We are excited to announce the unveiling of a statue dedicated to the legendary John Rudge at Vale Park, scheduled for Monday October 21st 2024. This momentous occasion will celebrate John’s remarkable contributions to the club on what will also be his 80th birthday.
All supporters are warmly invited to join us for this special event, which will take place in the Hamil Road Car Park from 2pm. The unveiling ceremony will commence at about 2:45pm, with the actual unveiling set to take place at 3pm. The Hamil Road Stand will be open for supporters to purchase drinks beforehand.
This project was led by the Port Vale Supporters Club, whose dedicated efforts, together with the generosity of numerous supporters, have raised a total of £100,000 for the bronze statue. John Rudge, who managed Port Vale from 1983 to 1999, remains a beloved figure in the hearts of fans, where during his tenure, he took the club to the highest league position in their history.
Event Details
- Date: October 21, 2024
- Location: Hamil Road Car Park, Vale Park
- Time: Supporters are welcome from 2pm where the Hamil Road concourse will be open and unveiling ceremony to start at 2:45pm
In addition to the unveiling, we are thrilled to announce a further celebration of John Rudge's statue during the home game against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, October 26th. John Rudge will be at the statue at 1:15pm to meet supporters, share stories about his time as manager, and have photographs taken with fans. He will then make his way onto the pitch before kick-off, providing a wonderful opportunity for everyone to honour his legacy.
A commemorative brochure for the John Rudge Statue will also be available for purchase for £10 on the day of the unveiling and during the match against AFC Wimbledon, allowing fans to take home a piece of this special occasion. All money raised will be used by the Port Vale Supporters Club towards the additional cost of the brick plinth and area surrounding the staute.
Both these events are unique opportunities for all fans to come together and celebrate John Rudge’s enduring impact on our club. We encourage everyone to bring their friends and family as we pay tribute to a true club icon.
