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Port Vale
Port Vale F.C. logo
Full name Port Vale Football Club
Nickname(s) The Valiants , The Vale
Founded 1876
Ground Vale Park
Burslem
Stoke-on-Trent
(Capacity 22,356)
Chairman Bill Bratt
Manager Flag of England Lee Sinnott
League League Two
2007-08 League One, 23rd
(relegated)
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
　
Home colours
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
　
Away colours

Port Vale are an English football club who currently play in Football League Two. Football club names are a part of the sport 's culture reflecting century-old traditions This is a of lists of the use of Nicknames in football (soccer. The following are the Association football events of the year 1876 throughout the world Vale Park is the home of the English football club Port Vale. The town of Burslem, known as the Mother Town, is one of the six towns that amalgamated to form the current city of Stoke-on-Trent, in the ceremonial county Stoke-on-Trent ( often abbreviated to Stoke) is a city in Staffordshire, England which forms a linear Conurbation almost 12 miles (19 The following is a list of Association football stadia. They are ordered by their capacity, that is the maximum number of spectators that the William Amos "Bill" Bratt is the current chairman of Port Vale Football Club Lee Sinnott (born 12 July 1965 in Aldridge, Walsall) is an English former Professional footballer and manager Football League Two (often referred to as League Two for short or Coca-Cola Football League 2 for Sponsorship reasons is the third-highest division of Football League One (often referred to as League One for short or Coca-Cola Football League 1 for sponsorship reasons is the second-highest division of The Football England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered Football League Two (often referred to as League Two for short or Coca-Cola Football League 2 for Sponsorship reasons is the third-highest division of They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire - one of the six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The town of Burslem, known as the Mother Town, is one of the six towns that amalgamated to form the current city of Stoke-on-Trent, in the ceremonial county Staffordshire (abbreviated Staffs) is a landlocked county in the West Midlands region of England. Stoke-on-Trent ( often abbreviated to Stoke) is a city in Staffordshire, England which forms a linear Conurbation almost 12 miles (19 The club's rivals are Stoke City, but Crewe Alexandra are also classed as a local derby, although they are situated in South Cheshire. Stoke City Football Club is a football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Crewe Alexandra Football Club are an English football team based at Gresty Road in Crewe, Cheshire, England and nicknamed The Railwaymen With Port Vale relegated to League 2 during 2007/08 season it looks as if Macclesfield Town, Chester City and Shrewsbury Town could well make up new local rivals for one season at least. Macclesfield Town Football Club are an English football team The club were formed in 1874 and are based in the small town of Macclesfield in Shrewsbury Town Football Club are an English football club currently playing in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football

Although it is widely believed that Port Vale is one of the few English league teams not to be named after a geographical location, the name Port Vale exists on maps predating the formation of the club in 1876, and is a reference to a valley of ports on the Trent and Mersey canal, associated with the city's pottery industry.

Port Vale's last manager was Martin Foyle, who left the club by mutual consent on the 26th of September, 2007; Martin Foyle was formerly the manager of the Youth Team – as well as being an important player for the club in the past. Martin John Foyle (born 2 May 1963 is an English former footballer who formerly managed Port Vale and had a spell as a caretaker manager at The following are the Association football events of the year 2007 throughout the world Martin John Foyle (born 2 May 1963 is an English former footballer who formerly managed Port Vale and had a spell as a caretaker manager at Dean Glover was named the club's interim Caretaker Manager, another notable former player, before Lee Sinnott was appointed on November 5, 2007. Dean Glover (born 29 December 1963 in Birmingham, West Midlands) is a former English football player Lee Sinnott (born 12 July 1965 in Aldridge, Walsall) is an English former Professional footballer and manager Events 1499 - Publication of the Catholicon in Treguier ( Brittany) Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. [1]

Contents

Stadium

Vale Park, Port Vale's home ground since 1950.
Vale Park, Port Vale's home ground since 1950.
Main article: Vale Park

Vale Park has been Port Vale's ground home since 1950, when the club moved from the Old Recreation Ground in Hanley, which stood on what is now the multi-storey car park for the Potteries Shopping Centre. Vale Park is the home of the English football club Port Vale. Vale Park is the home of the English football club Port Vale. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1950 throughout the world The Rec had been Vale's home since 1913 which they had flitted between several homes in their early years of existence. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1913 throughout the world The most poignant being the Cobridge Athletic Ground which was also a dog track for Greyhound Racing in Cobridge, which is an area between Burslem and Hanley. Greyhound racing is the Sport of Racing Greyhounds The Dogs chase a lure (traditionally an artificial Hare or Rabbit The town of Burslem, known as the Mother Town, is one of the six towns that amalgamated to form the current city of Stoke-on-Trent, in the ceremonial county Vale Park has a notional capacity of around 22,000, however with all the developments and a switch to an all-seater stadium in recent years, it is more likely around 18 or 19,000 once Lorne Street is completed. Despite not being the oldest ground in the world (circa 1950), Vale Park has had several upgrades in its 57 year history. The original ground consisted of just two stands (The Railway side and the Lorne Street or Main Stand) with banks of terracing at the Bycars and Hamil ends of the ground. Stands were eventually built behind each of goals during the 80's and 90's, as the ground began to be modernised. The Paddock at the front of the Railway Stand was also made into an all-seated affair with just the Lorne Street side now being left as a standing area. Vale fans stood for the last time on Lorne Street at the end of the 1997-98 season, with the stand being demolished before work began on a new £3,000,000 pound structure. Unfortunately, work has never been finished on this nearly ten years on, due to lack of finances and then a change in ownership of the club. However, once new owners V2001 had sorted out the financing, work was finally begun on finishing the second half of the stand with work due to be completed sometime in 2008. The following are the Association football events of the year 2008 throughout the world

