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Vale Park, home of Port Vale Football Club.

PORT VALE are a club who, like the Hatters, have had their financial difficulties over the years, but have produced some excellent young players and have a very famous fan - pop star Robbie Williams...

Address:

Vale Park

Hamil Road

Burslem

Stoke-on-Trent

ST6 1AW

Telephone:

01782 - 655800

Ground Capacity:

20,000 (all-seated)

Official Website:

www.port-vale.co.uk

Unofficial Websites:

How to get there:

By Car:

From the North:
LEAVE M6 at junction 16 and take the A500 south to Stoke-on-Trent. In approx 6 miles take the exit signposted Tunstall (A527). At the roundabout take a left turning (second exit signposted Tunstall A527, Longport Road). After 0.5 miles turn right on to the B501 (second exit, Newcastle Street) at the small roundabout. Carry on up to the next roundabout and go straight across to the cross-roads. Go straight across the cross-roads into Moorland Road. Take the second left on to Hamil Road and Vale Park is on the left.

From the South:
LEAVE M6 at junction 15 and take the A500 north to Stoke-on-Trent. Continue straight across the two large roundabouts on the A500 heading north. After the second roundabout take the fourth exit signposted Tunstall A527. At the roundabout turn right (fourth exit signposted Tunstall A527, Longport Road). After 0.5 miles turn right on to the B501 (second exit, Newcastle Street) at the small roundabout. Carry on up to the next roundabout and go straight across to the cross-roads. Go straight across the cross-roads into Moorland Road. Take the second left on to Hamil Road and Vale Park is on the left.

From the West:
FOLLOW the A500 east and take the exit signposted Tunstall A527. At the roundabout take a left turning (second exit signposted Tunstall A527, Longport Road). After 0.5 miles miles turn right on to the B501 (second exit, Newcastle Street) at the small roundabout. Carry on up to the next roundabout and go straight across to the cross-roads. Go straight across the cross-roads into Moorland Road. Take the second left on to Hamil Road and Vale Park is on the left.

From the East:
TAKE either the A50 or the A52 depending on where you are coming from in to the City following signs for Burslem. The two routes below aren’t the most direct of routes but probably the easiest to follow and there is very little difference in mileage.

For the A50:
ENTER the City via Uttoxeter bypass (M1/M6 link road) and through Meir and the new Meir Tunnel. Continue on the road until you pass Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium. Get in the middle or the right hand lane and turn right at the roundabout on to the A500. Go straight across the two large traffic light controlled roundabouts continue on the A500 and take the 3rd exit signposted A527. At the roundabout turn right (fourth exit signposted Tunstall A527, Longport Road). After 0.5 miles turn right on to the B501 (second exit, Newcastle Street) at the small roundabout. Carry on up to the next roundabout and go straight across to the cross-roads. Go straight across the cross-roads into Moorland Road. Take the second left on to Hamil Road and Vale Park is on the left.

For the A52:
TAKE the A52 to the Cellarhead traffic lights (cross-roads junction with A520). Carry on straight across heading for Stoke-on-Trent. Carry on through Ash Bank and Werrington. At the large cross-roads (Limekiln Bank) go straight across, get in the right hand lane of the two for straight on and up the steep incline stay in the right hand lane and take the right hand turn when indicated by the road markings (Keelings Road). Stay on this road until the roundabout and take the second exit on the right. Carry on for about 1.5 miles until you reach a series of mini roundabouts (3) and go straight across all these and on to High Lane, then take the fourth left which is Hamil Road. Vale Park is on the right.

By Rail:

LONGPORT station is the closest to the ground, but is a good 30 minute walk away and is not well served by many services. Most fans end up at Stoke On Trent railway station, which is over four miles away and take a taxi (about £6) up to the ground.

By Underground:

GUNNERSBURY (District Line, Zone 3):
1.3 miles to ground. By foot: Exit station into Chiswick High Road and turn left. After 0.3 miles, at Chiswick Roundabout, take 2nd exit (s/p S. Circular A205) into Chiswick High Road, which becomes Kew Bridge Road. Then as by car From All Routes (*).

