Port Vale legend Tom Pope played his final game, scoring in a 5-4 loss to an all-stars team. The striker's retirement match was held at Kidsgrove Athletic's ground, where he is currently joint first-team manager.

What happened?

Pope made 620 professional and semi-professional appearances, including 343 competitive fixtures in two spells for Port Vale, becoming the club's post-war record goalscorer with 115 goals. He was welcomed on to the pitch by a guard of honour comprising many of his former teammates and fiercest rivals.

Why it matters for Port Vale

Pope's career saw him inducted into the Stoke-on-Trent Sporting Hall of Fame and, more recently, he was part of the first intake for Port Vale's own Hall of Fame during the club's 150th anniversary celebrations. Former Vale teammate Adam Yates said of Pope: “Having spent the best years of my career with Tom, it’s been a privilege to play with him – particularly during the unbelievable goal-scoring season which saw us get promoted after being in administration.”

What comes next?

As Port Vale currently sit 22nd in League One, 42 points from 46 games, with a recent form of LWLLD, Pope's legacy will continue to inspire the team. With 36 goals scored and 61 conceded this season, the team will look to rebuild and improve for the next season. Pope's former manager at Vale, Micky Adams, said: “Tom Pope with his 100+ goals is rightly a Port Vale legend but – take the goals away – and I’ll remember for more: a winner; a leader; a man’s man.” As the team looks to the future, they will draw on the experience and leadership of players like Pope, who have made a lasting impact on the club. With the last result being a 0-2 loss to Lincoln on 2026-05-02, the team will look to bounce back and improve their performance in the upcoming season. Pope's retirement marks the end of an era for Port Vale, but his legacy will continue to inspire the team and the fans. The team's recent form, with 2 wins, 0 draws, and 3 losses in their last 5 games, will need to improve if they are to move up the league table. As the summer transfer window approaches, Port Vale will look to strengthen their squad and build on the foundations laid by players like Pope. The club's 61-point gap behind leaders Lincoln will be a significant challenge to overcome, but with the right signings and a bit of luck, they can push for a better finish next season. Pope's impact on the club will be remembered for years to come, and his retirement marks a new chapter in the history of Port Vale. The fans will look back on his career with fond memories, and the team will look to build on the success he helped to achieve. As the team prepares for the new season, they will draw on the experience and leadership of players like Pope, who have made a lasting impact on the club. With a bit of luck and the right signings, Port Vale can push for a better finish next season and make a lasting impact on the league.