The oldest living former Port Vale player, Ivor Powell MBE, died on 5th November aged 96
November aged 96. He turned professional with QPR in 1937 and played for them for eleven years.thThe oldest living former Port Vale player, Ivor Powell MBE, died on 5
During the war he joined the RAF and guested for Blackpool where he became friends with another ex Vale manager, Stanley Matthews, who was best man at Ivor’s wedding in 1943.
In 1948 he joined Aston Villa for £17,500, a record at the time for a half back.
He also won 8 caps for Wales during this period and was then appointed player manager at the Vale in July 1951.
He only made six appearances on the field, but results didn’t go well and he was sacked after just five months in charge.
He then became player manager at Bradford City and also coached under Don Revie at Leeds.
He managed Carlisle United and Bath City and then spent 30 years with Team Bath. He announced his retirement with the latter at the age of 93, when he was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the ‘world’s oldest football coach’.
He was awarded the MBE for services to sport in 2008.
Everyone at the club would like to send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
The current oldest living former Vale player is believed to be Ray King, aged 88, who presently lives in Thailand.