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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport

Remember John Rudge, the unsung hero of Port Vale

YOUNG PORT VALE FAN PROTESTING AT JOHN RUDGE'S SACKING AT THE FLAT CAP MARCH. SEE JON BRODKIN COPY THOMOND / SPORT - FLAT CAP #2
A young Port Vale fan protesting at the sacking of John Rudge in 1999. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Max Rushden’s article (Mark Bonner’s Cambridge exit reminds us of the strange existence for managers, 30 November) is a heartfelt remembrance of the tenure of a manager who kept the dream alive despite all the odds. Rushden’s timely reference to a last-minute goal scored at Vale Park is a golden opportunity for me to urge the Guardian to review the legendary Port Vale manager John Rudge’s book To Cap It All.

The Port Vale Supporters’ Club has set a goal of raising £100,000 by next October to erect a statue in Burslem in honour of all that Rudgie, the unsung hero, contributes to football. He is donating the proceeds from his book to the statue appeal and, who knows, just a bit more coverage among Guardian readers who care more for the lower leagues than the top flight could move the book to the top of the bestseller charts and promote understanding of the plight of community clubs.
Joan Walley
Stoke-on-Trent

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