14 Facts About Alan Bloor

Alan Bloor was born on 16 March 1943 and is an English former professional footballer and manager.

Alan Bloor made 394 league appearances in the Football League for both Potteries teams.

Alan Bloor spent eighteen years as a centre-half at Stoke City between 1960 and 1978, helping them to lift the League Cup in 1972, before spending a brief association with Port Vale as a player and manager between 1978 and 1979.

Alan Bloor briefly played for American club Cleveland Stokers in 1967.

Alan Bloor is fifth in Stoke's all-time appearances list and was nicknamed "Bluto" by the club's supporters.

Alan Bloor started his career with Stoke City in 1960 on his 17th birthday.

Alan Bloor was loaned out to Stoke's sister club Cleveland Stokers in 1967 and played 11 United Soccer Association games.

Alan Bloor moved to Port Vale, initially as a player and youth team coach, in June 1978.

Alan Bloor settled down to concentrate on his role behind the scenes at Vale Park in September 1978.

Alan Bloor played alongside Denis Smith for much of his Stoke career.

Alan Bloor used his intelligence to read the game and clean up any mistakes the more aggressive Smith made.

Alan Bloor was appointed the caretaker manager of Port Vale in August 1979 following the departure of Dennis Butler and was appointed to the position on a full-time basis the following month.

Vale went undefeated in the league in November, but Alan Bloor unexpectedly resigned in December 1979, saying he did not 'have what it takes'.

Alan Bloor blamed the players for his downfall, claiming they did not like hard work.