Port Vale 1956-57

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An absolute disastrous season from start to finish, Port Vale were relegated in bottom place with just 22 points from 42 games. It was the end of an era, as the reputation of ‘the Steele Curtain’ had taken a severe blow, and its architect Freddie Steele left the club in January to be replaced by Norman Low. The season was considered to be one where the old guard ‘cracked’, and thus many loyal servants of the club were let go in the summer of 1957, including Ray King, Reg Potts, Stan Turner, Tommy Cheadle and Stan Smith.

Three still-standing but unwanted club-records were set this season: a record 28 defeats in 42 matches, and a 22-game streak without a clean sheet (22 September 1956 to 23 February 1957), and a losing streak of nine straight games (9 March 1957 to 20th April 1957).

Shorts became a little shorter showing more leg while the club adopted the Borough of Burslem Coat of Arms and it was worn on the shirt during the season. The town was created a borough in 1871 and in 1878 was granted a Charter of Incorporation and the right to display arms as it was the only town to receive a grant. The design included the Scythe from the arms of the Sneyd family and representing Tunstall, the fretted cross from the Audley arms and the two pots represent the mother town’s association with pottery entrepreneur Josiah Wedgwood I.

The Portland vase is one of the most well-known Wedgwood ceramic designs. It demonstrates a level of craftsmanship and detail which makes it an excellent example of British skill and creativity, a copy of a Roman glass vase from 25CE. For Josiah, the process of creating his own version, it meant surpassing the arts of the ancient world.