History of Port Vale F.C.
The history of Port Vale Football Club, an English association football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, began with the formation of the club, which is officially dated at 1876, though later research has shown this event probably took place in 1879. In 1884, the club moved to the town of Burslem, changing their name to Burslem Port Vale in the process. The club joined the Football League Second Division upon its formation in 1892, and spent 13 non-consecutive seasons in the division, punctuated by two seasons in the Midland League. A financial crisis resulted in the club's liquidation in 1907, though the name of Port Vale F.C. survived as North Staffordshire Federation League side Cobridge Church took on the name and moved into the Old Recreation Ground in Hanley, before progressing through the divisions to win re-election to the Football League in October 1919.
Joe Brough hit a club record 43 goals in the 1909–10 season.
Chairman Frank Huntbach, who coined the nickname the "Valiants".
In 1954–55 an average of 20,708 fans turned up for home games.
Stanley Matthews as Port Vale Manager with youth players
John Robert Rudge is an English former professional football player and manager who is the president of EFL League One club Port Vale.
The club rose through the divisions under the management of John Rudge.