Photo Essay: John Rudge’s first Port Vale signing in action…
In our latest Port Vale photographic feature, we take a look at the first Port Vale signing by manager John Rudge…
Our photo essay feature is an article based on a single photo. This time we look at an image from 1983…
The background…
After an awful start to the 1983-84 season, manager John McGrath was dismissed by Port Vale in December. Assistant John Rudge took over for his first role in management. One of his first acts was to recruit Kevin Young on loan from Burnley. This shot is taken from Vale’s 1-0 home loss to Lincoln City in December 1983.
By the New Year, Rudge had revived the side and they were unbeaten in their first four games of the new year. Their form continued until the end of the season but sadly it was not enough to save the team from relegation. Young played his part, playing 30 times and scoring four times before returning to his parent club. He would go on to play for Bury and Utrecht in the Netherlands. As for Rudge… this season was the first of a long association with the club which saw him manage the club for sixteen years winning three promotions and the Autoglass Trophy.
Related features
We’ve written several articles in our photo essay section. Why not read these features?