The Big Freeze

With Vale`s festive programme currently decimated by the recent weather conditions, the Valiants have not played a League match at Vale Park since the victory over Wycombe Wanderers on November 20th, supporters may look at least season`s disrupted fixture programme for a comparison. However, those with longer memories may look at the 1962-63 season, when Vale incredibly went without a league game from December 22nd, a 4-3 defeat away to Reading, until March 2nd, when Vale resumed duties with a 3-1 loss at Brighton. The ‘Big Freeze` of 1963 remains one of the coldest winters on record in the UK, with all sport severely affected. Many FA Cup ties were scheduled on more than ten occasions, while the National Hunt Horseracing calendar was obliterated, 94 meetings were cancelled, with no racing taking place between the 23 December and 7 March.

The Valiants finished an extended season in third spot in the Third Division, a position that all Vale fans will take this time around. One good omen from that season may have been the form of a Midlands born striker named ‘Richards`. Tony Richards, a former Birmingham City and Walsall player joined Vale in March of 1963 for £9,000, and ended the season as the clubs leading goal scorer, netting 12 times in only 15 appearances.

Supporters may not have to wait too long for the Vale to resume their promotion push. With temperatures set to ease in the coming week, Vale`s game at Gillingham on Tuesday looks set to go ahead.

A Very Merry Christmas to all Vital readers!!



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