John Rudge Port Vale's greatest manager
John Rudge
John Rudge was appointed Port Vale’s manager in December 1983. He remained in the role for the next 16 years, easily the longest management spell in the club’s history. He masterminded some of the club’s most successful campaigns, leading them to promotion in 1986, 1989 and 1994; he also led them to the Anglo-Italian Cup final in 1996, and victory in the Football League Trophy final in 1993. He was controversially sacked in January 1999 before returning to the club in an advisory role in 2017 and then being appointed club president.
Click on the links below to read a selection of our features and galleries about the club’s greatest-ever manager.
In numbers
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Games in charge: 843
Win ratio: 37%
Honours: Promotion 1986, 1989, 1994, Autoglass Trophy winners 1993, Manager of the month (4 times), Football League contribution to League football award (2021)
Our tribute to John Rudge
Vale’s finest manager – John Rudge
Site Editor Rob Fielding and others pay tribute to the long-serving former Port Vale manager in a special five part tribute to the Vale Park legend. Including quotes from Robbie Earle and Sir Alex Ferguson.
More features on John Rudge
Report, view and photos – an historic day as John Rudge statue is unveiled
OVF editor Rob Fielding was privileged to be at the John Rudge statue unveiling event. In this special feature, we report on the day, a personal view of the day from the OVF editor and a selection of photos.
Five ways that Port Vale’s John Rudge showed his transfer market genius
The best John Rudge signings are subject of plenty of debate – here is our selection which we think demonstrate the genius of the legendary Port Vale manager.
Five of the best quotes about Port Vale legend John Rudge
He’s a Port Vale legend – so here’s what the great and the good have to say with our favourite John Rudge quotes…
Mini gallery: John Rudge statue fundraising launch at Vale Park
Thanks to Alex Steventon, we have some images of the launch event for the John Rudge statue.
Read a vintage 1998 interview with legendary Port Vale manager John Rudge
Here’s an interview with John Rudge by the Independent’s Phil Shaw ahead of Port Vale’s game with Arsenal in 1998.
John Rudge given EFL Contribution to League Football award
Legendary Port Vale manager John Rudge has been celebrated in the EFL Awards ceremony.
Five of the best: veteran signings by Port Vale manager John Rudge
Legendary manager John Rudge is rightly regarded as the club’s finest manager – and here are five examples of veteran players he successfully signed.
Five of the best: players converted to other positions by John Rudge
Legendary manager John Rudge is rightly regarded as the club’s finest manager – and here are five examples of how he successfully converted players from one position to another…
Quiz: ten tricky questions about John Rudge’s Port Vale signings
John Rudge quiz: test your knowledge and see how you get on with our latest quiz – ten questions on signings by legendary manager John Rudge.
Clipping Hero #6: John Rudge
Here are a selection of clippings about the iconic Port Vale manager’s Burslem career…
Vale’s finest manager – John Rudge
Site Editor Rob Fielding and others pay tribute to the long-serving former Port Vale manager in a special five part tribute to the Vale Park legend. Including quotes from Robbie Earle and Sir Alex Ferguson.
John Rudge - Port Vale legend
John Rudge - Port Vale legend
John Rudge and Port Vale, a special relationship
Port Vale and Port Vale, a special relationship
John Rudge's testimonial game
John Rudge's testimonial game
Rudge's barmy army
Rudge's barmy army
John Rudge gallery
Can you contribute?
If you have any memorabilia related to John Rudge please let us know. We will scan and return any items in good condition. If you’d like to offer an item please contact us