Port Vale has seen mixed success over the years, ranging from appearing in the second tier of English football to sustaining spells in the lower leagues of the English football pyramid. One thing that Port Vale does have is a variety of famous faces who support the club through all of their endeavours. The history of Port Vale cannot be understated, with great talent that has come through the ranks and moments that will be ingrained in Valiants’ memories forever. So let’s take a look at some celebrities that you didn’t know supported The Vale.
Robbie Williams
Robbie Williams is one of the world’s most iconic singers, releasing some of the most memorable songs in pop culture as a solo artist and also with one of the biggest boy bands ever seen, Take That. Williams has performed around the world, across Europe, and even at the famous Las Vegas, home to casinos and slots along its iconic Strip. The singer was born in Stoke-on-Trent in 1974 and developed a love for local football club, Port Vale. Williams has always expressed his love for football, even founding the charity football match Soccer Aid, and has discussed his passion for the game, particularly when using it for the greater good.
Growing up in Stoke-on-Trent led the 2 time Grammy nominee to follow The Valiants home and away from a young age. As Williams became more successful, his love for the club was made publicly known and is prided by the club, even naming one of the club suites in his honour. It wasn’t until 2024 when Robbie Williams was announced to be the new club president, representing the club on a worldwide scale, further emphasising his passion for the Stoke-born club. While some rumours have spread that Robbie Williams was interested in outright buying the football club, Port Vale were quick to deny the rumour, but who says that Williams won’t be eyeing up a future takeover of his boyhood club?
Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor
The most decorated player in darts’ history, Phil Taylor, was raised a massive Port Vale fan, following the club from his youth. Taylor is known around the world for his records and total domination of the sport, holding the most PDC World Championships, eight of which he won consecutively, and the most major championships of any player. His love for football can not be understated, with Taylor sharing his adoration for Port Vale throughout his career.
Being born in Stoke, he has grown up with the club, and he has even expressed his desire to take over the club in partnership with his good friend and fellow Vale supporter Robbie Williams. This rumour has been around for many years, however, it can not be ruled out just yet with the pair’s dream to see the club in the top flight of English football.
Jonathan Wilkes
Like the other two celebrities on this list, Jonathan Wilkes was born in Stoke-on-Trent and was raised around the club, following Port Vale from a young age. Wilkes has had a career that has ranged in many different aspects, but is mostly regarded for his presenting and hosting skills.
However, it is less known that Wilkes had actually signed for his boyhood club at age 7 and even played football for Everton in his teens, but was dropped from the academy programme due to his lack of passion for the game. However, this may have been a blessing in disguise, bringing him into the presenting scene, being picked up by the BBC and hosting UK TV classic ‘You’ve Been Framed’. He also had a brief career in the music industry, reaching 24th in the UK charts and the top 5 in 18 different countries. Despite this, he ended his music career to focus on presenting.
Wilkes formed a close friendship with singer Robbie Williams and assisted in combining their passion for football, launching the Soccer Aid charity football match. Wilke’s love for the game and for the Vale has been expressed many times, bringing him and his good friend Robbie Williams together to use the sport for a positive outcome.
Simon Webbe
Unlike the other celebrities on this list, Simon Webbe was not in fact born in Stoke-on-Trent but rather in Manchester. He wasn’t necessarily brought up around the club; however, he found love for the club around his ongoing support for Manchester United. Webbe was once a part of one of the biggest groups in the UK, Blue, and has featured on his fair share of TV shows, including Strictly Come Dancing and even I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. Webbe even took his music career solo, releasing his own records and clocking 5 Top 40 tracks in his career.
Similar to Wilkes, Webbe was a passionate footballer as a child and played for Port Vale at the age of 14, where he found his love for the club. His talents were soon recognised by the likes of Aston Villa and Liverpool; however, his career came to an end at the age of 17 due to a torn ligament. Despite this, Webbe made his other hobby, making music, a priority, becoming a successful musician while still having a love for Port Vale, the club that allowed him to pursue his dream career as a footballer.