Port Vale
Port Vale Football Club is an English association football club based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. They are one of two clubs from the city, the other being Stoke City whose ground is five miles away. Throughout much of their history they have been regarded as the second team in the city, in terms of support, finances and achievements. Still, during the 1990s, Port Vale could rightly claim to have overtaken their city rivals as they spent several seasons in the English First Division.
Their most successful period was possibly during the late 1980s and early 1990s under the management of John Rudge. He guided the team to four promotions including two into the First Division, where Vale had not played for 30 years. He also took them to three Wembley finals.
They currently play in Football League One. Their current manager is Martin Foyle - the previous manager of the Port Vale youth team. Dean Glover was brought into the club as assistant manager to Martin Foyle.
History
Achievements
Notable Players
- Gareth Ainsworth
- Darren Beckford
- Neville Chamberlain
- Robbie Earle
- Antony Gardner
- Dean Glover
- Steve Guppy
- Andy Jones
- Wilf Kirkham
- John McCarthy
- Sammy Morgan
- Roy Sproson
- Ian Taylor
List of Managers
- 1952 - 1957 - Freddie Steele
- 1957 - 1962 - Norman Low
- 1962 - 1965 - Freddie Steele
- 1965 - 1968 - Stanley Matthews
- 1968 - 1974 - Gordon Lee
- 1974 - 1977 - Roy Sproson
- 1977 - 1978 - Bobby Smith
- 1978 - 1979 - Dennis Butler
- 1979 - Alan Bloor
- 1979 - 1983 - John McGrath
- 1983 - 2000 - John Rudge
- 2000 - 2004 - Brian Horton
- 2004 - present -
