Darrell Clarke wants to use Saturdays League one match against Port Vale to say goodbye to his former fans as Cheltenham Town travel to Vale Park.
Clarke was let go by Vale back in April after he only managed two wins in 18 League One matches despite leading the club to promotion the season before.
“I spent a couple of years there with some great people, but that part of my life is gone.
“I love the fans there. They were great for me on a personal level, but they also know me and my characteristics,” Clarke said.
With the announcement of his departure, Clarke was denied the opportunity to say a proper goodbye to the fans that he loved so dearly.
Saturdays return to Vale Park is the perfect time for Clarke to thank the fans for the support they showed him, he believes.
“They’re a passionate bunch the Vale fans, they love their football. Their demands are high so I am sure it will be nice to thank them for the support they gave me.
“You leave the club very quickly and you don’t get the opportunity so I would like to thank the fans after the game.”
Although Clarke is returning to his old club, he knows that his commitments lie with his current club Cheltenham.
Clarke assured the Robins fans that sentiment will not be an issue once the game gets underway on Saturday.
“I am going there to win the game it is as simple as that. The sentiment goes out the window when you are trying to win football matches.
“I want to be thanking them [Vale fans] after we have put in a really good performance in front of our away following and try and build on the last four games.”
The Robins are looking to bounce back after Tuesday night’s 3-2 defeat to Blackpool, but Clarke has seen a change in fortune in recent games.
“Second half we were on the front foot, it was a pity that goal did not come a bit earlier so we could push them a bit more,” Clarke said.
Cheltenham equalled an unwanted record of going 11 league games without scoring a single goal but since Clarke’s appointment, the Robins have found the net four times and have earned their first win of the season.
Cheltenham Town travel to Vale Park on Saturday to take on Port Vale in League Two. Kick-off is 3:00pm
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