SOUTH EALING (Piccadilly Line, Zone 4):
By foot: Exit right from station and walk down Ealing Road to ground (twenty-five minutes walk - or catch 65 bus).

By Bus:

TO catch a bus, turn left from the station and head up towards Stoke Road. Turn right into this road and there is a bus stop on the other side of the road, opposite Signal Radio. Bus numbers 21 & 21a will take you to Burslem town centre, from which you can take the short walk up to the ground. You can also catch bus service number 29 to Burslem. As you go out of the entrance to Stoke station, the bus stop is a short way down on the left. The destination of the bus is Bradeley (the 29 going the opposite way from across the road goes to Keele) and you can get off in Burslem town centre for the ground. The bus costs adults £1 single or £1.90 return.

Parking:

Hamil Road car park (zone c):
£3.50 per car
£20 per coach
£12.50 per mini bus

Normid car park:
£4 per car

Other than the football...:

STOKE-ON-TRENT is a unique Great British City made up of six separate towns; Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley (the City Centre), Stoke, Fenton and Longton - affectionately known as "THE POTTERIES."

Home to the world's greatest pottery manufacturers, the City boasts visitor centres, ceramic museums and factory shops, plus excellent leisure and entertainment facilities.

The City is ideally placed in the Heart of England for a day out or weekend away.

Famously known and recognised as the centre of the ceramic world, The Potteries has a rich heritage of time-honoured skills and traditions on display for all to see in its visitor centres, museums and on factory tours. The great names of English china are all here - Wedgwood, Spode, Royal Doulton, Portmeirion and Aynsley are just a few of the manufacturers opening their doors through visitor centres and factory tours.

Alton Towers.

If you're thirsty for adventure and action-packed fun then you'll be spoilt for choice with the multitude of attractions in and around Stoke-on-Trent. Stoke-on-Trent is the nearest city to Alton Towers, just a short drive away. Here you can experience the magic of the UK's premier theme park, which will be spinning into 2004 with its new family coaster - Spinball Whizzer - rotating through 360° at 60km per hour, you'd be flippin' crazy to miss it! Why not extend your stay and 'soak it up' in Europe's first water park hotel - Splash Landings - featuring Cariba Creek water park, an integrated 'watertainment' zone. Alton Towers is open daily from 5th April to 2nd November.

Water World.

Festival Park in the City Centre abounds with leisure and entertainment facilities for the whole family including a multi-screen cinema and rapid fire fun with laser guns at Quasar. New for 2004 is an alpine roller coaster at the ski centre, which propels visitors on a nerve-tingling downhill toboggan run. For a wet and wild day out there's Waterworld, the UK's number Churnet Valley steam railways or explore the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canals. A short drive out of the City will take you to the breathtaking scenery of the Staffordshire Moorlands and Peak District, which is the perfect backdrop for walking, cycling, pony trekking, rock climbing and hang gliding.

The City now boasts internationally acclaimed Visitor Centres at Royal Doulton, Spode and Wedgwood, all offering craft demonstrations, factory tours, stunning museum collections and exciting shopping opportunities.

Visit the original home of the Royal Doulton figure at the Royal Doulton Visitor Centre in Burslem; the birthplace of fine bone china at the Courtyards at Spode in Stoke and discover the history and traditions of Wedgwood at the Wedgwood Visitor Centre. Several other factories such as Moorcroft and Aynsley also offer factory tours and no visit would be complete without a look at one of the City's ceramic museums.

The Potteries Shopping Centre.

Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley) now offers a quality shopping experience, and is a vibrant and lively entertainment centre.

Dominated by The Potteries Shopping Centre, the City Centre has all the high street names, plus many unique independent retailers and a large, busy indoor market. The other five towns of Stoke-on-Trent also have indoor and outdoor markets and local shops, each town having its own distinct atmosphere. Freeport Talke Outlet Mall, on the outskirts of the City, has discount designer outlets selling everything from big name fashion brands to kitchenware.

