Port Vale celebrate promotion in 1989 video
This video feature shows footage of fans and players as Port Vale celebrate promotion in 1989.
Port Vale 1-0 Southampton, 1994
See our complete coverage of the 1989 promotion
One of the most important seasons in the club’s recent history as they won promotion under John Rudge, our special section includes coverage of the play-off final plus reports on the rest of the season.
The final whistle has just gone after Port Vale’s 1-0 play-off final win over Bristol Rovers in 1989 and these are the memorable scenes that followed.
Over 17,000 fans were in attendance at Vale Park and Port Vale triumphed through their famed “MBE” routine – Simon Mills’ corner clicked on by Darren Beckford for Robbie Earle to finish.
It was midfielder Earle’s fourth goal in four games against Rovers who had scored in both League games and in both play-off matches.
The Valiants had enjoyed a memorable season with Beckford and veteran striker Ron Futcher prolific upfront, the midfield partnership of Earle and Ray Walker, attacking full-backs Darren Hughes and Simon Mills plus reliable goalkeeper Mark Grew.
Despite amassing 84 points, Vale had missed out on automatic promotion on goal difference after finishing in third place, but the side made no mistake in the play-offs by beating both Preston North End and Rovers in the play-off games.
The result saw the Valiants return to the second tier of English football under the management of the legendary John Rudge.
Our thanks to Andrew White for providing this clip