Harry Poole

Henry Poole (31 January 1935 – 25 September 2023) was an English professional footballer noted for his swerving free kicks. Primarily a half back, he had the third highest number of appearances for Port Vale. He made 499 league and cup appearances for the club in a 15-year association from 1953 to 1968. Whilst Poole was at the club, the "Valiants" won the Fourth Division title in 1958–59.

Career Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Poole attended Carmountside Secondary Modern alongside Terry Miles. Poole was slightly older, though the two would be teammates from their early teens into their 30s. After spending his youth with various clubs, Poole signed for Port Vale as an amateur in February 1953. He also appeared for Oxford City whilst on national service. He played 44 games in 1957–58, as the club finished 15th in the Third Division South, and so were invited to form the Fourth Division. He played another 47 games in 1962–63, retaining his first-team place under returning manager Freddie Steele. At the end of the campaign both he and Miles were given free transfers to local non-League club Sandbach Ramblers, before Poole retired the following year.

During his career Bolton Wanderers considered him as a replacement for Nat Lofthouse, and Tottenham Hotspur had a bid rejected by the Vale.

Later life and death Poole was a season ticket holder at Vale Park for 50 years after retiring as a player. He married Gill and had children Matthew and Mandy and grandchildren Sam, William, Lily and Laura. Poole died on 25 September 2023.

Career statistics

Honours Port Vale Football League Fourth Division: 1958–59