Robbie Williams

Among the club's famous fanbase is singer Robbie Williams, who was raised in Stoke-on-Trent. Robert Peter Maximilian Williams (born 13 February 1974) is an English singer He is now a major shareholder having, in February 2006, bought £240,000 worth of the £250,000 worth of available shares in the club. Sponsors, Castle Comfort Stairlifts, at the same time bought the remainder for £10,000. [2]

For the computer game FIFA 2000, he provided an original theme song with It's Only Us, on the condition that Port Vale were included in the game, which they were, and are located in the Rest of World section. FIFA Football, also known as FIFA Soccer or FIFA in some regions is a series of football (soccer Video games This song was also featured on the first and only FIFA Soundtrack CD release by EMI. The EMI Group is a British music company comprising the major record company EMI Music – which operates several labels and is based in Kensington in [3]

History

Early years

Port Vale were formed in 1876, following a meeting at the Port Vale House, from where the club took its name. [4] The club moved to Burslem in 1884, changing its name to Burslem Port Vale in the process. The town of Burslem, known as the Mother Town, is one of the six towns that amalgamated to form the current city of Stoke-on-Trent, in the ceremonial county

The Rudge era

Promotion and giant-killing 1983-1989

John Rudge took over the management reins at Vale Park in December 1983, after the sacking of John McGrath following poor form upon Vale's promotion to Division Three (now League One). John "Rudgie" Rudge (born October 21, 1944 in Wolverhampton, England) was a Professional footballer and a For the former Kidderminster Harriers, Weymouth & current Tamworth player see John McGrath (Irish footballer. Football League One (often referred to as League One for short or Coca-Cola Football League 1 for sponsorship reasons is the second-highest division of The Football Despite being unable to halt Vale's immediate return to the bottom tier of the Football League, Division Four (now League Two), finishing 23rd, Rudge made his first profit in the 1984 close season, when he sold Mark Bright to Leicester City for £33,000. Football League Two (often referred to as League Two for short or Coca-Cola Football League 2 for Sponsorship reasons is the third-highest division of Mark Abraham Bright (born 6 June 1962 is a former English footballer who is now a sports pundit and BBC London 's sport presenter PLEASE NOTE This section is the introduction Please do not add too much detail here Bright had originally been a signing from local non-leaguers Leek Town. Leek Town Football Club is an English football club based in Leek Staffordshire, currently playing in the Northern Premier League Division One South Rudge steadied the ship, and had Vale promoted back to the third tier in 1985/86, losing just once at Vale Park, and helped by the goals of prolific Welshman Andy Jones finished in fourth place. Jones continued to prove another inspired Rudge signing a level higher, netting a club record thirty seven goals in the 1986/87 season belittling his £3,000 price tag from Rhyl. Rhyl Football Club ( Welsh: Clwb Pêl Droed Y Rhyl) is a Welsh football club playing in the Welsh Premier League. Jones was then sold for a then club record of £375,000 to Charlton. Charlton Athletic Football Club (also known as The Addicks) is a professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of The Valiants rise didn't stop there, after three seasons in Division Three, another promotion to Division Two (now the Championship), followed in 1988/1989. The Football League Championship (often referred to as The Championship for short or the Coca-Cola Football League Championship for sponsorship reasons Robbie Earle scoring the winning goal at Vale Park to complete a 2-1 aggregate Play-Off Final victory over Bristol Rovers. Robert Fitzgerald "Robbie" Earle MBE (born 27 January, 1965 in Newcastle-under-Lyme) is a former professional footballer Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football team based in Bristol.

Rudge also oversaw the first of three Cup giant killing acts on another momentous day at Vale Park in 1988, when a Vale side mid-way in Division Three, defeated Tottenham of Division One, (now the Premiership) 2-1. Tottenham Hotspur, ˈtɒʔnəm is an English professional football club which currently plays in the Premier League. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs Ray Walker and Phil Sproson were on target for Vale against Terry Venables' side which included Chris Waddle and Clive Allen, but omitted Ossie Ardiles, apparently due to the heavy state of the pitch, which turned out to be costly for the London outfit. Terence Frederick 'Terry' Venables (born 6 January 1943 in Dagenham, London often referred to as ' El Tel', is an English football manager Christopher Roland Waddle (born 14 December 1960 in Felling, Tyne and Wear, England) is an English former professional Clive Darren Allen (born Stepney, London, 20 May 1961) is a former English international football player and a prolific scorer for Osvaldo César Ardiles (born August 3, 1952 in Córdoba Province) commonly known as Ossie Ardiles is a football coach

Following promotion in 1989 Vale had two good seasons in the Second Division and were on course for a third when placed half way up the table at the end of November 1991. Then they suddenly went into a slump which led to relegation of the last day of 1991-92. They had a side that appeared better than the division they were in in 1992-93, with Ian Taylor signed from non-League making a big impression, but just missed out on promotion as runners-up to Reading when Bolton came from nowhere with a tremendous run of victories to pip them on the final day. Vale then lost in the play-off final to West Bromwich Albion.

