Work has begun at Vale Park for a statue of legendary club president John Rudge- which Reading fans helped make happen.

Back in January, Royals fans invaded the pitch in the 18th minute of a game against the Valiants and refused to move until it was abandoned in protest against owner Dai Yongge.

Vale fans who made the trip down from Burslem behaved exemplary and joined Reading fans in protesting against poor ownership.

Despite Reading winning the rescheduled fixture and Darren Moore's side succumbing to relegation to League Two, a firm bond between the clubs were formed.

Looking for a way to repay those Vale fans who travelled and supported the cause, Reading fans contributed to a GoFundMe to build a statue of Rudge- the legendary figure who managed more than 800 matches.

Royals fans contributed nearly £10,000 and the statue will now be up in time for Rudge's 80th birthday next month.

Rudge said: “It is an honour for supporters to have raised this amount of money for a statue. I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of supporters.”

Port Vale Supporters’ Club Chair, Mark Porter, said:  “Today is a proud day - it’s the start of the plinth building where the John Rudge Statue will stand, and it feels like a huge achievement to have got as far as this. Port Vale supporters look back on John’s time as manager with such joy and this is a fitting tribute to a great man.”