Port Vale 1974-75

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The 1974 – 75 season was Port Vale’s 63rd season of football in the Football League, and their fifth-successive season (11th overall) in the Third Division. It was Roy Sproson’s first full season in charge. With cross-town rivals Stoke City competing in Europe and running close for the First Division title, Vale’s attendances waned, as they were the third least-supported club in the division.

A 2-1 win over Preston North End at Vale Park on 29 March was opposition player-manager Bobby Charlton’s last appearance in the Football League. Other key events included the supporters group paying £1,200 for video equipment, allowing the club to record games and show players their mistakes…and successes.

During the season the Shirley Brothers Bone & Flint Mill in Etruria was scheduled to be recognised as an Ancient Monument. The Mill was originally built in 1857 to grind materials for the agricultural and pottery industries.

Among the firm’s long and prosperous history, one of its clients was Josiah Wedgwood and Sons Ltd. It was seen as the reason Jesse Shirley was able to prosper in Etruria, near to the renowned factory of Josiah Wedgwood I.

Locally sourced animal bone was added to further whiten the ware and produce translucency. This gave a type of ware very similar to porcelain which became the famous Staffordshire Bone China. It only ceased production in 1972 with the process and machinery virtually unchanged. Now the Etruria Industrial Museum, it is situated at the junction of the Trent and Mersey and Caldon Canals close to Festival Park and marina.