Five of the best: memorable Port Vale programmes

Port Vale v Czechoslovakia, 1961

Obviously, this one is in the final five because it’s not every day a lower league club lines up against a national side.

The Valiants had struck up a close relationship with the Czechs due to Stoke-on-Trent’s campaign raising funds to rebuild the destroyed village of Lidice. You can read a feature about that special relationship here.

Vale duly toured Czechoslovakia in 1960 and, with ties still strong,  this game at Vale Park came around as part of the Czechs preparations for the 1962 World Cup. The side did extremely well in that competition finishing as runners-up. Many of the Czech stars played in the Vale game including Josef Masopust, who scored in the World Cup final, Adolf Scherer and Ladislav Novák. With that array of talent it was no surprise that the visitors won 3-1 on the night.

The relationship between Vale and the Czechs continued to be strong and the Valiants went on tour for a second time in 1967. You can see some amazing photos from that tour here

West Brom v Port Vale, FA Cup semi-final, 1954

Our second entry is like the first one – we couldn’t really leave this one out!

Many Vale fans will know of the exploits of the legendary Iron Curtain side who broke numerous records on their way to the Third Division North title. They also embarked on a memorable cup run which included the defeat of Sir Stanley Matthews’ Blackpool side.

The Valiants ploughed on to the semi-final stage where they faced West Brom at Villa Park. Amazingly, Vale took the lead before West Brom clawed a goal back. The winner came in controversial circumstances as Tommy Cheadle was furious when a tackle outside the box was deemed a penalty. In an ironic twist, former Vale striker Ronnie Allen netted the winner from the spot. You can read more on the Iron Curtain side in our dedicated section It contains press cuttings, video, player profiles, tickets and much more.

The 2012-14 Port Vale home programmes

While the first two entries have been because of the occasion, this entry is definitely because of the aesthetics. In the 2012-13 season, the front covers of the Port Vale home programmes contained designs by renowned local artist (and Vale fan) Paine Profitt. Each match featured a different, memorable design. Its distinctive style did not go unrecognised as the programme was named as the League Two programme of the year. Not only that, but the team went on to win promotion under manager Micky Adams that season.

The designs continued for the next season in League One adding a distinctive flair and look to the Vale’s matchday magazine.

Port Vale v Stockport County, Autoglass Trophy final, 1993

So, switching back to occasion, surely Vale’s first visit to Wembley and first domestic trophy is a pretty major occasion. And, we feel, the programme for the match was also one that sticks in the memory.

A glossy A4 design, with a distinctive front cover, inside it featured extensive articles on the Valiants including a look at their run to the final.

We have a dedicated section looking back at Port Vale’s Wembley glory including a feature that examines the matchday programme. You can find it here

The Port Vale 1976-77 home programme

Our final entry arguably combines the two themes so far – occasion and aesthetics. The programme for the 1976-77 season marked the official club centenary (albeit the official foundation year of 1876 is strongly disputed) with a classic 1970s design paying homage to the club’s rich history.

Sadly, the season itself proved to be something of a damp squib with the Valiants finishing in an inauspicious 19th place in the Third Division. However, that summer a centenary event was held and you can read more about that here