All at Port Vale Football Club are saddened to learn of the passing of former midfielder Geoff Hunter, aged 62.

The former Manchester United trainee played for Crewe Alexandra before moving to Vale Park in August 1981, under manager John McGrath.

An energetic midfielder, Hunter arrived at the club whilst we were sat at the lower end of the Fourth Division, and made an instant impact in the side, playing 49 times in the 1981/82 season and helping us achieve a seventh placed finish.

The following campaign saw Hunter become an ever-present member of the side, where he notched four goals and helped the Valiants to achieve promotion to the Third Division.

His impressive performances across the season saw him selected as part of the PFA Team of the Year.

Hunter played another 49 games the following campaign for the Vale as we were relegated back to the Fourth division in 1984.

Following John Rudge’s appointment as manager, Hunter remained a key figure and in the 1985/86 season he would play 57 times across all competitions, score six times and help us to secure promotion back to the Third Division.

Hunter left the club to join Wrexham AFC in 1987 following six years at Vale Park, having made 221 appearances and scoring 15 goals for the Valiants.

The thoughts of all at Port Vale FC are with Geoff’s family and friends at this time.