Port Vale: Come and support Goodlad, says former boss
Former Valiants keeper Goodlad was forced to retire from the game last season after failing to recover from a persistent Achilles injury.
And the 28-year-old will bid an emotional farewell to the Vale Park faithful tonight when his Port Vale Legends side take on Mel Eves's Wolves All Stars outfit.
A host of illustrious names from Vale's recent past will take to the field with Mark Grew, Andy Porter, Dean Glover, Neil Aspin, Jon McCarthy, Ian Taylor and Ray Walker among the 'legends' pencilled in to play.
And Foyle, who scored 82 goals in 299 league appearances for the Valiants before going on to manage the club, will also dust down his boots.
Foyle said: “It's going to be a great night for Mark and I'm delighted to show my support for him because he was a big player for me during my time as Vale manager.
“Tonight can go a long way to helping Mark and I hope the supporters come out and support him because he thoroughly deserves it.
“I had a great time at Vale and people have been kind to me since I left, but tonight is all about Mark.”
Goodlad played under Foyle during his eight-year spell with the Valiants. The Barnsley-born stopper made 247 appearances for Vale having come through the ranks at Nottingham Forest.
Foyle, who is now the first-team coach at Blue Square Premier side Wrexham, added: “Mark was a very good keeper and the sort of character, that if he made a mistake, he would still come for the next cross.
“I never had to take much notice of him during a game, which is always the sign of a good keeper.”
Tonight's match kicks off at 7.30pm at Vale Park – adult tickets cost £10 (£5 concessions) while under-nines get in for £1
SENDING OUT A MESSAGE: Former Vale manager Martin Foyle has called on the fans to turn out for Mark Goodlad.
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