Roy Sproson - Legacy

Legacy

"I have always loved the game and I have always loved the club. The satisfaction of playing the game I love for the club I love has always been enough for me". —The legend explains his unquestionable loyalty.

"Though three decades as a player and captain he made a record 837 appearances for Port Vale and scored 35 goals. He was a true-legend who combined style and steel with loyalty. The very spirit of Port Vale ran through this unique man who also went on to manage the club."

Inscription on the Sproson statue.

The Sproson name figures prominently in Port Vale's history. Roy's older brother, Jess, played as a forward for Vale between 1940 and 1947, and his nephew, Phil (Jess's son), was a central defender between 1978 and 1989. Another brother, Clifford, had played at amateur level for Vale in the Cheshire County League. His father played professionally for Stoke during World War I.

Port Vale's away kit for the 2005–06 season (in the club's old amber and black colours) bore the motto '837 – One Man One Team', embroidered on the left sleeve to honour his memory. A street by Vale Park has been renamed 'Roy Sproson Way' in his memory. In March 2011, he was inducted into the City of Stoke-on-Trent Hall of Fame, along with Gordon Banks. After ten years of planning, a £96,000 statue of Sproson was unveiled on 17 November 2012, before a home game with York City.