UPDATE 1-Robbie Williams buys stake in Port Vale soccer club

Quoted from: http://today.reuters.co.uk

'Mon Feb 27, 2006 4:31 PM GMT

LONDON, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Pop star Robbie Williams has bought a stake in English third division soccer team Port Vale, the club he has supported since he was a boy.
"Although I can't be at the Vale often, my investment is just to say that my heart is still there and I'm a huge supporter," Williams said in a statement.
"I'm really excited about what we may be able to do with the club in the future."
Williams grew up in Stoke-on-Trent in the English Midlands, where Port Vale was founded in 1876.
Club chairman Bill Bratt said he welcomed the investment, the size of which has not been disclosed.
"I'm extremely pleased and excited that Robbie has invested in the club. It clearly shows that he cares about Port Vale FC and its future.
"It's now up to the board and all at Port Vale FC to ensure his investment is used wisely in helping to secure the future at the club."
In December 2002, cash troubles forced Port Vale into administration before it was rescued by a fan-based consortium led by Bratt.
The club has never tasted top flight soccer, achieving its highest league position in 1931 when it finished fifth in the second division.
It is currently lying 11th in the 24-team third division.
Williams, 32, has become one of Britain's most successful pop stars after first finding fame with boy band Take That.
His latest album, "Intensive Care", has sold over 5.7 million copies and he begins a sell-out world tour in April.

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