Port Vale player and Real Madrid manager – the Robert Firth story
Robert Firth was the second English manager of Real Madrid and guided them to their second league title. He also played for Port Vale.
Long Read
A selection of our favourite articles from the OVF archives.
Metallica’s Lars Ulrich gatecrashed Lemmy’s Vale Park gig
In a lengthy eulogy to the late Motorhead frontman Lemmy, Lars Ulrich of Metallica recalls the legendary 1981 gig at Vale Park.
Seven wins, thirty goals – Port Vale’s incredible 1893 run…
The 1893-1894 season was Port Vale’s second season as a Football League club but it started as one of the most memorable.
Is the time right (or wrong) to look into a new Vale ground?
OVF editor Rob Fielding has been an advocate of a new ground for some time – but the sticking point would be funding the move.
Why Vale tried to sign the 60’s Mourinho
Hungarian 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?
The 1954 side pictured 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.
Vale Vaults Extra: the Czech programme
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.
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…
How Port Vale almost changed its name
The origins of Port Vale’s unique name has caused much debate, but many fans may not be aware just how close the club came to changing its name altogether.
Valiants since 1876? Sorry, you’re 43 years out!
Do you know when the club first adopted the “Valiants” nickname? Was it 1876, when the club was founded, perhaps? Well, somewhat surprisingly, the nickname did not come into use until some 43 years after the club was founded.
A brief history of Port Vale club 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.
Article disputes Vale official foundation year
Fascinating newspaper clippings by Port Vale fan Ray Shaughnessy which appears to cast doubt on the club’s formation year.
Port Vale Cup fever in Match magazine
In 1988, Port Vale secured a famous FA Cup victory over cup holders Tottenham Hotspur and this is how national football magazine Match celebrated the achievement.
Vintage 1920’s Port Vale pictures revealed
Thanks to Port Vale fan Leigh Briscoe, OVF has been handed these amazing images of Port Vale players during the late 1920s including striker Billy Briscoe.
On the Vale Park terraces in the 1950’s
Thanks to Port Vale fan Angela Fox, OVF has been handed these amazing images of Port Vale supporters in the 1950’s.
Port Vale’s Czechoslovakia Tour, 1960
We present a series of photos taken by two of the actual players involved in Vale’s famous 1960 tour of Czechoslovakia.