SPORTING MEMORY: January 1980 - comedian Mick Miller makes a visit to Vale Park
PORT Vale fans might joke they’ve had a few comedians in goal down the years – but in one case it was literally true. Michael Lawton was signed for the club by Stanley Matthews as a 16-yearold goalkeeper during the 1960s. He had trials for England youth, reportedly losing out to Peter Shilton – but never made the grade at Vale Park.
He later changed his name to Mick Miller and became a stand-up comedy star on 1970s TV shows such as New Faces and The Comedians.
In the main picture, taken in January 1980, he returned to the Valiants one snowy day for a promotional picture.
Mick had joined Vale at the same time as Ray Kennedy, who later became a decorated star with Arsenal and Liverpool.
Mick said: “I was at Vale with Ray Kennedy and we were both given free transfers on the same day. Ray went to Arsenal and I went to Pontins!’’
Mick, from Liverpool, did actually get a role at Pontins in Camber Sands and initially was a host and bingo caller before deciding to take up stand-up.
He honed his act entertaining the services and eventually went on to the talent show New Faces, winning his heat in 1976.
He appeared in seaside shows at Morecambe and Blackpool and later appeared on TV show The Comedians, which famously featured stars such as Frank Carson and Jimmy Tarbuck.
He has also had some success as an actor, appearing in TV comedy Peter Kay’s Car Share.
But he has retained some links with Vale and appeared at events such as sportsman’s dinners down the years.
Do you know the Vale players in the photo? What memories do you have of them? Email waywewere@thesentinel.co.uk