Cult hero 73: Bill Cope

The left-back may be barely remembered these days but he earns cult status for his dedication to the Valiants over the years. Here’s his story…

Bill Cope (top row, left) in a 1929-30 Port Vale squad photo

Cope, with his top-flight know-how, was added to an experienced squad and he made 43 appearances as the Valiants cruised to the title, the first promotion in their history…

You may not have heard of Port Vale player Bill Cope but perhaps you should have. Cope is one of those characters who in a low-key way contributed significantly to Port Vale FC.

Born in 1899 in Milton, he was a late bloomer, being snapped up from local non-league side Leek Victoria by Bolton Wanderers when aged 26. Renowned as a tough tackler, he adjusted well to top-flight football playing 79 times during four seasons with the Trotters. He fell out of favour in 1928 and the next year moved to the Valiants.

At this point, Port Vale had been relegated down into the newly formed Third Division and remained a club without a single promotion to their name. However, Cope, with his top-flight know-how, was added to an experienced squad and he made 43 appearances as the Valiants cruised to the title, the first promotion in their history.

The left-back was to remain with Vale for four more seasons before he retired aged 35. Despite not entering the professional game until he was 26 he had made 215 appearances, including 79 in the top-flight and had also clinched a historic promotion.

But Cope wasn’t done yet.

Twelve years after his playing retirement, he returned to the club. He remained as an assistant trainer until 1976, a period of 29 years. Three years after leaving the club he passed away aged 79.

Cult hero Bill Cope

Cult credentials: decent playing career, played his part in a promotion plus many years as a trainer.

Games: 129

Goals: 0

Honours: Promotion 1930