Programme disputes 1876 formation date
OVF have been handed images of the first-ever programme for the Old Recreation Ground stadium – and the notes in it suggest a founding date for Port Vale of 1878.
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Our features include – the origins of the Port Vale name, vintage Port Vale press clippings, items of Port Vale memorabilia (ranging from rare Port Vale programmes to items from our own Vale Vaults exhibition) and features on Port Vale characters ranging from Port Vale cult heroes to tributes to Port Vale legends.
OVF have been handed images of the first-ever programme for the Old Recreation Ground stadium – and the notes in it suggest a founding date for Port Vale of 1878.
EXCLUSIVE: The Vale Vaults exhibition has resulted in the discovery of an 1886-87 Port Vale “subscriber’s” ticket – described by historian Jeff Kent as the second oldest Vale artifact he has seen.
We were delighted to be handed this programme during the Vale Vaults exhibition. It marks the visit of Czechoslovakia to Vale Park, the first time a national side had played either of the Potteries sides. The next year, the Czechs reached the 1962 World Cup final.
One of the more unexpected elements of the Vale Vaults exhibition was the number of fans bringing items to the exhibition. Here, we profile an unusual red Port Vale crest.
This is the story of how a disastrous derby debut helped pave the way for Port Vale to sign a legendary goalkeeper.
Ahead of our Vale Vaults exhibition, here is a sneak preview of a couple more of the items that will be on display.
As Rob continues to prepare for the first-ever OVF exhibition, he’d like to give you all a list of some of the things that should be on display.
We take a look at a 1949 programme from Vale’s game against Brighton at the Old Rec ground in Hanley.
We take a look through the pages of a programme from a Stoke City versus Port Vale derby game from 1954.
Barry Clarke’s scrapbook shows us the developments in 1957 as Ray King’s departure leaves a goalkeeping vacancy at the club…
Leaf through the pages of the programme from the penultimate game of Vale’s ’88 cup run. It contains Spurs photos, a 1954 tribute and even a Vale joke!
Vale Park opening day songsheet: here is the songsheet that was distributed to Port Vale fans for the first-ever game at Vale Park – the match against Newport County on 24th August 1950.
Clippings from Port Vale’s 1957-58 season including an unexpected approach for Stan Steele, a probables versus the reserves report and a new goalie in action.
Port Vale had just lost a promotion-winning manager (sound familiar?) and a rookie was in charge for the home game against Wimbledon. We leaf through the matchday programme…
We have some newspaper clippings from 1967 including a tribute to Roy Sproson, a profile of Stanley Matthews, Tommy McLaren’s debut and a long-distance Vale fan.
For this Video Vault feature, we take a trip back to 1988 and a special weekend for Port Vale fans when the Valiants managed to string together two high-scoring wins in the space of just three days.
Here are a selection of photos from Port Vale’s 1969-70 season with striker Ken Wookey the main focus of the photographers.
Following the sad passing of legendary goalkeeper Ray King recently, we felt it was appropriate to feature this clipping from the 1950s.
Robbie Earle compilation – here’s a brief compilation of some of legendary midfielder Robbie Earle’s most memorable goals for Port Vale football club.
Here is a short compilation of goals from 1991 including some memorable strikes from Robin van der Laan, Martin Foyle, Jason Beckford and Keith Houchen.
Here are some clippings from Vale fan Barry Clarke’s scrapbook from Vale’s 1956-7 season.
The 21st August 2014 marks the seventieth anniversary of the death of Sam Jennings who was one of three former players to pass away during World War Two.
Neil Aspin’s Port Vale debut: Tuesday 19th August 2014 marks twenty five years since a 24 year-old defender with receding hair played his first game for the club – yes, Neil Aspin’s Port Vale debut – and we pay tribute.
Port Vale hat-tricks: here is a look back at all of Port Vale hat-trick heroes from the last fifty years.
Cult hero Tommy Clare: local lad, pioneer, captain, cup winner, manager, England International, war hero… Tommy Clare is well-deserving of a place in our Cult hall of fame.
Ray King passes away: Ray King, the goalkeeper of Port Vale’s legendary 1954 side has sadly passed away aged 89.
Here’s a two-part video of Port Vale’s FA Cup clash with non-league Southport that was selected for the Match of the Day programme.