Watch two match videos from Port Vale’s 1982-83 promotion season
We’re delighted to have been provided with these clips by a Port Vale supporter. They show the much loved 1982-83 promotion side in action.
About the 1982-83 season
Managed by charismatic manager John McGrath, the Vale side were also a bunch of memorable characters – there was barrel-chested striker Bob Newton, veterans John Ridley, Ernie Moss and Barry Siddall, local lads Phil Sproson and Russell Bromage and the match winning skill of winger Steve Fox. There was also a brief cameo by legendary goalkeeper Neville Southall who played nine games on loan from Everton.
Port Vale finished the season in third place on 88 points as they gained promotion to the Third Division after five seasons in the bottom flight.
Clip one – Hull City 1-0 Port Vale, 26 March 1983
The promotion race was reaching a climax as Port Vale took on rivals Hull City in March 1983. As a result, this match was played in front of a 14,000 plus crowd at Boothferry Park. The Valiants were to lose the game but they were still to gain promotion (as were Hull) at the end of the season.
Clip two – Torquay Utd Port Vale
Ironically in a season of few televised moments, this was the next fixture after the Hull game. An unusual Saturday evening kick-off, the Valiants were to win 1-0 thanks to a winner from recent signing Jim Steel.
Rob Heath
13th May 2021 @ 5:30 pm
Thanks for putting this on, brought back some memories. Easy to forget that we had Basil Fawlty in goals and Captain Haddock at centre half.
Richard
15th May 2021 @ 1:58 pm
That Hotel in Torquay bore a striking resemblance to Fawlty Towers.