Promotion and stabilising 1993-95

Despite the disappointment going into the 1993-94 season, Vale were able to bounce back with Rudge's next two bargain buys becoming important players. Ian Taylor who Vale had signed for £15,000 from non-league Moor Green, and Dutch import Robin van der Laan came to the fore with Martin Foyle back fit and experienced Bernie Slaven up front, Vale surged to second place, confirming promotion on the last day with a 3-1 win at Brighton's Goldstone Ground in front of 6,000 travelling Valiants. Ian Taylor (born 4 June 1968 in Birmingham) is an English former footballer best known for his time at Aston Villa. Moor Green FC was a non-league Football (soccer team originally from the Hall Green area of south Birmingham but later based in the town of Solihull Robertus Petrus (Robin van der Laan (born September 5 1968 in Schiedam, Holland) is a former professional footballer who spent Bernard Joseph "Bernie" Slaven (born 13 November 1960 in Paisley, Scotland) is a retired footballer who played internationally Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club are an English football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. The Goldstone Ground (or The Goldstone) was a football stadium and home ground of Brighton & Hove Albion F Vale also notched another F. A. Cup scalp beating then Premiership side Southampton 1-0 at Vale Park in an FA Cup Third Round replay. Southampton Football Club is a professional English football team, nicknamed The Saints and based in the city of Southampton.

This time round Rudge knew what was required to sustain a better challenge in the higher league, and although Ian Taylor became Rudge's first £1,000,000 sale, when Sheffield Wednesday invested in the midfielder, the money was well spent on bringing Steve Guppy and Gareth Griffiths to the club throughout the 1994/95 campaign. Ian Taylor (born 4 June 1968 in Birmingham) is an English former footballer best known for his time at Aston Villa. Stephen Andrew Guppy (born 29 March 1969 in Winchester, Hampshire) is an English football winger, currently Although these three not big names or particularly proven at that time, they began to build into the Rudge's best team in the next two seasons.

Vale finished seventeenth in 1994/95, comfortably avoiding relegation by ten points, and again despite a Pre-Season sale of Robin van der Laan, who Derby bought for £475,000 (he originally cost £80,000). Robertus Petrus (Robin van der Laan (born September 5 1968 in Schiedam, Holland) is a former professional footballer who spent Derby County Football Club is a professional football club based at Pride Park Stadium in Derby England. Rudge made two more inspired signings with Jon McCarthy and Lee Mills joining before the 1995/96 season began. Jonathan David "Jon" McCarthy (born August 18, 1970) is a former Professional footballer who last played as a defender Rowan Lee Mills (born 10 July 1970 in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, England) usually known as Lee Mills, was an English

Giant-killers award 1995-96

These next two seasons, Vale fans were to witness some of the best football the club has ever played, and even had fans dreaming of the Premiership in the second half of the 1996/97 campaign. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs Although who'd have thought it ten games into the previous 95/96 season, Vale had mustered just one win; ironically away in the local derby against Stoke, and were struggling at the wrong end of the table. Stoke City Football Club is a football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Early home form was also the worst for years, and it took The Valiants until December 2nd to finally notch a win at Vale Park, when Martin Foyle scored to beat Huddersfield 1-0. Vale Park is the home of the English football club Port Vale. Martin John Foyle (born 2 May 1963 is an English former footballer who formerly managed Port Vale and had a spell as a caretaker manager at A 5-1 defeat at Ipswich on New Years Day, saw Vale slip to second from bottom, with just five wins all season, but the magic of the FA Cup, was again to prove the tonic. PLEASE NOTE This section is the introduction Please do not add too much detail here New Year's Day is the first day of the Year. On the modern Gregorian calendar, it is celebrated on January 1, as it was also in ancient Rome (though

