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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 figure with the 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.
Commissioned by Staffordshire County Council, Sculptor John McKenna created the Traditional Industries Sculture on Woodbank Street in Burslem above St Johns Church Installed in 1992. The artwork celebrates the three traditional industries connected with the mother town, brick manufacture, mining and pottery. Each interpretation has three reliefs situated within a black edged arch, with the head of the arch being shaped to reflect the image within the arch.
Another industry resonates with the name Minton. The last remaining Minton Works in Stoke was closed in 1992. Herbert Minton took his father’s successful ceramic business into a large newly developing market as suppliers of tiles during the Victorian era. A range of durable decorative finishes for walls and floors in churches, public buildings, grand palaces and simple domestic houses were produced.
KEY FACTS |
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OWNER / CHAIR |
BILL BELL |
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MANAGER |
JOHN RUDGE |
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STADIUM |
VALE PARK |
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LEAGUE & POSITION |
SECOND DIVISION 24th |
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CUP COMPETITIONS |
FA CUP 3rd ROUND LEAGUE CUP 3rd ROUND FULL MEMBERS CUP 2nd ROUND |
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LEADING SCORER |
MARTIN FOYLE (16) |
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RECORD ATTENDANCE |
18,725 |