Video Vault: Port Vale 1-3 Norwich, 1989
Fresh from their epic cup run the season before, John Rudge’s Port Vale took on top-flight Norwich City in an FA Cup clash in 1989.
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.
Video Vault: When Vale scored 11 in 3 days…
For this Video Vault feature, we take a trip back to 1988 and a special weekend for Port Vale fans when the Valiants managed to string together two high-scoring wins in the space of just three days. They started with a 6-1 demolition of Cardiff City on Saturday September the 17th, 1988 – a game […]
Read the Port Vale v Wimbledon programme, 1989
We take a leaf through the pages of a 1989 programme for the Littlewoods Cup second round game between Port Vale and Wimbledon.
Video vault: Autoglass celebrations, 1993
The second of our video clips from 1993 showing the celebrations following Port Vale’s victory in the Autoglass Trophy final.
Rudge ‘laughs off’ Vale return
Legendary manager John Rudge has reportedly laughed off any possibility of a return to Vale Park despite being seen in conversation with owner Norman Smurthwaite, the Sentinel claims.
Port Vale 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur, 25 years on…
It should come as no surprise that on the 25th anniversary of OVF editor Rob Fielding’s favourite Vale game, that this website should produce a number of features recalling the events of 30th January 1988…
Cult Hero: John McGrath
Christmas Day 2012 marks the fourteenth anniversary of former Port Vale FC manager John McGrath sadly passing away.
Rudge still keen to stay in football
Former Port Vale manager John Rudge has said that he “cannot foresee football not playing a part” in his life as he prepares to leave Stoke City.
Kitman confessions: Rudge shows who’s boss!
Long-serving Port Vale kitman Stan “Stan the man” Nicholls has passed some more of his anecdotes onto OVF. In his latest anecdotes, Stan recalls the Vale players’ instant respect for John Rudge, an unfortunate car journey and a kick around with a famous fan…
Kitman confessions: Swanny and the string
We’re delighted that long-serving Port Vale kitman Stan “Stan the man” Nicholls has agreed that OVF should publish some of his Vale memories in a regular column. In this episode – Swanny and the string, Paul “memory man” Kerr and an incident involving John Rudge and a bowl of salted peanuts…
When OVF met Gareth Ainsworth…
The 10th of May 2012 marks Port Vale legend Gareth Ainsworth’s 39th birthday. And to celebrate we’ve dug up a vintage OVF interview with the man himself.
Cult Hero 27. John McGrath
Cult hero John McGrath: the first manager to enter our cult hall of fame, McGrath’s reign may have been outshone by that of John Rudge but nevertheless McGrath enjoyed a memorable, brief and (at-least partially) successful spell with the Valiants..
Nearly men number one: Steve Bull
In this article we explain how John Rudge nearly pulled off a stunning coup for the Valiants… signing striker Steve Bull!
Derby County 2-3 Port Vale match report, 1990
Derby County 2-3 Port Vale: this was one of the Valiants’ finest cup performances away from home as they defeated First Division Derby County at the Baseball Ground.
Rudge saddened by Port Vale’s plight
Legenday former Port Vale manager John Rudge has added expressed his sorrow as the Valiants prepare to enter administration. Several former Port Vale players have already used Twitter to show their support to players and fans and to express their concern over the current financial crisis at the club.
442: All-time Port Vale XI
All-time Port Vale XI: OVF was kindly asked to select an all-time Port Vale XI for 442 magazine.
Port Vale Cup fever in Match magazine
In 1988, Port Vale secured a famous FA Cup victory over cup holders Tottenham Hotspur and this is how national football magazine Match celebrated the achievement.
Read the Port Vale v Fulham programme, 1986
We take a look at an 1986/1987 Division Three programme between Port Vale and Fulham.
Read the Port Vale v Leeds United programme, 1996
We take a look at an FA Cup programme featuring Vale’s FA Cup 5th round replay against Leeds United.
Port Vale v Stoke City matchday programme, 1992
This review features a match that will live long in the memory of all Port Vale fans present.
Read the Autoglass Trophy Final programme, 1993
We take a leaf through the programme celebrating Vale’s first trip to Wembley’s Twin Towers.
A look at the Liverpool v Port Vale, 1991 match programme
This feature has been produced on the nineteenth anniversary of this famous Port Vale cup game.
Port Vale 1-1 Arsenal, 1998
Port Vale 1-1 Arsenal: the Valiants are desperately unlucky as they take Arsenal to a penalty shootout after it finishes 1-1 in normal time.
Huddersfield Town 0-4 Port Vale, 1998
Huddersfield Town 0-4 Port Vale: the Valiants stay up in style on the same day that neighbours Stoke City are relegated.
Brighton 1-3 Port Vale, 1994
Port Vale win promotion on a truly emotional day as the Goldstone Ground hosts its final game.
Autoglass Trophy Final 1993 – Stockport County 1-2 Port Vale
The Autoglass Trophy Final 1993: John Rudge’s side win the club’s first domestic trophy on their first visit to Wembley stadium.