The draw had done Vale no favours, with a trip to promotion-chasing Crystal Palace, but a battling 0-0 performance, brought the tie back to Vale Park. Vale eventually won a classic tie, on a freezing January night, with Ray Walker curling home a spectacular winner in Extra Time, to seal a 4-3 win, and set up a trip to Cup holders Everton in the Fourth Round. See Ray Walker (Australian rules footballer for the Footscray footballer Ray Walker (born March 16, 1934) is a It was somewhat a mystery why Vale were struggling in the League, with wingers Steve Guppy and Jon McCarthy consistently proving their worth on the flanks, with skill and pinpoint crossing, the scurge of many a Full Back. Stephen Andrew Guppy (born 29 March 1969 in Winchester, Hampshire) is an English football winger, currently Jonathan David "Jon" McCarthy (born August 18, 1970) is a former Professional footballer who last played as a defender However, the Everton tie was to prove their finest hour in a Vale shirt. Vale twice came from behind at Goodison Park to draw 2-2, with Ian Bogie scoring off virtually the last kick of the match. Goodison Park is the home ground of Everton FC in Liverpool. It was built in 1892 and now has a total capacity of 40157 all-seated Ian Bogie (Born December 6, 1967 in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne) is a former footballer who played in the English Football League The replay was to prove a night to remember, Vale Park was full to capacity, to see Guppy and McCarthy produce a masterclass in wing play. The Right and Left combination terrorised the Everton Full Back's all night, and with the match poised at 1-1, after Ian Bogie's opener had been cancelled out by Graham Stuart, Guppy broke down the left, before crossing for McCarthy to smash the winner past Neville Southall in the Everton goal. Graham Charles Stuart, (born October 24 1970) is a former English Football (soccer player who played as an attacking midfielder Neville Southall MBE (born 16 September 1958 is a Welsh former footballer, best known for his time with Everton.

The victory, in front of a 19,000+ crowd, saw Vale into the Fifth Round, where they would play Leeds United away, who were then a top ten Premiership side. Leeds United Association Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Leeds United or informally Leeds, are an English professional football The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs The game at Elland Road took place on a Tuesday thanks to various cancellations due to bad weather. Elland Road is an all-seater football Stadium situated in the Beeston area of the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, The game finished 0-0, in a tie where The Valiants were arguably the better side, and should have won. However, it went to a replay in Burslem, and Vale were dreaming of a Quarter Final with Liverpool when Tony Naylor slipped the ball past John Lukic to put them in front. The town of Burslem, known as the Mother Town, is one of the six towns that amalgamated to form the current city of Stoke-on-Trent, in the ceremonial county Anthony 'Tony' Naylor (born 29 March 1967 in Manchester, Lancashire) is a former English football player Jovan "John" Lukic ( Serbian: Јован "Џон" Лукић Jovan "Džon" Lukić) (born 11 December, 1960 Gary McAllister, however was to prove Leeds' saviour, scoring twice in the final twelve minutes, to send the Yorkshire club into the Quarter Finals. Gary McAllister MBE (born 25 December, 1964, in Newarthill, Motherwell) is a Scottish former professional Leeds United Association Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Leeds United or informally Leeds, are an English professional football Yorkshire is a historic county of Northern England and the largest in Great Britain. Vale's cup exploits were to earn them the FA's Giantkillers award for the 95/96 season.

League form improves and the Anglo-Italian Cup 1995-96

The Cup run seemed to inspire Vale onto better things in the league, with a run of five wins in a row, pushing them up to twelfth, as the season drew to a close. Vale also had some excellent results in the Anglo-Italian Cup, as they qualified for the Final at Wembley, in the 'England vs Italy' competition's final season. Wembley is an area located in North-West London, England which forms the northern part of the London Borough of Brent. The pick of the Preliminary stages, was a 5-3 win at Italian side Perugia, where Lee Mills netted a Hat Trick. Perugia Calcio is a football club based in Perugia, Umbria, direct heir of the old A The English Semi Final draw pitted Vale away to Ipswich Town,(who they'd already lost to 5-1), Tony Naylor though, was to prove the hero, scoring a Hat Trick, as Vale recorded a superb 4-2 win at Portman Road,(the first in their history at Ipswich's ground). PLEASE NOTE This section is the introduction Please do not add too much detail here Anthony 'Tony' Naylor (born 29 March 1967 in Manchester, Lancashire) is a former English football player Portman Road is an Association football Stadium in Ipswich, Suffolk, England.

A thrilling 3-1 victory in the English Final second leg at Vale Park, against West Brom, confirmed a 4-2 aggregate success, and a game against Italian winners Genoa in the Final. Vale Park is the home of the English football club Port Vale. Genoa ( Genova, ˈdʒɛːnova in Italian; Zena in Genoese and Ligurian; Genua in Latin and archaically in English The Italians' skill, however, was to prove too much in the Final, and a side including future Italian internationals Vincenzo Montella and Fabio Galante, ran out 5-2 winners(Martin Foyle with both Vale goals. Vincenzo Montella (born June 18, 1974 in Pomigliano d'Arco, Campania) is an Italian football player who currently Fabio Galante (born 20 November 1973 in Montecatini Terme, Province of Pistoia) is an Italian Football (soccer defender Martin John Foyle (born 2 May 1963 is an English former footballer who formerly managed Port Vale and had a spell as a caretaker manager at )

