Hello all, Vale fan here.
Just a bit of advice for Saturday.
If you're getting the train to Stoke you can get a direct bus from Stoke station if you turn left out of the station walk to the end of the road turn right walk up about 100 yards to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road. I think that it's the 21 that you need (I think that the 21A terminates in Hanley) but just ask the driver, they're every 20 mins but take about 40 mins to get in to town. Alternatively just get a cab, it'll be between £8 and £10 to Burslem.
If you're thinking of having a drink in town there's about a dozen pubs most of the real ale variety unfortunately for the most part they're home fans only, however there are a few where you will be welcome.
The Bulls Head in St Johns Square is probably the best away fan friendly boozer. It's the Titanic Brewery tap and have about 4 Titanic ales and 4 guests and some ciders, they have a bbq in the beer garden too so you can get something to eat. Just a word of warning it's the furthest pub from the ground and a good 10 minute hike to Vale Park!
Next door is the Duke William a decent boozer too although not so good for away fans, you won't find trouble so if you don't wear colours you should be able to get a drink, a little closer to the ground opposite the town hall is The Leopard, I think let away fans in, again a good selection of beers but it's been a while since I've been in prematch.
On the opposite side of the Town Hall is the Roebuck, they also let away fans in, it may have been the allocated 'away fans pub' for the Wolves match but not 100%
The Post Office Vaults is home fans only but serves great ale, it's tiny so if you get there early without colours then you could sneak in for a quick pint.
You could also try The Smithy, across the lights and going towards the ground is on Moorland Road.
Avoid the Crown and Chillz! The Queens is crap, The Swan fairly decent, The Red Lion not worth bothering with and The Vine decent boozer but will be packed but all are home fans only.
Finally if you're travelling by coach you'll park behind the Hamil (away) End if you don't fancy the 10 minute walk into town then you could try Tommy Cheadles, takes a while to get served if there's a few in. I find it a bit dark and depressing but should be okay with the sun out.
I hope that you enjoy your day, as you've probably seen on other threads we've had a few problems over the past few weeks. All the excitement of promotion seems to have bought out the idiots but for the most part it seemed to be trouble between Vale fans and the police rather than involvement between opposing fans. I'm hoping the with us having no direct rivalry, we've not played each other competitively since the 60's, that there'll be no bother. I think that it'd make Norms day too.
Cheers