Match Thread Rewind: Birmingham City v Port Vale 1997

[robf]

6 minutes ago, RailwayRowdy said:

Andy Hill rarely gets mentioned when talking of good Vale players. Probably because he was with us only a short while. Anyone remember why he moved on ?

I don't think he moved on, I think he just retired from playing. I agree, he was a solid right-back. I feel another OVF cult hero article coming on... 

[TheSage]

I think Hill had coaching irons in the fire and got to what - 32-33 - and decided to hang up his boots. I don't recall him getting a bad injury.

Yes, he was a very solid right back. Quite tall. Strong. And decent in the air. 

[RailwayRowdy]

Hill was my right back choice for best Vale XI. Didn’t realise (or forgot) he finished his career with us. 

[TheSage]

Deano.

[RailwayRowdy]

One thing that really sticks out like a sore thumb to me when watching matches from this golden era is how well organised and drilled we were. Everyone knew and did their job and did it well. 

[andy jones]

Talk about pressing high up the pitch!
As you say these great matches courtesy of Rob show what a very hardworking team we were.
Then 'Gazza' Bogie I had forgotten just how Gazza his play was.

[RailwayRowdy]

Playing five across the middle away from home gave a limited Talbot freedom to break from midfield. He played that role quite well, but was too reckless for me. 

[TheSage]

I remember playing against Dean Stokes in a five-a-side game many years ago. He was still very quick and strong even then.

 

[Leycett Valiant]

What a double save

[TheSage]

4 minutes ago, Leycett Valiant said:

What a double save

Yes, it was.

I enjoyed that. Thanks, Rob.

It was a match I couldn't remember.

[andy jones]

Thanks again Rob.

Really appreciate these memories.

OVF donation is the least I can do. Thanks mate.

[RailwayRowdy]

Despite all the blue noses experience and higher standard players, only Devlin’s pace (and diving) gave us any real problems. Good, if unspectacular, performance. 

[robf]

Hi folks, 

I've got at least one more game left - after that you start getting into the televised Vale defeats which I am not sure would be a good move.

However, if anyone has any games which I haven't shown and are happy to pass them on please do let me know.

Thanks,

Rob

[Hilly2]

On 15/06/2020 at 20:38, RailwayRowdy said:

Hill was my right back choice for best Vale XI. Didn’t realise (or forgot) he finished his career with us. 

good choice you know your onions, I was told a while ago Mr Rudge also had me down in his best ever eleven, I think he knows his onions too