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Gordon Lee RIP


efsb

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When I was in the 6th form at Biddulph High, I used to work at Donald Ratcliffe’s garage on weekends and Gordon Lee (then Everton manager) used to come in when he wanted discount on a new car. Always said hello before Don ushered him away into the inner sanctum...

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Gordon Lee was the most magnificent manager for Port Vale.  He saved the club from slipping into oblivion.  He took up his first management post for us in 1968 just after we had been booted out of the league.  He stabilised us, and in his second season we won promotion.

 

He took players who had been at the club without too much success but transformed them.  Clint Boulton was a reasonable half-back who Gordon converted into the most wonderful goal scoring right back.  John James was a slow defensive midfielder who Gordon converted into a striker who was a hero to thousands of us.  Ron Wilson enjoyed the best years of his career under Gordon.

 

The main man, Roy Sproson, credited Gordon with prolonging his career.  Under Gordon, Roy was at the heart of an incredible defence.  Roy played 22 seasons, but his best two seasons for goal scoring were under Gordon’s leadership.

 

Gordon scoured non-league for gems.  Some of his best ever signings were from Gorleston, Alsager, Hednesford.  That shows the range of games he covered and how he could spot a diamond.

 

Gordon’s enthusiasm, hard work, and commitment have not been bettered by anyone at Vale Park.  He will rightly retain a place in history amongst the greatest of Port Vale managers.  If he had not been enticed away from Vale Park in 1974 then I have no doubt he would have taken us to greater things.  In his 5 full seasons he always led us to a higher finish in the league than in the previous season.

 

Gordon went quietly in his sleep. I believe he continued to play golf and enjoyed life by the seaside.  Any Vale fan of my generation will recognise the brilliance of the man.

 

RIP Sir, you have left a host of memories, all good.

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44 minutes ago, efsb said:

When I was in the 6th form at Biddulph High, I used to work at Donald Machin's garage on weekends and Gordon Lee (then Everton manager) used to come in when he wanted discount on a new car. Always said hello before Don ushered him away into the inner sanctum...

   I think you mean Don Ratcliffe our former chairman

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Agree totally with Essex Vale. My memories go back to the Matthews era and whilst the likes of Mick Cullerton, Tommy Mac, John James will always be some of my favourite players, it was Gordon Lee who had to rescue the club from oblivion. 

RIP Gordon

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