Cult Hero 56: Arthur Box
Cult hero Arthur Box: a goalkeeper who played for the club in the early twentieth century, Box pulled off a memorable one-off…
Rob Fielding writes…
Born in Hanley, Arthur was on the books of Stoke City before joining Port Vale in 1904, initially as back-up keeper to Harry Cotton.
Despite a traumatic debut when he conceded eight goals in an 8-1 loss to Liverpool in 1904, he progressed to first-choice goalkeeper in the 1905-06 season and it was in the latter part of that season that he achieved his memorable feat.
In March 2006, the Valiants were at home against Manchester United when unbelievably Box trotted up to take a penalty. He scored what proved to be the winner and thus became almost certainly the first Port Vale goalkeeper to score a league goal.
Ironically, Box lost his place at the end of the season and in 1907, with Port Vale in financial difficulties, he was sold back to Stoke City. He played 39 times for the Potters before moving to Birmingham City for a fee of £100. He then moved into non-League football with spells at Leek Victoria and Croydon Common. He finished his career with a spell at Crewe Alexandra in the process becoming one of a handful of players to represent all three local clubs.
Arthur Box sadly passed away in 1960 at 75 years of age.
Top image: this deserves a feature all of its own (and indeed got one) as it’s a close-up of a photo of Port Vale players next to a whale on a beach. To find out more about that photo click through to our feature here
Cult hero Arthur Box
Cult credentials: Local lad, goalscoring goalkeeper
Games: 50
Goals: 1