Famous Players – The 1950’s

Lol Hamlett

Lol started his playing career as a right back with Bolton Wanderers in 1938 and continued there after World War 2 in 1945/46 when he was also called up as a reserve for the England squad.

He signed for the Vale in 1949 and went straight into the first team making 44 appearances in all during his first season with the Valiants.

He played 3 seasons for the Vale before being released and becoming player manager at Congleton Town.  He eventually returned to Vale Park in 1958 as trainer- coach and then trainer, a role that he kept until 1983 when he retired due to ill health.

He served the club as part of the backroom staff under 10 different managers in total and was granted a testimonial match in November 1976 when Vale played a Donnie Revie XI.

Lol was also a lay preacher in the Methodist Church.  He died in 1986 aged 69.