BOB MOUNTFORDFormer Port Vale striker Bob Mountford died in Australia on 26 August, 2008, at the age of 56, following a lengthy battle against cancer.
He progressed through the junior ranks at Vale Park, signing as a professional in February 1970 before making his full debut in August 1971.
The footballer made 78 starts for Vale, scoring 11 goals, before being sold to Rochdale for £2,000 in December 1974.
He also took in spells with Huddersfield, Halifax Town, Crewe and Stockport before making a new life in Australia, where he played for Newcastle United, of Australia, and also had spells with Brisbane City, Blacktown, Newcastle Breakers and Azzuri.
His manager at Vale was Gordon Lee, who said: "Bob was a promising young player and I had high hopes for him.
"He had all the ingredients of being a good player. He had a good shape, was mobile and good in the air and had a good shot. He was a good athlete and looked a player.
"Bob was a local lad who wanted to succeed and I thought he would do well."
Former Vale playing colleague Brian Horton, now assistant manager with Hull City, described him as "a smashing lad who was always willing to listen and learn."
Another former team-mate and now Vale chief scout, Ray Williams, said: "Bob was a member of a bygone era when Vale had a lot of local lads. Port Vale was our club. He had an ideal build for a professional footballer and striker."
Mr Mountford’s cancer had been in remission and he was working in the Australian prison service until two weeks before his death. He was survived by his wife, Jane, and two children, Paul and Anna.
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