How to Be a True Port Vale Fan
A brief take on the passion, determination and various other ingredients that are needed to be called or even considered a true Port Vale fan.
English football has seen the rise and fall of many historic clubs. While some have tasted its day of glory for a brief moment, others continue to thrive under it and will do so for years to come. And then we have clubs that have been through both. Clubs that have been successful and aim to reach that level of success with every passing week.
Port Vale is one such club. Playing in the fourth tier of English football, this club has its heart in the right place and is always busy providing the fans with what they need. Since a growing form of interest has been directed towards Port Vale F.C, we are here to tell you what it takes to be a true Port Vale fan.
The classic games
While an introduction for any club would begin with a lesson on its history, we must understand that there’s no history without the classic games that created it. And as far as Port Vale is concerned, there are hundreds of them that we need to know about. So let’s go through a few important ones that even include the big guns of English football.
- Liverpool vs Port Vale – 2-2, 29th October 1991
Entering Anfield and matching the momentum of the game was always known to be a tough ask let alone equalizing the game. But for our heroes of 1991, nothing was impossible. Managed by John Rudge, the Port Vale squad of 1991 had a rare trip to Anfield in the third round of the League Cup and managed to equalise the game.
The squad was a talented one capable of creating real danger and chances in the opponent’s box. They were so efficient that if football betting or even online betting was famous in the early days, it would not be logical to avoid this squad while picking one.
- Port Vale vs Tottenham Hotspur – 2-1, 3oth January 1988
During the fourth round of the FA Cup in 1988, the Valiants caused one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history. A 2-1 win over Spurs at home was not what anyone expected but were certainly glad to have witnessed it. The 90-minute action is remembered to this day and fans of Port Vale can narrate stories about it, even if they have heard from their parents or grandparents.
Remember the Legends<
- Roy Sproson (Centre-half)
Every Port Vale fan will remember legends like Roy Sproson, whose loyalty to the club is second to none and whose contribution will be remembered till the end of time.
- Allen Tankard (Left-back)
At first, it was hard to predict if and how Allen Tankard would become one of the best left-backs for Port Vale. But with time and determination, he went on to be one among the greats.
- Jon McCarthy (Right-winger)
The moment a Port Vale fan hears the name Jon McCarthy, they remember the stunning winner he scored against Everton and the different goals that he has logged in the opponent’s net.
- Ray Walker (Central-midfield)
One can never forget the ‘Hoddle of the lower leagues’ as his extraordinary ability to see runs and display a unique range of passing skills is unmatched to this day.
The origin
Now that we have gone past a few big games and legends, it’s time to look at the origin of this great club, which we have summarised in a short manner.
- Port Vale Football Club or F.C was formed in 1876, making it a historic club with more than a hundred years to its credit.
- Since the inaugural meeting was conducted at ‘Port Vale House’, the club took its name from the venue.
- In terms of trophies and victories, Port Vale had its best run during the 1929-30, 1953-54 and 1958-59 seasons. During this period they won two third division north titles and one fourth division title.