Bill Bell - RIP

[Tosh]

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Rudge-recalls-glory-days-fondness/story-18135109-detail/story.html#axzz2Klmg6KyJ

[Boslem Boy]

Thank you for the memories Mr W.T Bell.

 

My fondest memories of what he did for Port Vale was that we took our success for granted. We accepted the cup runs and the promotions as the norm. Beating Sjoke was taken for granted. I think we all knew that he was serious about taking us forward when he made £200,000 available for the signing of Dean Glover. We were close to promotion come the February and Sproson/Hazell were struggling to come back from injury. When we needed that final push he paid out even then what was a lot of money. (how much in todays money is £200,000?)

 

The Hamil End was a master stroke and given it was all his wheeling and dealing that got the stand built I think it would be fitting to name this stand in his honour (not the Bell End of course) It would also be fitting to open the ground for his last journey around the stadium and perhaps allow fans to enter to show their respects as he is driven around the pitch?

 

It was a pity how it finished up, but I don't think it could have ended any other way, it wouldn't have been right given his character.

[VantaaVale]

I would also be in favour of renaming the Hamil Road End.

[biddleingy]

Paul Wildes has tweeted that flags have been lowered to half mast and that there will be a minutes silence before Saturday's match also the players will wear black armbands.

 

Like everything else he has done, dealt with with a touch of class. I am sure mr bell would be proud

 

lets win the leaugue for him!

[gobbyash]

I drove past his house on Sunday and saw an ambulance a doctor's car and a first responder there , I thought then that things didnt look good , I can only echo what has already been said , he was the most successful chairman in our clubs history and I'm deeply saddned to hear of his passing . Rest in peace Mr William bell .

[blurton vale]

rip bill some great threads on about your tenure as chairman you were port vale through and through always remember shaking your hand at brentford and got a face full of cigar smoke great memories

[carl]

Rudge wouldn't have been the legend he was without Bell's input. He should have a statue erected outside the tool shop !! on Hamill Road

[Ben]

Condolences to the family.

Bill you were a big part of the Port Vale history within that

the good and the bad RIP

[Trampilot]

The ultimate wheeler dealer.

 

RIP Bill.

[inner sanctum]

As much as I honour everything he did for the club there is a fair section that will boo I fear. 1) I wouldn't like a negative start to the game and 2) it would be very disrespectful to his family that will probably be in attendance a guests of honour. Don't know if it's been suggested but I think a minutes applause would be much better.

[werstayinup]

As much as I honour everything he did for the club there is a fair section that will boo I fear. 1) I wouldn't like a negative start to the game and 2) it would be very disrespectful to his family that will probably be in attendance a guests of honour. Don't know if it's been suggested but I think a minutes applause would be much better.

 

That is what they are now doing

[Shropshire_Valiant]

RIP Bill Bell Thoughts are with his family

 

Well summed up by Boslem Boy above.

[inner sanctum]

Aah. Good. I missed that. I think common sense has prevailed there then.

[NoHalfMeasures]

R.I.P. Bill. Our thoughts are with your family at this sad time. Some of my best memories of Vale came under your watch. As has been already mentioned, I hope we can get promotion this season for you. As far as we are concerned you were always "Black and White through and through."

[nodge]

Here's a story. Dave Brown a mate of mine from Endon was his paperboy.

Dave boasted every Christmas the generous tips he got from the big houses on Clay Lake yet never any from Bill Bell.

The vale supporting owners of the paper shop asked Bill about this and his reply raises a smile;

"I couldn't possibly tip a lad who wears a Stoke scarf"

 

From Dave himself that story :)

Me and Dave both went on to serve Bill many a beer in the Plough

 

Always open to chat about the Vale's fortunes and even after he left it was clear the club still meant so much to him.

 

People should remember all the good times, they by far outweigh the bad!

 

RIP Bill!