Port Vale fans raised £6,640 in a bucket collection at Tuesday's home match with Burton in their first steps of raising a 'fighting fund' to help cover the players' costs, while boss Micky Adams was handed a £300 cheque by one supporter for the players to use for petrol money. Supporters Club chairman Pete Williams believes Vale's problems are the 'tip of the iceberg' in football, and that several other clubs are to face problems.
Southend midfielder Jean Paul Kalala will not play again this season after damaging a cruciate ligament. He will undergo surgery on Saturday, while striker Liam Dickinson will go under the knife on Monday to have metal plates inserted around his broken ankle. Rotherham chairman Tony Stewart has backed manager Andy Scott after the Millers slipped to eight points short of their play-off target. Stewart told fans promotion was a long-term project and he had no plans to dispense with Scott.
Police are investigating an incident where Barnet defender Michael Hector hit a spectator with a ball kicked into the crowd out of frustration on Tuesday night. The Gillingham fan is reported to have received treatment for a bloody nose after being hit in the face by the ball. Gillingham have reported a profit of £54,000 for last season, after posting a near £500,000 loss the year before. Turnover slumped by £800,000 following relegation from League One, but chairman Paul Scally still received nearly £200,000 from the club for his work.
Be afraid, be very afraid. A Widnes Town football club has applied to become part of the North West Counties League next season. The side will be chaired by former Chester boss Mark Wright, with the team managed by Stephen Vaughan Junior - the man officially in control of Chester when they folded. Vaughan Senior, who is one of the few to fail the FA's fit and proper person test, has just completed his jail sentence for assault. The club will play at the ground of Widnes Vikings Rugby League side, who Vaughan Snr also had a disasterous time in charge of.