Phil Sproson

Phil completes the hat-trick of Sprosons playing professional football for Port Vale, and is the son of Jess Sproson.

Born in Trent Vale on 13th October 1959, Phil was a schoolmate of Sproson Fund stalwart Tony Boult and the pair played junior football for the school team (Tony insists that he was always the better player, a claim hotly disputed by Phil).

Phil graduated through the youth ranks at Vale, intially as a midfielder, then left-back, before youth team coach Alan Philpott noted that Phil was getting taller by the week and suggested he try out at centre-half. Phil signed as a professional in December 1977 and made his debut as a substitute in a 1-1 draw at Peterborough on March 17th 1978. His full debut came at the start of the following season in a 1-1 League Cup first round, second leg draw at Chester City on 16th August 1978.

Highlights of a Valiant's career spanning 12 years included three promotions - twice from the Fourth Division, in 1982/3 and 1985/6 - and season 1988/9, which saw Vale rise to the old Secon Division for the first time in 35 years. The two Fourth Division promotions also saw Phil included in the PFA All-Star team for that League.

Phil's Valiants career was preaturely ended by a serious knee injury that was sustained during a training ground accident in January 1989. On specialist advice he announced his retirement the following month but felt fit enough to attempt a comeback the following season, whereby he was transferred to Birmingham city for £50,000. Sixteen games into his career with Birmingham, the injury jinx struck again, first with a calf injury, then a cartilage in his left knee.

At the end of his Vale career Phil was just five games short of 500 appearances, and stands third in the Vale's all-time appearances list behind uncle Roy Sproson (837), and Harry Poole (498).

Port Vale Career

Appearances: Football League 422(4); F.A. Cup 30(1); Littlewoods Cup 10; Milk Cup 13; League Cup 7; Sherpa Van Trophy 2; Freight Rover Trophy 9; Associate Members Cup 2; Total 495 (5)

Goals: Football League 33; F.A Cup 3; Littlewoods Cup 2; Milk Cup 3; Total 41