Dare to Dream? The highest finish since the 30's 1996-97

Again Vale made a slow start to the 1996-97 campaign, with only two wins from their opening ten league games, although a better performance in the League Cup, gave the fans something to shout about early on. Especially after thumping local side Crewe 5-1 at Gresty Road! A protest against Chairman Bill Bell, after a poor home defeat to Crystal Palace, seemed to see an upturn in the Valiant's performances. Crewe Alexandra Football Club are an English football team based at Gresty Road in Crewe, Cheshire, England and nicknamed The Railwaymen The Alexandra Stadium (formerly known as Gresty Road, due to its location on a road of that name is a multi-use Stadium in Crewe, England. A second win at Wolves' Molineux ground(1-0), in two seasons, was followed by a mixed period, until December produced some of the best football many Vale fans are likely to have seen. Molineux Stadium is a football stadium situated in Wolverhampton, England. The pick were three wins on the bounce, against ex-Premiership sides Charlton 3-1 at The Valley, 6-1 at home to Norwich and concluding in a 1-0 success on Boxing day at Manchester City in front of more than 30,000. Charlton Athletic Football Club (also known as The Addicks) is a professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of PLEASE NOTE This section is the introduction Please do not add too much detail here Boxing Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, as well as many other members of the Commonwealth TalkManchester City FC before changing verbs to singular --> Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club Despite the sale of the excellent Steve Guppy to Leicester City for £800,000, Vale's form remained steady from then on, until five wins from six, from mid March to mid-April, put them in with a chances of the Play-Offs, for a place in the Premiership. Stephen Andrew Guppy (born 29 March 1969 in Winchester, Hampshire) is an English football winger, currently PLEASE NOTE This section is the introduction Please do not add too much detail here The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs However, with three games remaining, Vale were to lose in local derby defeats to main rivals Stoke City, before Wolves came away from Vale Park with a 2-1 victory to end their hopes. Stoke City Football Club is a football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Vale Park is the home of the English football club Port Vale. Had Vale picked up anything from either of those games, it would have set up a final day showdown at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace for a place in the Play-Offs, however, Vale remained just out of reach four points behind the London club. Selhurst Park is a British football Stadium located in the London suburb of South Norwood in the Borough of Croydon Crystal Palace FC is an English football club based in South Norwood, London. Vale's final finishing position of eighth, was their highest in the pyramid since 1931, when they had finished fifth in the old Division Two.

Decline since 1997

The 8th place finish was to be the height of Vale's powers under John Rudge and the following season 1997-98 saw a more familiar mid-table and eventually relegation battle. Another memorable FA Cup tie was the highlight of the season in which Vale held eventual winners Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at Highbury and 1-1 at Vale Park(Wayne Corden equalising a spectacular Dennis Bergkamp goal) before the Gunners eventually prevailed 4-3 on penalties despite Lee Dixon missing their opening kick. Wayne Corden (born 1 November 1975 in Leek Staffordshire) is a professional footballer currently without a club after being released by Leyton Orient Dennis Nicolaas Maria Bergkamp (born May 10, 1969 in Amsterdam) is a retired Dutch Professional footballer At club level Other than this the season never really got going and Vale found themselves in deep relegation trouble going into the final match at Huddersfield after 3 straight defeats. Goals from Martin Foyle, Jan Jansson x2 and Lee Mills saw Vale claim a 4-0 win and a miraculous escape at the expense of Manchester City and arch rivals Stoke City. Martin John Foyle (born 2 May 1963 is an English former footballer who formerly managed Port Vale and had a spell as a caretaker manager at Jan Jansson (born January 26, 1968) is a Swedish former footballer. Rowan Lee Mills (born 10 July 1970 in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, England) usually known as Lee Mills, was an English TalkManchester City FC before changing verbs to singular --> Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club Stoke City Football Club is a football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. 1998-99 saw Port Vale fair little better with an early League Cup defeat to Chester City setting the tone. Port Vale Football Club are an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. In Association football a League Cup generally signifies a cup competition for which entry is restricted only to teams in the top national league (some may include After 16 years as Port Vale manager, John Rudge was sacked in January 1999, after one of Vale's most successful eras. John "Rudgie" Rudge (born October 21, 1944 in Wolverhampton, England) was a Professional footballer and a He was replaced by former player Brian Horton, who had been working at Brighton. Brian Horton (born 4 February 1949 in Hednesford, Staffordshire) is an English football manager currently working as the assistant Dwindling fortunes both on the pitch and financially put relegation on the cards. Horton made 5 deadline day signings costing 1 million pounds and remarkably Vale managed a 2nd consecutive last day escape after losing just 2 of their last 8 games. Although Vale lost 1-0 at Bury the Valiants stayed up(ironically at Bury's expense!) by virtue of having scored more goals (this was the last season before goal difference replaced goals scored as the Football League's separator for teams on equal points, and such a system would have relegated Port Vale in 1999). Bury Football Club is an English association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. However, there was no escape in 1999-2000 when both Vale and Swindon looked doomed to go down from start to finish. It was Huddersfield who eventually sealed Vale's fate with a 2-1 win at Vale Park with Vale ultimately going down 13 points adrift. Vale Park is the home of the English football club Port Vale.

