Freddie Steele was the renowned manager of the awe inspiring Port Vale 1953-54 Iron Curtain side. His success was primarily due to his policy of consistent selection and faith in his squad.
During his two spells at the club, Steele signed just nineteen players and he didn’t sign a player at all for his first three seasons.
The former England International took over from the deeply unpopular Ivor Powell on Christmas Eve 1951. Rather than alter his squad, Steele’s philosophy was simply to do better than Powell with the players at his disposal. It served Steele well as the club moved clear of relegation with a thirteen match club record run of 13 home wins.
No doubt inspired by that form, Steele opted not to add to his squad in the next two seasons. It allowed the development of local talent into the team with a core spine of the side – defenders Albert Mullard, Stan Turner, Tommy Cheadle and Roy Sproson; forwards Basil Hayward (convered from defence) and Ken Griffiths. The following season, the Iron Curtain season, keeper Ray King, midfielder Albert Leake and wingers Dickie Cunliffe and Colin Askey were also near ever-present.
The famed Iron Curtain side earned this tribute in Football Monthly magazine
Vale were promoted, shattering club records in the process and Steele saw no need to add dramatically to his developing and well oiled side. It proved to be a mistake as the higher level turned out to be a challenge and Vale finished seventeenth in 1954-55. The following season, Steele acted, bringing in a flair player in Eddie Baily but he failed to settle. Vale did at least perform better, finishing twelfth.
By the 1956-57 season, Steele’s policy of continuity was pushing its luck with a squad of ageing players. With only three new faces, the side struggled and finished rock bottom of the second division. Steele resigned in February and the end of the season saw a number of regular players – King, Potts, Turner and Cheadle – leave in the summer.
A rare moment – a Freddie Steele signing
After a five year gap, Steele returned to the club and once again he was a reluctant entrant to the transfer market. In three seasons he made just ten signings although some, such as striker Tony Richards, were a great success.
Steele’s dealings are those of another time and on a positive note, they allowed local talent to flourish and produced one of the most memorable seasons in Port Vale’s history. However, arguably, Steele failed to adapt to circumstances and replenish his ageing squad when it needed it.
Steele’s record
First spell
Season
Signings
1951-52
None
1952-53
None
1953-54
None
1954-55
Two
1955-56
One
1956-57
Three
1956-57
Three
Second spell
1962-63
One
1963-64
Six
1963-64
Three
The Iron Curtain heroes
The Iron Curtain heroesDiscover more about the memorable Port Vale Iron Curtain team in our dedicated section where we have press clippings, video, special features and more.
I remember Tony Richard’s well, lanky and quick, it was a shame about his injury, that took him early, the only good thing that came out of Walsall.
I thought 1963/64 was a great season, but who was I to judge? I was 14 years old and had been a regular for just 4 seasons.
Freddie Steele brought in Billy Bingham, Albert Cheesebrough, and Jackie Mudie – big signings! We got to see them play at Anfield and again lose narrowly against Liverpool in the FA Cup replay at Vale Park.
I was excited!
Eddie Bailey the best FOOTBALLER TO WEAR A VALE SHIRT unfortunately didn’t last sold to Notts Forest returned to destroy vale with winger Stuart Imlach 7-1 &4-1 at Notts .Eddie later became part of Sir Alf Ramsey back room staff for England a joy to watch him at Vale two moves ahead of rest of team rip Eddie
I worked with Nobby at Staffs Public Works in 1967. Never heard anyone swear so much. A good guy.