. Special for my eldest daughter, special for my family that have gone through tough times - that's no different to other families so I certainly don't want sympathy. It was massive. I think she was up there kicking every ball for me today. I dedicate that to my daughter."
Clarke, a legend in north Bristol after guiding Rovers to back-to-back promotions in 2015 and 2016 can now look ahead to Port Vale’s return to League One after five seasons in the fourth tier, plus another reunion with the Gas. First he will be embarking on a family holiday as the grieving process continues for the family.
“I'm going on holiday tomorrow with Katie, Ellie's sister, her step-mother, my wife, and a couple of friends,” he added. “We're going to Greece for a week, the phone will be off. I won't do interviews. We just want to go away and mend the family. That's the plan.”
Signing off with a message that will resonate for many, Clarke added: “Get yourself off the canvas, life is very short. Hang on to your loved ones, enjoy life and be positive.”
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