Why not take time to browse in the antique and bric a brac markets and shops in Stoke-on-Trent and the nearby towns of Leek and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

As the home town of Robbie Williams, Stoke-on-Trent is guaranteed to entertain you. The Cultural Quarter which opened in 1999 in the heart of the City Centre has brought top class entertainment with the re-opening of the Regent Theatre and the Victoria Hall.

World famous orchestras, top rock bands, comedy stars, major musicals, opera and ballet productions can all now be seen in Stoke-on-Trent. Alongside existing venues, the New Vic Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Repertory Theatre and the Mitchell Memorial Theatre, the City can now offer the best of both professional and amateur productions.

The Cultural Quarter has numerous restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a pre-show supper or drink, and a wide range of clubs cater for various age groups where you can dance the night away.

Multi-screen cinemas can be found at Festival Park and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

When it comes to the match, Vale Park is situated in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent and has been the home of the Valiants for more than 50 years. The ground is made up of four major stands called the Lorne Street Stand, the Carling Stand, the Big Stand, which has the Disabled Stand to one side, and the Family Stand to the other. The Phones 4U Stand is located on Hamil Road and houses up to 4,500 away supporters.

On the Hamil Road car park there is a burger van or if you prefer, you can get something from inside the ground where there is a kiosk. New lines have been introduced, so there is lots of variety and the prices are very reasonable, with the most expensive Pie/pasty of offer at £1.40.

There is a Burger King in the Centre of Burslem and the usual take away restaurants.

If you want some pre-match drink, The Vine pub near to the ground, on Hamil Road, is certainly a good bet for away supporters. A good pint is on offer, coupled with an enjoyable pre-game atmosphere. This pub is certainly the main away fan pub, but is not for those who are claustrophobic, as this small pub packs the fans in like sardines. Still it was friendly enough, with a range of real ales on offer.

When I've been there, most of the pubs around the ground have either pretended to be shut (i.e. you can see people inside drinking but the door is locked) or do not let away supporters in. However there are a couple in the town centre that will admit small groups if you smile nicely at the bouncer. I visited the New Inns (just along from Kentucky Fried Chicken in the town centre), which was friendly, served real ale and reasonably priced food.

You can search and book hotels located right near to Port Vale's Vale Park stadium by clicking HERE.

A Hatter and a Valiant - Coming Soon...

Coming Soon...

The Club and The Ground

At one end of the ground, Vale Park, is a fair sized single-tiered, all-seated stand, complete with an electric scoreboard on the roof. This stand, The Phones4U Stand, houses the Hatters supporters and it replaced a former open terrace. At the other end is the Big AM Stand, which is covered and all-seated. The corners on either side of this stand have been filled. The Carling Stand (also known as the Railway Stand) on one side is also a fair sized stand which is covered and all-seated. All three of these stands have a small number of supporting pillars, half way up them, which may restrict your view. The other side, the Lorne Street Stand, is a new smart looking 5,000 all-seated stand, complete with 48 executive boxes. To keep some sense of history, the original clock from the old stand has been incorporated into the new construction. Unfortunately, it is not clear as to when this stand will be completed as building work has been suspended, a great pity as the empty 'predominantly concrete' area really brings the ground down. Still, if this stand does get completed, it will look superb. On the opposite corner is a Police Control Box which keeps a watchful eye over the crowd. The pitch also looks to be one of the widest in the League and the crowd are further set back from the playing action by the cinder track surrounding it.

Up to 4,500 Hatters supporters can be accommodated in the Phones4U Stand, where the view and facilities located on the concourse behind the stand are good. Even a relatively small number of away fans can really make some noise from this stand, as the acoustics are excellent. However, the slope is quite shallow, which might affect your view should a tall person be seated in front. Normally though, you could still move to another seat if necessary.

I've been to Port Vale on a number of occasions and always found it be a good day out. However, the experience has sometimes been a little intimidating, not due to the Port Vale supporters but more because of the huge Police presence in and around the ground. Still, on the plus side, the pasties on offer within the ground are among the best I've eaten at any football ground, so much so, that I found myself going back for a second. The PA within the ground is quite deafening at times and there is no escape, even in the toilets, as it is piped through!

