Port Vale Football Club is a professional football team based in Burslem, one of the six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent, England. The club, affectionately nicknamed “The Valiants,” has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1876, making it one of the older football clubs in England. While Port Vale has never played in the top flight of English football, it holds the unique distinction of having spent the most seasons in the English Football League (EFL) without ever reaching the first tier – a testament to its enduring presence in the lower divisions.
Port Vale play their home matches at Vale Park, a stadium located in the heart of Burslem. Vale Park has been the club’s home since 1950, replacing their previous venue, The Old Recreation Ground. Known for its traditional English football charm, Vale Park has a seating capacity of over 15,000. On match days, locals and loyal supporters fill the stands, belting out their rendition of an adapted version of Elvis Presley’s hit The Wonder of You, which has become the club’s official anthem.
Port Vale’s most intense rivalry is with Stoke City, a fellow football club based in Stoke-on-Trent. This rivalry, known as the Potteries Derby, is fuelled by the close geographical proximity of the two clubs and their shared heritage in the pottery-making region of Staffordshire. Matches between the two teams are fiercely contested, drawing passionate support from fans on both sides. However, due to Stoke City’s prolonged stay in the top divisions, the rivalry has been infrequent in recent decades, adding to the anticipation whenever the two sides meet.
Despite never reaching the pinnacle of English football, Port Vale has enjoyed moments of success and significance. The club has historically been a mainstay in the lower divisions of the EFL and has achieved several promotions, cup runs, and memorable victories that resonate with its loyal fanbase. Its resilience and ability to remain competitive across different eras highlight the community-driven spirit of the club.
And You’ll Never Know is is a photo series by Conrad Tracy that follows Port Vale home and away between 1993-95. The series combines a perfect mix of match days on the terraces, celebrations and pitch invasions, pints down the pub, football grub and intimate portraits of fans that celebrate the wide demographic of Vale’s fanbase. The limited edition A5 zine contains 31 black & white photographs across 44 pages.
“You’ll never know the reason why I love you like I do.” Goes Port Vale’s version of the Elvis Presley classic, The Wonder of You.
And for Conrad Tracy it has been an endless love affair. Fully immersed in the culture and community that goes with following his local club, Tracy put together a two season long record covering the Valiants home and away over 75 games between 1993 and 95.
The result is a glorious record of those two campaigns, as the highs and lows reveal the true meaning of life for the loyal supporter.
The two seasons documented by Tracy included the pure joy of a promotion winning campaign, up and out of Division Two, just one point off the title, and then the drama of beating relegation the following season.
“I am tied to the club emotionally, socially and culturally. Being a football supporter is more than 90 minutes of unconditional support for your team. It’s about family and friends, camaraderie, belonging and a shared sense of hope, joy, and often, disappointment. Football culture is about so much more than just what happens on the pitch.” Conrad Tracy
Port Vale embodies the passion and perseverance that define English football outside the glitz of the Premier League. As “The Valiants,” the club continues to inspire its supporters and represent Burslem on the national stage, maintaining its proud heritage as one of football’s enduring names.
And You’ll Never Know | Conrad Tracy
Photo series follows Port Vale home and away, 1993-95; a perfect mix of match days on the terraces, celebrations and pitch invasions, pints down the pub, football grub and intimate portraits of fans that celebrate the wide demographic of Vale’s fanbase.
A limited edition A5 zine containing 31 black & white photographs across 44 pages.
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