Port Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite has admitted that he does not want the club to get promoted from League One this season.

The Burslem outfit are currently eighth in the table, two points below the playoffs.

"We haven't got the fanbase to take us there," Smurthwaite told fans at a Supporters' Club meet-the-chairman night on Thursday.

"I would rather be at the top end of League One than the arse end of the Championship.

"I don't want us to bite off more than we can chew."

Smurthwaite also claimed that he has invested £1m to support the club so far this season, but that he will not do the same next season.