Port Vale one hit wonders: number twelve, Tony Betts
In this series we look back at players who only made a solitary appearance for the Valiants. This week we look at striker Tony Betts who made a single Vale appearance on October 11th 1975.
Tony Betts in numbers…
The trialist who made a solitary appearance…
Tony Betts started his career at Aston Villa and alongside players such as John Gidman and Bryan Little he was one of the stars of the youth team. However, he made just four senior appearances for Villa before he moved to the United States to play under former Villa coach Vic Crowe. The move was a success with Betts scoring seven times in ten games, taking the Portland Timbers to the top of their league. They were to eventually lose in the Soccer Bowl final.
In October 1975, he had a trial with Port Vale, then managed by Roy Sproson. Betts made his debut and sole appearance in a 2-1 defeat to Gillingham. He didn’t feature again and was released from his trial in November.
The striker returned to Portland Timbers and had further spells in the US with Minnesota Kicks and and the Buffalo Stallions.
More Port Vale one hit wonders