Famous Players – The 1950’s

Ray King

Northumberland born Ray started his career as goalkeeper with Newcastle United in 1945 and after a short spell at Leyton Orient joined the Vale in 1949 where his brother George played as a striker.

Ray became a regular between the sticks for the Vale during the fifties, despite a strong challenge for his place from Ray Hancock (older brother of Ken Hancock – see 60’s players).

He played all but one of the 54 games during the famous 1953/54 season when Vale won promotion and reached the FA Cup semi-final.  He kept 30 clean sheets in the league that season, a record which still stands and has only been equalled once to date (Burnley 2024/25).

Ray also made one international appearance for England “B” in May 1954 and also toured with the full England squad without winning a senior cap.

He moved on from the Vale in 1957 being sold to Boston United where he became player-manager.

Ray eventually moved to Thailand where he died after a fall at his home in 2014.  He was 89.