Port Vale fans raise thousands for legend’s statue

Port Vale supporters have come together to raise thousands of pounds for a statue of club legend John Rudge.

The League Two side unveiled the statue to their legendary manager at Vale Park at the weekend ahead of their home game against AFC Wimbledon.

Port Vale’s chief executive officer Matt Hancock said: “This day has been about the community spirit and the Port Vale spirit. It shone through. To see a good few hundred people on a Monday afternoon come out and acknowledge what John has done for the club and the football family in general, is so nice.

“The statue has blown me away. For me to see where it will stand forever is quite an emotional day for me. To be part of that, and celebrate John’s birthday and see how proud the family are, is special.”

The moment that John Rudge unveiled his statue at @OfficialPVFC.

Excellent work by all at @ValeSupporters. pic.twitter.com/FUjs96k5Jf

— Moorlands Radio Sport (@moorlandssport1) October 21, 2024

Led by Port Vale Supporters’ Club, more than £100,000 was raised for the statue honouring the club’s longest serving manager. Reading supporters also contributed to the fundraising efforts, after Vale fans backed their protest at the Madejski Stadium last year.

Chair of Supporters Trust at Reading (STAR) Sarah Turner said: “I had the absolute privilege to go to Stoke on Monday to see the unveiling of the statue for John Rudge on his 80th birthday.

“It was a fantastic occasion, and John was treated like a hero by everyone.”

STAR chair Sarah Turner with John Rudge at Vale Park © Sarah Turner