Photo Essay: Port Vale’s Steve Fox leaves a Wigan defender helpless in 1983

Background

This photo shows Port Vale’s Steve Fox (right) a winger seemingly in his pomp. However, it is deceptive. While Fox was nearly unplayable during the 1982-83 promotion season, this was actually from the 1983-84 relegation campaign. In fact, this game, a 1-1 home draw against Wigan in September was Vale’s only point during an appalling nine match run which stretched from 17th September to 31st October.

As for Fox, he was dazzling in the 1982-83 season after signing on a free from Wrexham. The winger was voted onto the PFA Fourth Division team of the year that campaign. He struggled in Division Three, and he left the Valiants in 1984 after 82 games and 6 goals. Fox tragically died in 2012 after being diagnosed with lung cancer.