Port Vale 1991-92 AWAY

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For only the third time in Vale’s history they competed in a division above rivals Stoke City. However, it was not a happy campaign, John Rudge was forced to deal with star players Darren Beckford and Robbie Earle being sold for combined fees of £1.7 million.

Rudge spent just £375,000 to bring future-legend Martin Foyle to the club and imported Dutch attacking midfielder Robin van der Lan. Instantly recognisable for his mane of long blonde hair, Van der Laan soon became a popular cult figure with the Burslem Valiants.

Reliable goalkeeper Mark Grew was handed the club’s Player of the Year award and Cup success included a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield against their first XI but in the league, Vale were relegated in bottom place, five points short of safety.

A statue of Sir Henry Doulton was unveiled by Mr. Stuart Lyon Chairman, Royal Doulton Limited on the 11th June 1991 in Burslem town centre. The sculpture was originally commissioned by Royal Doulton for the 1986 Stoke on Trent National Garden Festival in Etruria (Festival Park). It was re-installed in its current location…

Doulton was the first potter to receive the Albert Medal and to be knighted for his services to the ceramic industry. The great potter of his age acquired the Nile Street factory in the mother town in 1877 and gave the company that bears his name the foundations of international success.