A worsening financial crisis put the club's future in jeopardy by the end of 2000 by which time the outlook was desperately bleak. Vale were in the relegation zone of Division 2(now League One) and after an embarrassing 1st round FA Cup defeat to Ryman Leaguers Canvey Island F.C. the team were apparently spiralling towards another relegation, with fans protesting against chairman Bill Bell. Football League One (often referred to as League One for short or Coca-Cola Football League 1 for sponsorship reasons is the second-highest division of The Football Canvey Island FC, known as the Gulls or Yellow Army, are an English association football club founded in 1926 But there was a remarkable change in fortunes after the turn of the year as Brian Horton's team transformed their league form to pull up to a top half finish while also gaining silverware by beating Brentford in the final of the LDV Vans Trophy. This included a post war record of 16 matches unbeaten in all competitions with Vale eventually finishing 11th. Tony Naylor and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson starring with 21 and 14 goals respectively With further discontentment at the running of the club, a supporters' trust under the banner Valiant 2001 started moves towards attaining ownership of the club, including several offers that were rejected by Mr Bell. Anthony 'Tony' Naylor (born 29 March 1967 in Manchester, Lancashire) is a former English football player Marc Bridge-Wilkinson (born 16 March 1979 in Coventry, England) is an English footballer, playing for Carlisle United After the LDV winning season the Valiants lost the services of veterans and club legends Tony Naylor and Allen Tankard but the form of young prospects Steve Brooker, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and new signings Stephen McPhee and Ian Armstrong gave room for optimism. Anthony 'Tony' Naylor (born 29 March 1967 in Manchester, Lancashire) is a former English football player Stephen "Steve" Michael Lord Brooker (born 21 May 1981 in Newport Pagnell) is an English footballer who plays as a Marc Bridge-Wilkinson (born 16 March 1979 in Coventry, England) is an English footballer, playing for Carlisle United Stephen McPhee (born 5 June 1981 in Glasgow, Scotland) is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing in Ian Armstrong can refer to Ian Armstrong (Australian politician Ian Armstrong (Australian artist However like many teams in the division Vale suffered from inconsitancy and despite looking good enough for the playoffs in some games Vale finished the 2001-02 campaign in a frustrating 14th. The next season 2002-03 was to see Vale's financial problems come to a head. With first round exits in both cup competitions and another mediocre season in the league on the cards, Bill Bell eventually called in the administrators with the club around £1. 5 million in debt.

Valiant 2001 eventually secured control of the club after a long and drawn out process as the season neared its close. Bill Bratt became the new chairman and even though the finances were still slim for quite a while Vale were relatively buoyant. On the pitch a brief cameo from veteran striker Brett Angell had kept the club above the relegation zone before xmas with 7 goals in 15 games and young prodigy Billy Paynter helping out with 5 goals in a young and old partnership. Brett Ashley Mark Angell (born 20 August 1968 in Marlborough, Wiltshire) is an English Association football coach who is currently unemployed William "Billy" Paynter (born July 13, 1984 in Liverpool) is a professional footballer who plays for Swindon Town. However with the money problems the funds were not found to keep Angell beyond November and after a run of poor form, Vale slipped into the bottom 4 in March. With the worry of immediate extinction over though and Horton's resourceful signing of experienced Adrian Littlejohn(who scored 3 goals) the final 10 games saw an upturn in form and Vale eventually finish in 17th place. Adrian Littlejohn (born Wolverhampton, England, 26 September, 1970) is a former professional footballer, who played as

Under Valiant 2001. 2003-

2003-04 was a new era for the club off the pitch with the club coming out of administration under a new board of fan ownership. A reduction in match day and season ticket prices saw around 3000 season tickets sold. On the pitch the club had ridden out administration relatively well by avoiding relegation(although the 10 point penalty did not apply in 2003 which would have seen Vale relegated) with Brian Horton building a young pacey side, pre-season optimism was much higher.

The club made their best start to a season for many a year and found themselves top of the table at the end of September. Although some poor form followed including an LDV Vans Trophy exist to Scarborough and then an FA Cup exit to the same team Vale remained on course to at least be challenging for the playoffs come May. Structure The Trophy is currently contested by just Football League One and Football League Two clubs and from season 2006-07 is played in a knock-out ( Scarborough Football Club was an English football team based in the seaside resort of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Vale's position in the table was based largely on the goals of an attacking front 4. Billy Paynter and Adrian Littlejohn played on the right and left with Steve Brooker and Stephen McPhee forming an excellent partnership upfront. William "Billy" Paynter (born July 13, 1984 in Liverpool) is a professional footballer who plays for Swindon Town. Adrian Littlejohn (born Wolverhampton, England, 26 September, 1970) is a former professional footballer, who played as Stephen "Steve" Michael Lord Brooker (born 21 May 1981 in Newport Pagnell) is an English footballer who plays as a Stephen McPhee (born 5 June 1981 in Glasgow, Scotland) is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing in

