Port Vale 1965-66

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The 1965-66 season was Port Vale’s first season (second overall) back in the Fourth Division following their relegation from the Third Division. For the first time in their Football League history they played three divisions below rivals Stoke City. Despite hope of a swift return to the third tier, the season instead proved a complete disaster, the club finishing nineteenth (87th of the 92 League clubs).

The appointment of Stanley Matthews in pre-season as general manager meant an adoption of a youth policy, which eventually saw four teenagers make their debut in one match, as well as the arrival of several Scottish youngsters.

Matthews did not receive and did not request a contract and though a massive lift for the club at the time, this development transpired to be a negative one for all involved, as Roy Sproson later explained that ‘the club had their priorities wrong and the first team suffered badly, whilst Stan trusted people, who took advantage of him’.

Another big name, the Adams family, have been associated with ceramic manufacturing in the North Staffordshire Potteries since the 15th century. They were manufacturers of white granite, high-class semi-porcelain, both plain and decorated, medium bodied ware, painted under glaze, sponged, band and line, sanitary ware, tiles, and general earthenware of practically every description for the home, foreign, and Colonial trades.

During this season, William Adams and Sons were acquired by the Wedgwood Group. Wedgwood manufactured ware began at their own factories with the ADAMS name.