If you wonder at half-time why the Port Vale fans seem transfixed with staring at the away end, it is not that they are being intimidating, it is more to do with the electric scoreboard perched on the roof of this stand! (which the away fans can't see).

Ground Guide courtesy of the excellent Internet Football Ground Guide.

History - Port Vale Football Club

PORT VALE FOOTBALL CLUB were formed in 1876 and took their name from the venue of the inaugural meeting at ‘Port Vale House’ situated in a suburb of Stoke-on-Trent. Upon moving to Burslem in 1884 the Club changed its name to ‘Burslem Port Vale’ and after several seasons in the Midland League became founder members of the Football League Division Two in 1892.

The first few years however were a struggle and in 1896 the Club failed to gain re-election and returned to the Midland League. Following an FA Cup victory in 1898 over Sheffield United from Division One the Club once again returned to Division Two. It was still an uphill battle though, and in 1907 the Club were forced to resign due to financial difficulties and almost went into oblivion. The prefix ‘Burslem’ was dropped from the name as a new ground several miles away was acquired. In October 1919 after eight seasons in the Central League the Club returned in dramatic circumstances to the Football League. Following the expulsion of Leeds City for making illegal payments, the Club were elected to take over their remaining fixtures and responded by finishing in a creditable 13^thplace.

In 1928-29 the Club experienced relegation for the first time, but bounced back to win the Third Division (North) Championship and in 1931 went on to finish in 5^th place in Division Two which still remains the Clubs highest ever league position. The Club were again relegated in 1936 and spent the next eighteen years fluctuating between Third Divisions North and South due to its central geographical location.

In 1950 the Club moved to its present home at Vale Park which due to its size and the planned developments became known as ‘The Wembley of the North’. 1953-54 saw the best season in the Clubs history as it romped to the Third Division (North) Championship, losing only three games and conceding just twenty-one goals, whilst also reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup only to lose controversially to West Bromwich Albion. The stay in Division Two lasted only three years until 1957, then going straight down to become founder members of the newly formed Fourth Division. It turned out to be a successful season though as a Club record 110 goals helped to take the title.

The next few seasons saw the FA Cup providing the highlights as the 5^th Round was reached in 1960 and 1962 with 4^th Round matches in both 1963 and 1964 with a draw at Champions elect Liverpool in the latter campaign. Relegation back to Division Four in 1965 and a barren spell followed with the ignominy of having to seek re-election in 1968.

Gordon Lee became manager and put together a promotion winning team in 1970 and then after again reaching the 5^th Round of the FA Cup in 1977 were relegated the following season. The Club continued to sink to its lowest ever position in 1980 and this saw the arrival of John Rudge as coach to manager John McGrath. A promotion campaign was mounted in 1982-83 to revive the Clubs fortunes but unfortunately a year later relegation saw the Club going straight back down with John Rudge taking over the reins as manager for the first time. Promotion was again achieved in 1986 and striker Andy Jones rose to International status following his 37 goal haul in 1987.

A major turning point in the Clubs history arrived in January 1988, when a late winner in the FA Cup against non-league Macclesfield Town earned a plum 4^th Round home tie against Tottenham Hotspur. When Port Vale won 2-1 to earn National recognition the Clubs fortunes appeared to take off. In 1988-89 a third place and promotion via the play-offs took the Club back to Division Two for the first time in thirty-two years. This rekindled the long awaited local derbies with Stoke City and all went well until midway through the 1991-92 season when a run of eighteen games without a win ended in relegation.

Fortunately the Directors stood by John Rudge and in the 1992-93 season after a long battle finished in third place on eighty-nine points, a record total for a team failing to gain promotion. This meant a second participation in the play-offs but it ended in defeat at Wembley against West Bromwich Albion. The previous weekend yielded a never to be forgotten day though, as the Clubs first ever Wembley visit ended in victory in the Autoglass Trophy Final backed by over 25,000 supporters to climax a run that included a 1-0 win at holders Stoke City. Goals by Paul Kerr and Bernie Slaven in the final securing a 2-1 victory over Stockport County.

