Legendary Port Vale player Harry Poole passes away

Port Vale’s third highest appearance maker, Harry Poole, has passed away at the age of 88, the club has announced.

Poole was famed for his free-kick technique which saw him score 79 goals in his 499 appearances for the Valiants, his only League side. He stands only behind Roy Sproson and Phil Sproson on the club’s all-time appearance table.

The locally-born midfielder joined the club as a teenager alongside fellow long-serving midfielder Terry Miles.  He made his debut in 1956 and was a key member of the 1959 promotion winning side.

During his long Vale career, the club reportedly turned down bids from bigger clubs for his services and he retired in 1968 after a twelve year career with the club. Poole was a lifelong Vale fan and supported the club from the terraces following his retirement.

On announcing his passing, Port Vale commented: “Harry will be sorely missed by everyone at Port Vale and we would like to send our sincere condolences to his family.”

Harry Poole RIP forever Valiant