The Potteries duo both benefited from Rudge’s knowledge and wisdom over a long period. While he is better known for his time at Vale – Rudge spent three years as assistant manager before taking the top job for an impressive 16 years – it shouldn’t be forgotten that he then enjoyed 14 years as director of football at the Potters.
Now club president at Port Vale, the 78-year-old attends all their games home and away and has legendary status among the fans. So much so in fact that Vale supporters have already raised almost £60,000 towards the £100,000 needed to build a statue of the popular former manager.
And last Sunday the supporters’ club held a launch event for Rudge’s autobiography ‘To Cap It All’, with all profits going to the statue fund.
Rudge had previously penned some chapters for a book years ago but then put the idea on the backburner. The fans’ recent efforts – and some cajoling from his family – persuaded him to think again.
“I wondered how the supporters were going to raise that amount of money, especially with the cost of living crisis,” he told The FLP. “I thought it would only be fitting if I could write the book and donate all the money from it to help the supporters buy the statue. I’m grateful and honoured.
“People had asked me to write my book before, but I said that I’d had my time. My two girls, Lisa and Debbie, said to me ‘Dad, why don’t you finish that book? It would be for us as a family – our kids can look at it and see what you achieved’.”
Indeed, family comes first for Rudge – something he reiterates when you ask him about his best ever signing.
Denne historien er fra October 01, 2023-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 01, 2023-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
END OF CUP ROAD FOR EFL BATTLERS
EFL interest in this season’s Carabao Cup came to an end in midweek, but it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying.
GOALS GALORE IN THE TROPHY
THE goals flew in from all angles as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy revved into action again in midweek.
KEEPER GAFFE SINKS TOWN
HUDDERSFIELD boss Michael Duff questioned his players’ mentality after goalkeeper Chris Maxwell’s bloomer handed NonLeague Tamworth a shock win.
ACE SLEW & WILLIAMS SEE OFF REBELS...
DECISIVE goals at either end of the game from Jordan Slew and Rhys Williams helped League Two Morecambe avoid a potential banana skin against National League South outfit Worthing.
MATT'S MEN JUST HAVE ENOUGH GAS
HONEST Bristol Rovers boss Matt Taylor has acknowledged his side were pushed all the way in their tie against Weston-super-Mare.
'WHITES' ARRAY OF FIREPOWER WILL GIVE THEM THE EDGE OVER RIVALS'
GARY Rowett says Leeds’ glittering arsenal of attacking stars will bring the Championship title to Elland Road.
POMPEY'S GAME OF TWO HALVES
Murphy's in to deny the Tigers
SET-PLAY PREP PAYING OFF FOR PELACH
NARCIS Pelach admitted Stoke have been working tirelessly on set-pieces since his arrival – and he was pleased the hard work paid dividends with the winner against Derby.
Robins lays marker to his Sky Blues
MARK Robins has challenged his Coventry City players to go on a Championship charge after the Sky Blues ended their wait for success on their travels with resounding victory against ten-man Boro.
JUST FAB FOUR BAYO IS UNSTOPPABLE
FOUR second-half goals in an incredible display from Vakoun Bayo powered Watford to a resounding victory at Hillsborough.