Port Vale’s first-ever promotion in 1930 – an amazing, against the odds triumph
Port Vale’s stunning promotion in 1930 was achieved despite some potentially devastating events. We take a look back at a remarkable landmark campaign.
Port Vale memorabilia
Port Vale FC memorabilia and historical features, many of which are exclusive to OVF.
Pictured: the goal that took Port Vale into the 1954 FA Cup semi-final
Thanks to OVF reader Paul Rafferty, we have an image of Vale’s crucial FA Cup goal against Leyton Orient – the strike that secured Port Vale’s place in the semi-finals.
The Sentinel’s 1950-51 Port Vale season preview
It’s 1950 and the start of an exciting new era for Port Vale – the move to the Vale Park stadium – here’s how the Sentinel previewed the forthcoming season…
The Vale Park stadium opening day, August 1950
Port Vale’s stadium opened on the 24th August 1950. We look back at that day with press clippings, the schedule of events and a look at the songsheet handed out to Port Vale supporters…
The sad fate of Port Vale striker Sam Jennings, 79 years on
This week marks the seventy ninth anniversary of the death of Port Vale striker Sam Jennings who was one of three former players to pass away during World War Two.
Seven wins, thirty goals – Port Vale’s incredible 1893 run…
The 1893-1894 season was only Port Vale’s second season as a Football League club but it started as one of the most memorable.
Flashback – in 1947 Ronnie Allen scores six goals in two home games
2022 marks 75 years since the Port Vale 1947-48 season. One of the season’s most memorable feats was the goalscoring of striking prodigy Ronnie Allen who scored consecutive hat-tricks in two home games.
The 1954 side pictured at home…
Iron Curtain stars at home: taken from a Sentinel FA Cup semi-final special on display at the Vale Vaults exhibition, here are some unique period portraits of the legendary Freddie Steele side pictured at home.
12th October 1946 – a eighteen year-old Basil Hayward makes his Port Vale debut…
On the 12th October 1946, Basil Hayward made his first-ever appearance for the club at the tender age of just 18 years and 188 days. He would progress into one of the legendary figures of the 1953-54 Iron Curtain side.
The adventures of the trawler Port Vale
Not many Vale fans are aware of the trawler “Port Vale” which was in service for almost thirty years. It’s a remarkable story…
Colourised Port Vale photos – B&W images are transformed
Colourised Port Vale photos – B&W images are transformed. Using online software, we’ve added colour to some of our collection of vintage black and white Port Vale images. We hope that they add a whole new dimension to the photos…
Port Vale cigarette cards
Take a look at some vintage cigarette cards featuring Port Vale players dating from the 1920’s, 1930’s and 1950’s.
Bela Guttman – Why Port Vale tried to sign the 60’s “Mourinho”
Bela Guttman was hailed as a legend after guiding Benfica to two European Cup victories. So why on earth, just weeks after winning his second trophy, was he offered the manager’s role by Port Vale?
Press Clippings: media reports of Port Vale’s glorious 1953-54 season
Culled from our media archives, here are a selection of press clippings from Port Vale’s fabulous 1953-54 season…
Gallery: vintage images of Port Vale fans through the years
Here are a selection of vintage images of Port Vale fans from our OVF archives.
A brief history of Port Vale badges and crests
Port Vale have had a variety of club crests over the many years of the club’s existence. OVF examines the history behind the club’s many badge designs.
1953-54 Port Vale player profiles – the legendary Iron Curtain side
1953-54 Port Vale player profiles: images and contemporary text from the ‘Pride of Port Vale’ booklet.
Andy Jones – the Welsh wizard
A tribute to Andy Jones: the story of Port Vale’s Welsh striker Andy Jones rivals anything that “Roy of the Rovers” has ever produced. From non-league player to full International in just two seasons, here is his remarkable story.
Robert Firth – Port Vale player and Real Madrid manager
Robert Firth was the second English manager of Real Madrid and guided them to their second league title. He also played for Port Vale.
Clipping: Port Vale play Stoke City in 1928
A clipping from 1914 recalls how a “gallant” Port Vale side suffer a narrow defeat to their neighbours.
Clipping: Vale suffer vandalism in 1914…
A clipping from 1914 recalls how seats were damaged at the Old Rec stadium…
Clipping: A match report on Port Vale’s record defeat…
A clipping from 1892 reports on Port Vale’s record defeat – a home humbling for the Valiants as they concede ten to the Blades…
How Port Vale almost changed its name
The origins of the unique Port Vale name has caused much debate, but many fans may not be aware just how close the club came to changing its name altogether.
Clipping: The moment Port Vale took Leeds City’s league place
A clipping from 1919 recalls the unique occasion of Leed City’s expulsion and the appointment of Port Vale to take over their fixures…
Clippings: Port Vale photos from the 1938-39 season…
Here are a selection of clippings from 1939 including action shots of Vale playing at their Hanley ground…
Clipping: Inquest into death of Vale player Tom Butler, 1923
In this clipping from 1923, the inquest into the tragic death of Tom Butler is announced.