Fan Story: A devoted Valencia CF fan from Oxford

Stan Herbert is an Oxford-born young student who started following Valencia CF three years ago now. It all began during the pandemic in 2020 when he fell in love with the club.

“I fell in love with the club about three years ago during lockdown. I had a few struggles and I fell really down, but there’s something about this football club, it just brought me up and it gave me something to look forward to. It just makes me feel happy.

I chose Valencia CF because LaLiga was the first league back on telly for us. I chose Valencia CF because of the bat, I love the bat, it’s so cool and I loved what I symbolised.

Ever since I loved the club, it’s like a sense of belonging, you feel welcomed and I’ll keep coming back forever.

Last season, he visited Mestalla alongside his girlfriend Eleanor during the Rayo Vallecano fixture which backed up that feeling.

There were certain players that I idolise José Gayà for example, he is an example of the passion, courage and determination I needed to get out of that area.  

For the near future, I just want that connection to stay strong.  I feel the connection between the club and the fans is so strong. I think every VCF fan feels a sense of belonging and that will continue to stay there forever.

I hope that the team continue to play for the badge and the fans because that’s what Valencia CF is all about".