Famous Players – The 1990’s

Dean Glover

Classy versatile defender Dean was signed from Middlesborough by John Rudge in February 1989 for a then club record fee of £200,000.  It was initially intended that Dean would act as a replacement for injured defenders Phil Sproson and Bob Hazell.

He became an instant hit with Vale fans due to his skilful performances and went on to play both legs of the play-off victory over Bristol Rovers as Rudgie’s team won promotion to the second tier.

Dean became a mainstay of Vale’s defence throughout the 90s, which was one of the club’s most successful periods, forming an excellent partnership with fellow centre-half Neil Aspin. He was also part of the Vale side that won the Football League Trophy at Wembley in 1993.  He was then an ever present the following season as Vale won promotion back to the second tier.  He was also selected in the PFA Team of the Year that season.

He then played a major role in the Vale side that achieved the club’s highest finish since 1931, when they finished eighth in the second tier in 1996-97.

Dean played for a total of 9 years at the club and his 431 appearances is the fifth highest recorded by any Vale player.  He parted company with the club as a player in 1998 and his send off included a testimonial game in which Robbie Williams played.

He later returned to the Vale as a coach prior to roles as caretaker manager for periods in 2007 and 2008 and then manager for most of the 2008-09 season. Dean’s association with the Vale extended to over 18 years in total as a player, coach, manager and also included a spell as scout in 2015.