We have press coverage of the defining game of Port Vale’s 1982-83 season as John McGrath’s side beat Stockport County 2-0 to seal promotion to Division Three.
About the 1982-83 season
About the 1982-83 seasonManager John McGrath cannily re-invested the transfer funds from the sales of Mark Chamberlain and Mark Harrison to Stoke City to build an experienced promotion outfit. A solid defence containing local lads Phil Sproson and Russell Bromage were in front of veteran keeper Barry Siddall. Sproson was paired with free transfer addition Wayne Cegielski, who was named player of the season. Right-back Colin Tartt was an influential figure as right-back. In midfield Terry Armstrong and Geoff Hunter played nearly every game. Veteran John Ridley proved an invaluable utility player in both midfield and defence. On the wing, Steve Fox was a revelation, causing opposition defenders nightmares. Upfront Vale started with the “Kray twins” top-scorer Bob Newton and Ernie Moss – with Moss replaced by Jim Steel later in the season.
Vale started strongly with a run of ten wins in twelve games in September. Another excellent run saw them win six out of seven over the festive period. Promotion was clinched with a 2-0 win over Stockport County on the 6th May. We have clippings from the Sentinel newspaper on the game below.
Some related features:
- Five of the best: memorable images from Port Vale’s 1982-83 promotion season
- Watch two match videos from Port Vale’s 1982-83 promotion season
- Photo Essay: Port Vale promotion celebrations in 1983
- Photo Essay: Port Vale striker Bob Newton stoops to conquer in 1982
- Clipping Hero #4: Bob Newton
- Clipping Heroes #16: Steve Fox
The press clippings
On of my all-time favourite games and one of my all-time favourite teams.
I was fortunate enough to be at that game in Stockport, fantastic travelling support made for a great atmosphere, Vale fans made up almost half the gate that night…
I still have the very same clippings from the Sentinel in my old scrapbook.
I was 9 years old at the time. I had a season ticket for the next season. It cost my Dad £18.