Famous Players – The 2000’s

Mark Goodlad

Goalkeeper Mark Goodlad started his playing career at Nottingham Forest and after 2 years during which he failed to make a first team appearance he joined the Valiants in March 2000.

He made just 1 appearance for the Vale that season but when experienced keeper Paul Musselwhite and his understudy Kevin Pilkington both left the club that summer, Mark became the number one choice between the sticks.

He proved his worth in 2000-01 as his consistency resulted in 50 starts including keeping goal in the Vale’s League Trophy victory at the Millennium Stadium. Mark followed this by 50 appearances the following season and was rewarded with the club’s Player of the Year award for his strong performances.

He then missed the whole of the 2003-04 season with a serious finger injury before returning to claim the number 1 spot for the following 3 seasons.  Mark was ultimately forced to retire from the game at the age of 28 in January 2008 following an injury to his Achillies tendon which he was unable to recover from despite extensive reconstructive surgery.

A benefit dinner event and benefit legends match were both arranged for Mark at the club in 2008.

In May 2019, he was voted into the “Ultimate Port Vale XI” by members of the OneValeFan supporter website.