Hurtling towards Relegation – But Can Port Vale Shock Chelsea in FA Cup?

The Port Vale football club, rooted in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, has reached the FA Cup quarter-finals—a feat not seen since the 1953-54 season. With the tournament’s last-eight tie against Chelsea looming, manager Jon Brady is candid with his squad following another disheartening loss, stating,

“It’s just not good enough.”

He laments the inconsistency in performance, noting that players often excel one week only to falter in the next.

Since securing a lucrative away clash against Chelsea after a notable victory over Sunderland on 8 March, Vale have suffered four defeats in six League One matches. The most recent setback was a 4-0 thrashing at Wycombe Wanderers last Saturday. Currently bottom of the table, the team is perilously close to the drop, with just eight games remaining in their 150th anniversary campaign.

“I don’t care about the Chelsea game, the season cannot end soon enough,”

messaged one irate fan to BBC Radio Stoke’s post-match football phone-in after the Wycombe defeat.

Bottom of the League, Magic in the Cup

Yet, there are many who remain optimistic about Vale’s upcoming clash with Chelsea, the first since 1929. Over 6,000 supporters are set to travel to Stamford Bridge for Saturday’s tie (17:15 BST, BBC One and BBC iPlayer) in the hope of witnessing an historic upset.

“Who knows, the players might actually turn up for this one,”

Jonny Hancock of Ale and the Vale podcast remarks.

Port Vale are the sole League One team standing in the FA Cup, having defied expectations with their best run in the competition for 72 years. Coaches from across the region will gather at the Ye Olde Crown, a short walk from Vale Park, to support the team. This pub, once the venue for celebrations after Vale’s automatic promotion from League Two, saw fans crowd in to sing Elvis Presley’s “The Wonder of You” before home games. Landlady Charlotte Ratcliffe recalls,

“I couldn’t fit anyone else in that night. The Vale players came in and it was so busy that they went behind the bar and started serving customers.”

Charlotte’s father, Shane—a lifelong Vale season ticket holder—managed the pub until his passing in 2022. Now, the community is buzzing with anticipation as customers express hope for tickets to Saturday’s match.

“It’s big for the town,”

Charlotte adds, highlighting the club’s role as a local cornerstone.

A Town’s Identity, A Club’s Legacy

Unlike most clubs, Port Vale isn’t named after a single town or borough, but rather a district within the city of Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire. Its origins trace back to 1876 when a meeting at Port Vale House sparked the idea of forming a football team. Whether the club was named after the house remains unclear, but fans take pride in its unique identity. A banner at matches proudly declares:

“In a country full of towns, cities and uniteds, there is only one Vale—Port Vale.”

Burslem, known for its pottery heritage, has seen its share of local legends. The late Motorhead frontman Lemmy hailed from here, and another iconic singer grew up nearby. The Red Lion pub, a few hundred metres from Vale Park, was Robbie Williams’ childhood home. The singer, now club president, reflected on this bond during a recent visit:

“We all know how much Burslem needs this club, but we also know how much this club needs Burslem.”

His remarks underscore the deep connection between the team and the town.

Historic FA Cup moments, such as the 1988 encounter against Tottenham, still resonate in the community. While Brentford have since climbed to the Premier League, Vale have never graced the top flight. Yet, their journey this season has become a symbol of resilience for Burslem, where the football club remains a vital part of the town’s fabric.