Five of the best: Port Vale signings from Stoke City

1. We’re only talking about players who made a direct transfer. So, for instance, Gareth Owen who played for Stoke City but joined Port Vale from another club wouldn’t count…
2. We’ve only included players to make senior appearances for both so players who were signed from Stoke City’s youth ranks (e.g. Robbie Earle) also don’t make our list…

Wilf Kirkham

Port Vale’s greatest goalscorer shocked the club when he departed for Stoke City in 1929. By that time, Kirkham’s initial spell with the Vale had netted an astonishing 145 goals in 225 appearances. So, it was no doubt great news when after just three years with the Potters the striker returned to the Vale. His second spell at the club produced a creditable nineteen goals from 51 appearances.

Ron Wilson

A player who could barely get in a look in at Stoke went on to amass almost 300 appearances for the Valiants. Wilson joined Stoke City from non-league but made just eleven appearances in five seasons. He moved to Port Vale in 1963 and played 293 times winning player of the year in 1969 and promotion in 1970.

Albert Mullard

A key member of the Iron Curtain side of 1953-54, Mullard was a makeweight in the transfer which took Vale player Alan Martin to the Potters. It was a cracking deal for the Vale as Mullard played a key role in the 1953-54 success and went on to play 178 games and earn two promotions with the Valiants.

Paul Maguire

The Scottish wide man joined Port Vale after leaving Stoke City and a brief spell in indoor football in the USA. Successfully employed by John Rudge as a deadball expert, his short corner routines proved key in Port Vale’s 1986 promotion. He went on to make 147 appearances for the club. A useful scorer, he also provided 27 goals.

Billy Briscoe

Probably the biggest success on this list is that of Billy Briscoe. After beginning his career with Stoke City and making three senior appearances, Briscoe joined Port Vale in 1918. He made 314 appearances, scored 54 goals and was a key member of the remarkable 1930 promotion side which swept to the Third Division (North) title despite the death of manager Joe Schofield.