The 1980’s is recognised for numerous events but probably the most significant of these is the effect that Margaret Thatcher had on the British political scene. Recession hit Britain was changed dramatically by the Conservatives through control of money supply, restraint of trade union power and a programme of privatisation.

Margaret Thatcher also played a significant role on the world stage, particularly in the Falklands conflict with Argentina. There was a huge change in the Eastern bloc states in this period, culminating with the demolition of the Berlin wall in 1989, the same year that saw the Hillsborough disaster, a tragic event that was to herald far reaching changes to football stadia in this country.

For Port Vale the arrival of John Rudge as Manager saw the beginning of a period of sustained progress. The decade saw relegation back to Divison 4 in 1984 but no less than three promotions were achieved, these being in 1983, 1985 and 1989, the latter taking Vale back to the second tier for the first time since 1957.

Locally the National Garden Festival was held in the city during the summer of 1986.