Port Vale 1985-86

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John Rudge achieved his first success as manager, leading Vale to promotion into the Third Division with a fourth-place finish. It was based on a solid defence, consistent displays from Player of the Year goalkeeper Jim Arnold and an impressive striking partnership between Andy Jones and Robbie Earle that provided almost half of the 67 goals during the season.

Preston North End were the only team to beat the Valiants at home in the league all season. Vale’s 37 goals conceded was the lowest total in the division and a record excelled only by Manchester United in the old First Division.

The British ceramics manufacturing company Emma Bridgewater was founded in 1985, with her first factory based in Longport. A decade later the company purchased a former Victorian factory site in Hanley and converted the premises into a company that specialises in earthenware tableware and the pottery is produced using traditional techniques.

Sponge painted decoration was a historically common procedure in the British pottery industry, but had fallen out of manufacturing practice until it was revived by the company in the 1980s. The polka dot pattern is one prominent Emma Bridgewater design created using this approach.

During a royal visit, Bridgewater discussed the brand’s launch of its biggest ever collection of Royal commemorative ware to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Catherine, Princess of Wales, made an official visit to the factory in 2015. The company is one of the largest pottery manufacturers based entirely in the UK…