The 1990’s was a decade that saw the introduction of the World Wide Web together with the concept of a classless society. The end of the Thatcher years eventually saw Tony Blair’s New Labour movement sweep to power in 1997 with its “Third Way” centrist approach. For Port Vale the 90’s was a period of stability and success. The highest post-war League finish, numerous trips to Wembley and impressive FA Cup performances all served to make it a most memorable decade. The success was masterminded by Manager John Rudge who brought in a succession of quality players many of whom subsequently moved on to top flight clubs generating substantial income through transfer fees.

Off the field, Vale Park was gradually turned into an all seater stadium although an ultimate lack of finances prevented the impressive Lorne Street stand from being fully completed.

Locally the Garden Festival site at Etruria was re-developed into Festival Retail Park and traffic flow at the troublesome Meir intersection on the A50 was dramatically improved with the opening of the Meir tunnel.