Getty: International Valiants
Photos of past and present Vale stars in International action including Steve Guppy, Neville Southall and the club’s first-ever International player.
This month, the world’s largest photo agency, Getty Images, made millions of their images free to use. Previously, it was not possible for sites like OVF to use these images due to licensing regulations. However, the new and welcome move means that Getty Images can be embedded into blogs free of charge (more information here).
To celebrate this move, here are some images of past and present Vale stars in International action…
Vale’s first International – Welsh goalkeeper Teddy Peers (centre, back row) pictured during a 1919 team photo. Peers was famous for his confidence, often leaning on a post chatting to supporters as the Valiants attacked. More about him here
This image from an England schoolboy International in 1982 shows future Vale striker Darren Beckford in action as England drew 0-0 with Scotland at Wembley.
Steve Guppy challenges Belgium’s Marc Wilmots in what was, sadly, Guppy only senior appearance for England. This match was an International Friendly at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
Anthony Gardner in England training, 2004. Like Guppy, Gardner would only win a solitary England cap.
John Barnes and Mark Chamberlain pose on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro during the team’s summer tour to South America in 1984.
James Lawrie (left) in action for Northern Ireland U21 in 2009.
Andy Jones is tackled by Ivan Hasek of Czechoslovakia during the European Championship Qualifying match played at the Racecourse ground in 1987. The match was drawn 1-1.
Jack Grimmer tackles Daniel Wein of Germany in an U18 friendly match from 2012.
Then Vale loanee Neville Southall in action for Wales against England in an 1983 British Championship game at Wembley. Stoke’s George Berry is one of the Wales defenders.
In 2000, David Healy, then on loan at Port Vale, is challenged by Denmark’s Thomas Gravesen. Healy had made his International debut while on loan at Vale Park several months earlier.
Nigeria’s George Abbey fights for the ball with South African player Molefe Thabang during their African Nations Cup match, 2004.
Northern Ireland International Billy Bingham (left) in training. Bingham was to make three appearances for his country whilst a Vale player before injury sadly finished his playing career.
Andrew Little in action for Northern Ireland against the Netherlands in 2012. Earlier that year, Little had played for his country against Italy whilst he was on loan at Vale.
Northern Ireland’s Jon McCarthy gets past Turkey’s Tugay during their European Championship Qualifying match at Windsor Park, 1999.
That’s quite possibly a high foot by Trinidad’s Tony Rougier as he challenges Mexico striker Luis Hernandez in 1998.
Onandi Lowe (left) celebrates with Jamiacan teammates after his goal against Guatemala in the Gold Cup championship, 2003.
Robbie Earle of Jamaica pictured during the World Cup game against Croatia in 1998.
Chris Birchall challenges Wayne Rooney during Trinidad and Tobago’s game against England in the 2006 World Cup.