Famous Players – The 1980’s

Mark Bright

Locally born striker Mark Bright spent a year as a youth team player at the Vale before being released at the age of 16. He then played part-time football at Leek Town and for Sunday League side Mason’s Arms, before he rejoined Port Vale as an amateur in October 1981 on the recommendation of Vale player Russell Bromage.

Vale Manager John McGrath handed Mark his full debut on the last day of the 1981/82 season and he went on to sign an initial one-year part-time contract while also working as an apprentice for Staffs Hydraulics.

He played just once in the Vale’s 1982/83 promotion winning season and then rejected an initial full-time professional contract offer as it paid less than his factory job, though he ultimately signed a revised offer which included appearances and goal bonuses.

Mark improved his game considerably under the guidance of new boss John Rudge during the 1983/84 season, scoring ten goals in 31 games although this did not prevent the Vale from being relegated from the Third Division.  Mark was offered a new two year contract which he did not accept and he was consequently sold to Leicester City for £33,333 in June 1984. This fee was later doubled due to a top-up clause.

Mark went on to play for Crystal Palace, Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic, most of which was in the top flight and he scored a career total of 212 goals.

He has worked as football correspondent on Radio and TV and is currently the head of under-23’s development at Crystal Palace.

Mark was inducted into the Stoke-on-Trent Sporting Hall of Fame in 2019.