In this special feature, we look back at John Rudge’s first promotion as a Port Vale manager.
A GLIMPSE OF WHAT WAS TO COME John Rudge shows his potential
Season essentials
Home kit
Away kit
Programme
Player of the year
Top scorer
The background
Port Vale had endured a terrible 1983-84 season. John McGrath had failed to build a side capable of surviving in the third flight and had paid the price with his job. However, one bright spot has been the team’s form under John Rudge, formerly McGrath’s deputy and now permanent manager.
Rudge had consolidated during the 1984-85 season. He had brought in some key players for the early part of his reign – among them reliable full-back Alan Webb, veteran striker Ally Brown and the first sighting of key midfielder Ray Walker, albeit on loan. The club had finished in a creditable mid-table position.
Could he now build on the promising start and start delivering success for the Valiants?
The summer
Rudge continue to reshape his squad with canny signings. Sentinel reporter Chris Harper had already perceptively spotted Rudge’s ability in the market commenting that the club “could rest assured that he is not likely to pour money down the drain.” And so it would prove to turn out.
Rudge’s summer signings were beautifully thought out. Non-League striker Andy Jones added power and youth to veteran Ally Brown’s experience. Paul Maguire added experience, a goal threat and set-piece prowess. Towering defender John Williams added an intimidating presence at the back. Veteran keeper Jim Arnold added assurance at the back. A final late addition was powerful midfielder Jon Bowden.
Rudge’s team was taking shape.
The season
The Valiants started off in indifferent form. A worried Rudge unsuccessfully tried to bring in Niall Quinn on loan for striking cover but failed to get the move over the line. Vale’s start wasn’t helped by an injury to new signing Jon Bowden.
However, the side hit their stride by late September, winning six of their next seven matches. Veteran midfielder Paul Maguire was key to the run, scoring four times. By the 2nd November Vale were top of the table.
However, having reached the top, their form fell away again with the side picking up just two more wins before the end of the year. It was prompted in part by an injury to dominant defender John Williams.
One notable game saw Vale lose 1-0 to Preston North End on a snowy December pitch. The weather was so bad that the Valiants were forced to change out of their white tops and adopt an orange training kit. There are some images of that unusual incident below.
Images above: Vale play in an orange kit at home during a snowy game against Preston North End
However, Vale turned the corner in the New Year. Rudge had tried (and failed) to bring back striker Bob Newton but it turned out he wasn’t needed. The youthful striking partnership of Andy Jones and Robbie Earle hit form and the club embarked on an 18 game unbeaten run embedding them firmly in the promotion places.
Promotion was eventually confirmed with a comfortable 1–0 win over bottom club Torquay United with the away support forming the majority of the crowd.
Port Vale's 1985-86 squad
Back: Andy Jones, Phil Sproson, John Williams, Chris Pearce, Eric Mountford, Ally Brown, Russell Bromage
Centre: Chris Banks, Robbie Earle, Alan Webb, Oshor Williams
Front: Andy Shankland, Paul Maguire, Jeff Johnson, Geoff Hunter, Wayne Ebanks, Peter Griffiths
Top League Scorers
- Andy Jones 18
- Robbie Earle 17
- Paul Maguire 13
- Ally Brown 6
- Phil Sproson 5
Most League appearances
- Robbie Earle 46
- Paul Maguire 45
- Geoff Hunter 45
- Phil Sproson 44
- Jim Arnold 41
- Andy Jones 41
Season stats
- 79 points
- 21 wins
- 16 draws
- 9 losses
- 67 goals scored
- 37 goals conceded
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