Port Vale Football Club is saddened to learn that former forward Derek Tomkinson has passed away, at the age of 90.

Tomkinson started his career at Vale as an amateur in 1949 but never made an appearance for the club and made a move to Burton Albion two years later.

Tomkinson returned to Vale in 1952 as a professional and played his first match on boxing day that year helping his team to a thumping 4-1 win at Gresty Road against Crewe Alexandra.

The Valiants finished second that season in the Third Division North but went one better in the 1953-54 season as they won the league with Tomkinson scoring five goals in 20 games.

He played five games in the second division the following season before moving back down a division to play for Crewe Alexandra. He would later play for Macclesfield Town and Altrincham where he finished his career in 1962.

Everyone at Port Vale Football Club sends their thoughts to Derek’s family and friends.