Port Vale

Port Vale Football Club is a professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England. The club currently competes in the English Football League (EFL) Two, the fourth tier of the English football league system.

The club was founded in 1876, making it one of the oldest football clubs in England. The name "Port Vale" does not refer to a geographical location, but is believed to be derived from a valley of ports or a place of docking on the Trent and Mersey Canal. The club has never played in the top flight of English football, but it has achieved success at lower levels, including winning the Football League Trophy in 2001 and 2003.

Port Vale's traditional colours are black and white, and their home games are played at Vale Park, a stadium with a capacity of nearly 19,000, which has been their home ground since 1950. Prior to this, the club played at the Athletic Ground and the Old Recreation Ground.

The club has a fierce rivalry with Stoke City, another club based in Stoke-on-Trent. Matches between the two clubs are known as the Potteries derby, named after the pottery industry for which Stoke-on-Trent is famous.

Port Vale has had several notable players throughout its history, including Robbie Earle, Andy Jones, and Tom Pope. Earle, a midfielder, made over 250 appearances for the club in the 1980s and later played in the Premier League with Wimbledon. Jones, a striker, scored 37 goals in the 1986-87 season, a club record. Pope, also a striker, has had three spells with the club and is one of its all-time leading goal scorers.

The club has faced financial difficulties at various points in its history. In 2012, it entered administration and was subsequently taken over by a consortium led by local businessman Norman Smurthwaite. In 2016, the club was sold to a group of supporters who formed a company called Valiant 2001. The club is currently owned by Carol and Kevin Shanahan, who purchased it in 2019.

Despite its challenges, Port Vale remains a beloved institution in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, with a dedicated fan base. The club's community scheme, the Port Vale Foundation, is actively involved in local community projects, promoting health, education, and social inclusion.

In summary, Port Vale Football Club is a historic and community-oriented club that, despite never having played in the top flight, has a rich history and a dedicated following. Its story is one of resilience and passion for the beautiful game.