Despite the good season Horton left in March 2004 after the board revealed he wouldn't be given a new contract on the same terms and his budget would be slashed due to cost cutting after administration. He was to be replaced by former playing legend Martin Foyle who had been a success as youth team manager. Martin John Foyle (born 2 May 1963 is an English former footballer who formerly managed Port Vale and had a spell as a caretaker manager at Horton left the team in 7th place, just outside the playoffs and this was ultimately where the club would finish after an agonising final day at Rushden's Nene Park. Rushden & Diamonds FC is a professional football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. See also Nene Park Peterborough Nene Park is the home ground of Rushden & Diamonds football club Going into the last day Vale needed 3 points to overhaul either Swindon or Hartlepool in the playoff places if either of them lost, however the twist was that both these teams were playing each other and needed just a point to deny Vale a playoff place unless Vale won by 7 clear goals. Swindon Town Football Club is an English football club based in Swindon, Wiltshire, who currently play in League One. Hartlepool United Football Club are an English football team from Hartlepool playing in League One. Vale despatched Rushden with a 2-0 win(Steve McPhee scoring both and taking his tally to 27 for the season) but conveniently Swindon and Hartlepool played out a 1-1 draw at the County Ground so Vale missed out on goal difference. What appeared to be a 'contrived' result between Swindon and Hartlepool has sparked conspiracy theories amongst some Vale fans ever since with some never forgiving either side for not going for the win. Swindon Town Football Club is an English football club based in Swindon, Wiltshire, who currently play in League One. Hartlepool United Football Club are an English football team from Hartlepool playing in League One.

Foyle spent almost four years as manager after this, but Vale never looked like mounting a promotion challenge and he was sacked on 4 November 2007 with Vale in deep relegation trouble. Events 1333 - Flood of the Arno River, causing massive damage in Florence as recorded by the Florentine chronicler Giovanni Villani Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. He was succeeded by Lee Sinnott, but Sinnott was unable to prevent Vale from sliding into League Two in 23rd place with only 38 points. Lee Sinnott (born 12 July 1965 in Aldridge, Walsall) is an English former Professional footballer and manager 2008-09 will be Vale's first season in the bottom tier of the Football League for almost a quarter of a century.

Honours and achievements

Football League Division Three

Football League Division Three North

Football League Division Four

Football League Trophy

Anglo-Italian Cup

FA Cup

Statistics

Best attendance 50000: vs Aston Villa 20 February 1960 FA Cup R5
Best league win 9 - 1: vs Chesterfield 24 September 1932 Division Two
Worst league loss 0 - 10: vs Sheffield United 10 December 1892 Division Two
Best cup win 7 - 1: vs Irthlingborough 12 January 1907 FA Cup R1
Most capped player Christopher Birchall : 22, Trinidad and Tobago
Most League appearances Roy Sproson: 761 1950-1972
Most League goals Wilf Kirkham: 154 1923-1933
Most Goals in a season Wilf Kirkham: 38 1926/27 Division Two
Transfer fee received £2,000,000: Gareth Ainsworth to Wimbledon 29 October 1998
Transfer fee paid £500,000: Gareth Ainsworth from Lincoln City 11 September 1997

Current squad

As of 20 May 2008. From the 1992-93 to the 2003-04 season, the Football League Third Division was the third-highest division of The Football League and the fourth-highest The Third Division North of The Football League was a level in English association football, which ran parallel to Third Division South from "Fourth Division" redirects here For usage of the term in the Military, see 4th Division. Structure The Trophy is currently contested by just Football League One and Football League Two clubs and from season 2006-07 is played in a knock-out ( The Anglo-Italian Cup, sometimes referred to as the Anglo-Italian Tournament, was a football cup competition held between clubs in England and Italy The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after Events 1472 - Orkney and Shetland are left by Norway to Scotland, due to a Dowry payment Year 1960 ( MCMLX) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after Chesterfield Football Club is an English football club based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Events 622 - Prophet Muhammad completes his hegira from Mecca to Medina. Year 1932 ( MCMXXXII) was a Leap year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. From 1892 until 1992 the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Events 1041 - Empress Zoe of Byzantium elevates her adoptive son to the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire as Michael V Year 1892 ( MDCCCXCII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year Events 475 - Basiliscus becomes Byzantine Emperor, with a coronation ceremony in the Hebdomon palace in Constantinople Year 1907 ( MCMVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after For the Scottish rugby league footballer see Chris Birchall (rugby league Christopher Birchall CM (born May 5, 1984 The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ˈtrɪnɪdæd ən təˈbeɪgoʊ is an archipelagic state in the southern Caribbean, lying northeast of the South American Roy Sproson was born on 23 September 1930 and died in January 1997 Wilf Kirkham was a Port Vale football player who scored a record 154 goals for Port Vale including a record 38 goals in one season Wilf Kirkham was a Port Vale football player who scored a record 154 goals for Port Vale including a record 38 goals in one season Gareth Ainsworth (born 10 May 1973 in Blackburn, Lancashire) is an English professional footballer currently playing for This article refers to the original club from London which existed until 2004 Events 437 - Valentinian III, Western Roman Emperor, marries Licinia Eudoxia, daughter of his cousin Theodosius II Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Gareth Ainsworth (born 10 May 1973 in Blackburn, Lancashire) is an English professional footballer currently playing for Events 9 - The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest ends 506 - The Bishops of Visigothic Gaul Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Events 325 - The First Council of Nicaea &ndash the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church is held 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common
No. Position Player
7 Flag of England MF Shane Tudor
9 Flag of England FW Marc Richards
10 Flag of England FW Luke Rodgers
11 Flag of England MF Paul Edwards
12 Flag of England GK Joe Anyon
13 Flag of England MF Simon Richman
14 Flag of England MF Danny Whitaker
21 Flag of England MF Danny Glover
22 Flag of England DF Luke Prosser
No. For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Shane Anthony Tudor (born December 10 1982 in Wolverhampton, West Midlands) is an English footballer, currently playing Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Marc Richards (born 8 July, 1982 in Wolverhampton, West Midlands) is an English professional footballer who plays as Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Luke John Rodgers (born 1 January 1982 in Birmingham, West Midlands) is an English professional footballer currently playing For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Paul Edwards (born 1 January 1980 in Manchester) is an English footballer, currently playing for Port Vale. In many team Sports a goalkeeper (termed goaltender netminder, goalie, or keeper in some sports Joseph "Joe" Anyon (born 29 December 1986 in Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire) is an English football goalkeeper For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Danny Whitaker (born 14 November 1980 in Manchester) is an English Football midfielder who plays for Oldham in League For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Danny Glover (born 24 October, 1989 in Crewe, Cheshire) is a English professional footballer currently playing for In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Luke Barrie Prosser (born 28 May 1988 in England) is an English footballer, currently playing as a defender for Port Position Player
24 Flag of England FW Kyle Perry
26 Flag of England GK Chris Martin
27 Flag of Northern Ireland FW James Lawrie
29 Flag of England DF Chris Slater
32 Flag of England MF Ross Davidson
34 Flag of Northern Ireland FW David Howland
35 Flag of England MF Rob Taylor
-- Flag of England DF John McCombe