In 1993-94 the Club finished second in Division Two to gain automatic promotion and in the 1995-96 season played a record sixty-two games which saw them reach the Anglo-Italian Cup Final at Wembley and the 5^th Round of the FA Cup. In the latter, victory over reigning Cup Holders Everton was rewarded by Sponsors Littlewoods presenting the Club with a special ‘Giantkillers’ award.

Despite being quoted as pre-season relegation favourites in 1996-97, Port Vale confounded their critics to finish in their highest position since 1931.

1997-98 will be best remembered for the last match victory at Huddersfield Town that saw the Club safe from the threat of relegation and the exciting FA Cup games versus eventual double winners Arsenal, where only a penalty shoot-out separated the teams.

In 1998-99 the club again retained their First Division status at the death, this time under new manager, and former Luton Town favourite Brian Horton.

The continual struggle against the odds eventually caught up with the club and in May 2000 as Vale suffered relegation to the Second Division.

Expectations for the new season among supporters were high but the Valiants had a poor first half of the season which included a First Round defeat in the Worthington Cup against Chester City.

Worse was to come in November 2000 when Vale were knocked out of the First Round of the FA Cup by non-league Canvey Island. The second half of the season saw a complete turn around in performances and results on the field that saw Vale rise from the depths of the relegation zone to a respectable 11th position. Records for consecutive away wins were equalled which is more amazing when you consider that in the previous two seasons Vale had won just 2 away games. The Valiants remained unbeaten for a total of 16 consecutive games which was eventually haled by a narrow 0-1 defeat away to League leaders Millwall.

The highlight of the season though, was without a doubt, a victory over Brentford in the LDV Vans Trophy at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on 22/04/01 with a 2-1 over the Bees courtesy of goals from Bridge-Wilkinson and Brooker.

Vale's run in the competition started with a 3-0 win over Notts County at Vale Park on 09/01/01 which in itself saw the end of what must be an unwanted record. Vale had failed to win a single cup competition of any sorts for the previous 53 months.

They progressed to the final with further wins over Chester City, Darlington, Stoke City and Lincoln City.

Supporters were rightly enthusiastic about the coming season, but Vale found themselves in Division Two yet again for the 2003-04 campaign. After a good start, Horton left the club, and was replaced as manager by the popular former striker Martin Foyle and the club will be hoping they can make a push to gain promotion back to Division One.

History courtesy of www.port-vale.co.uk.

Luton Town vPort Vale...

A full rundown of all of the past meetings

Home Matches

Nov	5	1898	D2	L	0	1	2000
Feb	10	1900	D2	D	1	1	500
Apr	23	1955	D2	W	4	2	16704
Oct	9	1963	D3	W	1	0	5914
Sep	9	1964	D3	D	1	1	11649
May	14	1966	D4	W	5	0	12054
Apr	1	1967	D4	D	1	1	5410
Mar	9	1968	D4	W	2	0	12749
Mar	7	1995	ND1	W	2	1	5947
Apr	30	1996	ND1	W	3	2	5443
May	5	2001	ND2	D	1	1	5260	Report
Nov	9	2002	ND2	D	0	0	6112	Report
Sep	16	2003	ND2	W	2	0	5079	Report

Statto's Corner

Away Matches

Mar	4	1899	D2	L	1	4	4000
Oct	7	1899	D2	L	0	1	2000
Dec	4	1954	D2	D	1	1	14052
Oct	14	1963	D3	L	0	1	11449
Sep	14	1964	D3	L	0	1	6381
Oct	30	1965	D4	W	2	1	6058
Nov	5	1966	D4	L	0	1	3502
Jan	26	1968	D4	D	0	0	5970
Sep	3	1994	ND1	W	1	0	8541
Apr	23	1996	ND1	L	0	1	6054
Nov	25	2000	ND2	L	0	3	4194	Report
Feb	9	2003	ND2	W	2	1	4714	Report

Statto's Corner

Stats taken from Lutonfc.com's 'Statto's Corner'

OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN A HATTER AND A VALIANT
Name	DOB	First Season	Last Season	Sold To	League Apps.	League Goals
Louis Bookman	06/11/1890	1920	1921	Port Vale	72	4

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