Former Vale reporter has passed away
R.I.P. Chris Harper
February.thEveryone here at the Vale was sad to hear of the death of Chris Harper, aged 71, on 27
Chris was the Vale reporter for the Sentinel for 25 years, from 1968 to 1993 and covered many highs and lows for the club, beginning with the club being thrown out of the league for making illegal payments and finishing with two games at Wembley Stadium, including the victory in the Autoglass Trophy against Stockport County.
Although born in Brighton, Chris moved up to the Potteries for work in journalism and met his wife here. He was a well-respected journalist who was not afraid to tell the truth, which once cost him a club ban for a few weeks. He was also once threatened on the car park by an unnamed player and a few of his ‘mates’ after saying that he had played poorly! The player apologised and they became friends for many years afterwards.
Chris also covered the Vale for Radio Stoke in the 1970’s for a spell, doing a report over the telephone before phoning through his copy for that evening’s paper. After hanging up his pen at Vale Park he continued to work for the Sentinel on golf and non-league football amongst other things until retiring just four years ago.
He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends, particularly amongst the older supporters of the Vale.
Vale Secretary Bill Lodey said: I’ve known Chris and his wife Elaine for nearly forty years, he was a good friend as well as an associate through the club.
“He was an old fashioned ‘scribe’ who always gave you his honest opinion, no matter what the story.
“He will be very sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him and work alongside him.”