Notable players

List of Managers

References

  1. ^ BBC Sport, Sinnott named new Port Vale boss
  2. ^ "Robbie buys into Vale", BBC. Tom Morgan (born 3 March, 1970) is an Australian musician and songwriter best known for fronting 90s indie pop group Smudge. Warneford Cresswell ( 5 November, 1897 &ndash 20 October 1973 known as Warney, was an English professional footballer Tom Morgan (born 3 March, 1970) is an Australian musician and songwriter best known for fronting 90s indie pop group Smudge. Billy Frith was the manager of Coventry City FC twice between 1947 and 1948 and also for four years starting in 1957 Gordon Hodgson ( 16 April 1904 &ndash 14 June, 1951) was a sportsman being best known for as a Striker for Liverpool F For the English footballer of the same name see Freddie Steele (footballer. Norman Low (born March 23, 1914 in Aberdeen, died May 21, 1994 in Toronto) was a Scottish Association football Frederick Charles Steele ( 6 May 1916 - 23 April 1976) was a footballer who played as a centre forward for Stoke City Sir Stanley Matthews, CBE ( 1 February 1915 — February 23 2000) was an English football player John "Jackie" Knight Mudie ( 10 April 1930 — 2 March 1992) was a Scottish international footballer who Sir Stanley Matthews, CBE ( 1 February 1915 — February 23 2000) was an English football player Gordon Francis Lee (born 13 July 1934, Cannock, Staffordshire) was an English association footballer and football Roy Sproson was born on 23 September 1930 and died in January 1997 Robert William Smith (born March 14, 1944 in Prestbury Cheshire) is an English former professional footballer and football manager Alan Bloor (born 16 March 1943 is a retired professional footballer For the former Kidderminster Harriers, Weymouth & current Tamworth player see John McGrath (Irish footballer. John "Rudgie" Rudge (born October 21, 1944 in Wolverhampton, England) was a Professional footballer and a Brian Horton (born 4 February 1949 in Hednesford, Staffordshire) is an English football manager currently working as the assistant Martin John Foyle (born 2 May 1963 is an English former footballer who formerly managed Port Vale and had a spell as a caretaker manager at Lee Sinnott (born 12 July 1965 in Aldridge, Walsall) is an English former Professional footballer and manager co. uk, 27 February 2006
  3. ^ "FIFA 2000: Major League Soccer", Moby Games, 20 August 2006
  4. ^ A Brief Club History. www. port-vale. co. uk (2007-12-04). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. "December 4th" redirects here For the song by Jay-Z, see December 4th (song. Retrieved on 2008-06-09. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 53 - Roman Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia 62 - Claudia Octavia commits

External links

Preceded by
Stoke City		 Football League Trophy Winners
1992-93		 Succeeded by
Swansea City
Preceded by
Stoke City		 Football League Trophy Winners
2000-01		 Succeeded by
Blackpool
Stoke City Football Club is a football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Structure The Trophy is currently contested by just Football League One and Football League Two clubs and from season 2006-07 is played in a knock-out ( Swansea City AFC ( Welsh: Clwb Pêl-droed Dinas Abertawe) is a Welsh football team playing in the Coca Cola Championship from Stoke City Football Club is a football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Structure The Trophy is currently contested by just Football League One and Football League Two clubs and from season 2006-07 is played in a knock-out ( Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 and located in the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool.
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