Vale’s Dutch connections (and how we nearly signed Jaap Stam)
After the signing of Kjell Knop, We look back at Vale’s Dutch signings over the years and how John Rudge once turned down Jaap Stam.
John Rudge
Find features and stories related to John Rudge on Port Vale website onevalefan.co.uk
About John Rudge
John Rudge has been rightly accorded legendary status due to his achievements during a long spell as Port Vale manager.
Rudge was appointed manager in 1983 after a brief spell as caretaker. He was in charge for sixteen years during which time he took the club to three promotions and won the Autoglass Trophy final at Wembley stadium.
His spell in charge was notable for his ability to bring in talented players on the cheap and sell them for large profits, the footballing style of his sides and a number of cup giantkilling acts including wins over Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Southampton and Derby County.
Weekly Digest: U-S-Eh? How to destroy the Champions League…
In our latest edition of the weekly digest, there’s a bid to destroy the Champions League, a look at Macclesfield Town, another goal for Nathan Smith and a quiz about JJ Hooper…
Five of the best – Port Vale Cup games
Here are five of Rob Fielding’s personal highlights from thirty years as a Vale fan.
18 years ago: Port Vale 1-1 Arsenal, FA Cup replay
Yes it really is eighteen years ago since that night of “biscuit tins”, Wayne Corden, Allen Tankard, penalty shootouts and cup drama.
Nearly Men numbers five and six: Gillespie and Davies
In the latest “nearly men” episode, we examine how Port Vale almost signed two Manchester United players.
Port Vale v Everton, 1996
We leaf through the pages of a programme from a famous Port Vale game – this copy signed by John Rudge.
Clipping Hero #6: John Rudge
Here are a selection of clippings about the iconic Port Vale manager’s Burslem career…
1980s: Darren Beckford and Ron Futcher to the fore
In our latest series of clipping from the OVF archives, we look at several matches from the latter part of the 1980’s.
Port Vale 3-1 Stoke City, 1992
The Valiants secure a memorable televised FA Cup first round win over their neighbours Stoke City.
Port Vale 2-1 Everton, 1995
John Rudge’s side produce a famous FA Cup giantkilling against the cup holders.
Vale Legends No.1 – John Rudge
A new series of videos by OVF celebrate the achievements of key Vale players or officials. Our aim is to sum up their work for the club in a matter of minutes. First up is John Rudge…
Port Vale v Watford, 1988
Leaf through the pages of the programme from the penultimate game of Vale’s ’88 cup run. It contains Spurs photos, a 1954 tribute and even a Vale joke!
Video Vault: Port Vale on the up, 1990
At first glance, this may look to be an ordinary preview piece by the local news. But it does contain footage of Vale training, an interview with John Rudge and Robbie Earle scoring against Stoke City.
1980’s/90’s: The joy of staying up
For our latest scrapbook clippings, we take a look at a few Port Vale survival masterclasses including a report on that memorable win over Huddersfield.
Video vault: Rudge’s testimonial, 1993
Watch a news report and see highlights of John Rudge’s testimonial game against Aston Villa in 1993.
Video Vault: Vale knock the Saints out, 1994
News reports of Port Vale’s two FA Cup games against Southampton in 1994. The first match ended 1-1 at the Dell, but Vale won the replay 1-0 at Vale Park thanks to a Bernie Slaven goal.
Rudge confirmed for Naylor charity match
Legendary Port Vale manager John Rudge is among the celebrity names confirmed for Tony Naylor’s charity match at Vale Park.
Nearly men number three: Steve Staunton
Rob Fielding recalls the time that John Rudge attempted to sign the then unknown Liverpool teenager Steve Staunton.