Listen: Managing Vale by Sir Stanley Matthews
Listen to an interview with the late Sir Stanley Matthews about his experience managing Port Vale FC in the 1960’s.
In the interview, Matthews explains how he feels that the Football League gave “big club” Manchester United preferential treatment over Port Vale after both clubs fell foul of financial regulations.
He also felt victimised by the League even though he was adamant that he had “had done nothing” wrong.
The experience effectively put Matthews off coaching senior players and instead he “wanted to coach young players” as that was his “forte.”
Click play to listen to the clip.
Sir Stan’s reign
Matthews was appointed General Manager in 1965 alongside his friend Jackie Mudie who was his Assistant. The pair’s philosophy was to bring through talented young players.
However, his spell at Vale Park came to an end in 1967 when Port Vale were fined £4,000 in early 1968 and expelled from the Football League for financial irregularities.
Matthews wasn’t to blame for the rule breaking but he stood down in 1968 with Vale owing him several thousand pounds in salary and expenses.