Former Port Vale player Ron Smith passes away

Ron Smith, a former Port Vale player, has died aged 90. His family announced that Smith passed away on 17 August.

Vale Career

Smith began his playing career with Liverpool before moving to Crewe Alexandra, where he made 97 appearances and scored 13 goals. He joined Port Vale in October 1963 for a fee of £6,500, signed by Freddie Steele.

He became a regular in the Vale side, making 39 appearances in 1963–64 and scoring five goals. Smith lost his first-team place on Boxing Day 1964 following a 3–0 defeat to Hull City, in which he damaged an eye. He failed to regain his spot after recovering and was given a free transfer in April 1965.

In total, Smith made 67 appearances for Port Vale, scoring seven times. He played against his former club Liverpool in 1964, when the Valiants held Liverpool to a 0–0 draw at Anfield before losing at Vale Park.

Later Career

After leaving Port Vale, Smith had spells with Southport and Altrincham before retiring from playing in 1970. His career highlights included promotion seasons with Crewe and Altrincham.