Thanks to Port Vale fan Angela Fox, OVF has been handed these amazing images of Port Vale supporters on the Vale Park terraces in the 1950’s.
These black and white shots are believed to come from the late 1950’s (judging by some of the names on the scarves) so around three to four years after the famous Iron Curtain season. They were taken by Angela’s grandmother (indeed the family group with personalised scarves showing the names of various members of the famous Iron Curtain side are members of Angela’s family).
The Vale Park stadium was relatively new when these images were taken – as it opened in 1950 – and the majority of the ground was terraced. These shots also include two photos of a packed Bycars End terrace – which is now an all-seated stand at the stadium. The photographs are snapshots of a bygone age at Port Vale showing fans of all ages enjoying the matchday experience.
These historic snaps were handed to Angela when her grandmother sadly passed away.
Many thanks to Angela Fox for these images.
Photos of Port Vale fans on the Vale Park terraces
Bill Spurdle wasn’t signed until November 1956 – see one of the scarves. So I think the pictures were probably 1957 at the earliest. Several years after the 1953/54 iron curtain side.
Thanks Stuart, I had no dates when the photos were sent so I was giving it my best bet of a period in the 1950’s. I will amend the article accordingly now you’ve provided a more accurate timeline.
Smashing, the first one looks an early 60s photo judging by the hair cuts. What jumps out at you is how young the Vale fan base was then. They were much happier times than today, I know I was around, people had nowt, but very happy days. The only form of entertainment was either sport or the pictures. Unless you were old enough go the multitude of pubs and clubs on every street corner.