A selection of our favourite articles from the OVF archives.
The battle of Jutland in 1916 was the last major battle fought primarily by battleships. It must have been terrifying and a future Port Vale player was one of the sailors to take part in the conflict.
Port Vale’s form at the start of the 1929-30 season was near-perfect. We take a look back at a memorable season in the Third Division (North).
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. 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…
Here are two fascinating newspaper clippings by Port Vale fan Ray Shaughnessy which appears to cast doubt on the official date Port Vale was formed.
Take a look at some vintage cigarette cards featuring Port Vale players dating from the 1920’s, 1930’s and 1950’s.
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?
Here’s a select list of Port Vale players from the same family…
In years to come, when we mention football in lockdown, it’s likely youngsters won’t believe their ears. So, as a document for them to look at in the future, here’s what fans in 2020-21 had to become accustomed to.
John Askey at Port Vale: we take a look at the highs and lows of the managerial reign of John Askey at Vale Park.
Many younger fans never saw the legendary 1953-54 Port Vale side. Geoff Ainsworth did. He watched from the sidelines and here’s his review of the squad from that incredible season.
It is noticeable that current manager John Askey has been both highly selective and successful with his loan signings. Last season he made just two but they were both (Jake Taylor and Mitch Clark) a success.
Worst Port Vale XI: after much discussion and voting on the forum, here are the results of the worst-ever Port Vale XI.
The summer is a time when cricket comes to the fore there’s plenty to connect Port Vale FC with the game of cricket.
In the summer of 2018 we ran a series of articles asking for your all-time Port Vale XI. Sadly, the announcement of a winning formation was delayed due to the usual Port Vale crisis coming along and dominating matters. So, after a long delay, here are the results of that vote.
Often controversial and certainly full of incident – here’s our account of the seven years association between Norman Smurthwaite and Port Vale FC.
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: images and contemporary text from the ‘Pride of Port Vale’ booklet.
In 2000, OVF managed to speak to Ray King, a genuine Port Vale legend, who played in Vale’s FA Cup semi-final side. Read the great man’s thoughts.
A legendary family for Vale followers, Rob Fielding look back at the extraordinary loyalty of three generations of Sprosons.
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.
A tribute to Ray Walker: known as the “Hoddle of the lower leagues” Ray was one of the most gifted players to grace the Vale Park pitch.
Ritchie Hawkins reckons prolific Port Vale striker Tony Naylor was the “best £150,000 Vale ever spent”
Robert Firth was the second English manager of Real Madrid and guided them to their second league title. He also played for Port Vale.
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.
Since in the year 2017, Port Vale used an astonishing nine players in goal. We look through the list…