John Cunliffe

John Cunliffe (4 February 1930 – 15 November 1975) was an English footballer who played on the left wing. He made 309 appearances in the Football League, scoring 55 goals.

Signed to Port Vale for almost the whole of the 1950s, he was on the wing for one of the most exciting periods of the club's history, with Vale Park still freshly built. He helped the club to the Third Division North title in 1953–54 and the Fourth Division title in 1958–59. In September 1959, he crossed the city to play for one season with Stoke City. He then became a non-League player with Macclesfield Town, Stafford Rangers and Buxton.

Career Cunliffe joined Gordon Hodgson's Port Vale in December 1950, and went on to feature in eight Third Division South games in 1950–51. He scored his first goal in the Football League on 30 April 1951, in a 2–0 win over Exeter City at Vale Park. He scored five goals in 43 games in 1954–55, including goals in both FA Cup encounters with West Ham United. He later played for Stafford Rangers and Buxton.

Personal life Cunliffe was engaged to Elsie Elizabeth Eardley.

Career statistics

Honours Port Vale Football League Third Division North: 1953–54 Football League Fourth Division: 1958–59