David Worrall may not be one of the club’s all-time great wingers but his dedication, longevity and skill make him a worthy entrant in our Port Vale cult hall of fame.
Brown was spot on with his description of Worrall following the signing describing him as a “character” as “well liked” and as a “high energy player”…
If you compile a list of Port Vale’s greatest wingers, you’d probably include Guppy, McCarthy, Ainsworth, Chamberlain, Cunliffe and co… David Worrall probably wouldn’t make the shortlist, but that’s where this feature comes in. Our cult heroes feature isn’t about the club’s very best – its about the other players, the not quite club greats, who nevertheless deserve recognition and remembering. David Worrall fits the bill.
One of manager Michael Brown’s few excellent signings for the club, Worrall was signed from Millwall in 2017 and was to spend the next six years with the Valiants. Brown was spot on with his description of Worrall following the signing describing him as a “character” as “well liked” and as a “high energy player.” It’s a description that aptly fitted Worrall during his 248 games for the club.
Apart from a spell when he fell out of favour under Neil Aspin, Worrall was one of the first names on the team sheet for a multitude of managers with Brown, John Askey, Darrell Clarke and Andy Crosby all relying on the slight figure of Worrall to provide service to the frontmen from the right flank. Worrall’s delivery was often excellent and he could chip in with the odd goal himself – netting 21 during his time in Burslem.
Not known for his tackling and defensive play, he nevertheless adapted to a wingback role under Darrell Clarke through hard work and effort – typical Worrall attributes he demonstrated in spades during his Vale career. That stint at wingback culminated in an appearance at Wembley for the play-off final against Mansfield Town in 2022. Indeed it was Worrall’s pinpoint cross that set up Mal Benning for Vale’s third goal as they clinched promotion to League One.
A loyal servant to the club, Worrall clocked up the 500th appearance of his career in October 2022 and was a near ever-present in Vale’s 2022-23 League One campaign. It therefore came as some surprise when the winger left in the summer of 2023. League Two Barrow had offered the security of a two-year deal over the one-year contract on the table at Vale Park. True to form, Worrall conducted himself with great dignity, thanking the Vale fans for their support in a final video interview with the club.
With so many former players jeered by fans, it was a sign of the high regard that Worrall is still held in that he received a huge ovation from both sets of fans when Vale played Barrow in the League Cup in August 2024. For his loyalty, skill, energy and effort, Worrall is a worthy entrant to our cult hall of fame.
Cult hero David Worrall
Cult credentials: a skilful winger who put in 100% effort over several years at the club
Games: 248
Goals: 21
Honours: Promotion 2022
You want more cult heroes?
At time of publication, we have over SEVENTY cult hero features documenting some of the club’s most colourful characters. The list includes modern players such as Ron Futcher and Colin Tartt but also many from yesteryear such as Teddy Peers, the club’s colourful first International and Roger Jones, the humble Welshman who walked from South Wales just for a trial with the club.
Interesting article and I agree with Worrall’s inclusion. Having since reviewed others listed, I’m surprised that the late John James isn’t included. I first saw him playing as a young defender in the 1966-67 season, but it’s as a hard and brave working striker he’s best remembered. I haven’t seen a player like him before or since. What he lacked in pace or heading and shooting power, he made up for with an incredible ability to shield the ball in tight situations, anticipate penalty area chances, and score many very brave goals. Top scorer in the Vale’s 1969-70 promotion season, and to prove it was no fluke repeated the feat in later years with both Chester and Tranmere Rovers in their promotions from the fourth tier.
Hi David, it’s not a complete list and is continually being added to. I think John James is an excellent suggestion and will bear him in mind for a future cult hero feature. Thanks, Rob
Woz is one of the best players this club has ever had. For assists alone (I don’t know the stats, but he must surely be right up there with the best) he deserves more credit than the article gives.
His work rate, attitude, skill, endeavour, footballing brain, countless brilliant assists and personality make him worthy of more than just cult status.
Hopefully he’ll be back at Vale Park as a coach and, who knows, maybe one day even the manager.
Top player, top bloke!
One of our recent players who rarely missed a game. Loyal servant and of decent skill levels. Will be a good future coach and would love to see him back at Vale Park in some capacity.