We take a trip back to the early 80’s to look at the cover of the Port Vale programme for their home fixture against Scunthorpe United.
The 1983-84 season A disastrous season for John McGrath's Vale
The match was the first fixture of the 1983-84 Third Division season – a campaign which would ultimately end in relegation for both sides.
The game ended as a forgettable 0-0 draw played in front of 4,565 fans. It was the start of a disastrous start of the season for Vale managed by John McGrath. After winning promotion the previous season, the club would record just three draws and a solitary win before the end of the year. McGrath was replaced by John Rudge in December and although the new man would bring around a noticeable upturn in form (picking up 37 points in the second part of the season) it was not enough for the club to avoid relegation.
Vale would finish second-bottom with 43 points. The club’s top scorer was Eamon O’Keefe with eleven goals with rising star Mark Bright second with ten in just 31 starts. Scunthorpe finished fourth bottom.
The programme cover Four new Port Vale players photographed
The programme front cover shows some of Vale’s new summer signings for the season ahead. They are (from left to right) striker Eamon O’Keefe, defender Gary Pollard, midfielder Tommy Gore, goalkeeper Chris Pearce and coach Alan Oakes.
Photo clippings Some shots from the 1983-84 season
John Rudge’s first signing for Port Vale – Kevin Young – in action
Much maligned striker Martin Henderson celebrates a goal
A young Mark Bright in action
The 1983-84 Port Vale squad
Add your first comment to this post