19 years ago today...

[boltonsno1]

Great month that was: beat Reading away the week before Charlton, then the Norwich 6-1, then Porter turned in one of the best performances by a Vale player I've ever seen when we won 1-0 at Man City on Boxing day. He barely touched the ball. But he made sure Kinkladze didn't either.

 

We managed to bugger up the perfect month by losing at home to Portsmouth though.

[boltonsno1]

I can just about spot myself....Good times.

 

I was right at the front, just behind the flags. I was only 14, and I'd just started going on my own. I don't think I told my mum where I was going!

[mr.hobblesworth]

I don't think I have ever loved any time at the Vale more than the Guppy and McCarthy era. Most Vale fans seem to prefer he 'cooler' Ainsworth to Macca but, for me, the latter remains my favourite ever Vale player just ahead of Porter and Aspin.

 

What absolutely brilliant times. I remember going to see us (lose) at Bolton and one of their fans approaching me on the train after, saying how much their fans liked Vale and that none of them ever gave any abuse to Rudgie.

 

The Bosman ruling was the beginning of the end though. Sir John always seemed to be playing catch up after that, the nadir being the purchase of Peter sodding Beadle to replace Mills IIRC.

[Shropshire_Valiant]

Great month that was: beat Reading away the week before Charlton, then the Norwich 6-1, then Porter turned in one of the best performances by a Vale player I've ever seen when we won 1-0 at Man City on Boxing day. He barely touched the ball. But he made sure Kinkladze didn't either.

 

We managed to bugger up the perfect month by losing at home to Portsmouth though.

 

Was that the 1-0 at Elm Park when Talbot scored again? I went to that as well, Tommy Wright was in goal for Reading and before the days of the 4th official's board the ref must have played about 7 minutes injury time but we held on!

[Spunk Trumpet]

We beat Norwich 6-1 the week after, didn't we?

 

We did.

To go 9th in what is now the championship.

In front of 6278.

 

And people moan about getting 5000 in this league and the one below.

Further proof that minds have been warped over the years.

[Mark W]

I don't think I have ever loved any time at the Vale more than the Guppy and McCarthy era. Most Vale fans seem to prefer he 'cooler' Ainsworth to Macca but, for me, the latter remains my favourite ever Vale player just ahead of Porter and Aspin.

 

I loved Ainsworth but, for me, McCarthy was the better player - more skillful, scored more goals and stayed at the Vale for longer. It'll take some player to push him out of my all-time Vale XI.

[robf]

Most Vale fans seem to prefer he 'cooler' Ainsworth to Macca but, for me, the latter remains my favourite ever Vale player just ahead of Porter and Aspin

 

I think it's just nice to have to decide between two great players. Ainsworth was arguably the more exciting, up and at 'em, crowd pleaser - McCarthy was the more elegant and more refined player.

 

I personally just love the fact that the Rudge era gave us so many great, yet different players. For instance, for central midfield it's a question of personal taste. I would go with Walker and Earle narrowly because I think they complimented each other but I would imagine there are advocates of Ian Taylor, Ian Bogie, Andy Porter, van der Laan and probably a few others as well.

[southport vale]

I think it's just nice to have to decide between two great players. Ainsworth was arguably the more exciting, up and at 'em, crowd pleaser - McCarthy was the more elegant and more refined player.

 

I personally just love the fact that the Rudge era gave us so many great, yet different players. For instance, for central midfield it's a question of personal taste. I would go with Walker and Earle narrowly because I think they complimented each other but I would imagine there are advocates of Ian Taylor, Ian Bogie, Andy Porter, van der Laan and probably a few others as well.

 

I have to say Taylor, Porter and Van der Laan would never have shirked the effort like todays lot. Sign of the times and easy money I suppose. McCarthy was the best for me as he was always willing to do his defensive duties as well. THE goal against Everton will live long in the memory.

[mr.hobblesworth]

We did.

To go 9th in what is now the championship.

In front of 6278.

 

And people moan about getting 5000 in this league and the one below.

Further proof that minds have been warped over the years.

 

I'm pretty sure prices were reduced that day too. Think I got in for £3 as an under 18, despite being in my 20s. The Bycars used to be ridiculous for that, you'd get blokes with full moustaches going through the junior entrance. I obviously think that was wrong now but... folly of youth and all that.

[mr.hobblesworth]

I loved Ainsworth but, for me, McCarthy was the better player - more skillful, scored more goals and stayed at the Vale for longer. It'll take some player to push him out of my all-time Vale XI.

 

Great defensively too. Seemed (and still does seem) like a decent man as well.

[Robbie Earle's Perm]

I quite it in the 90's when elaborate goal celebrations were all the rage. I love the "cigar smoking on a chair" one from this game and Joe Allon's "elephant walk" celebration was great too.

 

Come on the Vale players - please think up something better than the current offerings please...

 

Completely agree, the last decent one I remember was Marc Richards and Lee Collins taking off busgate after Gannon left.

 

Back to the game, first class. Oh for those days!