Ex-Port Vale and Ipswich Town goalkeeper dies

Hancock's career, from the 1950s to the 1970s, included playing for several clubs with his most appearances being for Port Vale

Former Port Vale and Ipswich Town goalkeeper Ken Hancock has died, the club confirmed.

The footballer was the Vale's goalkeeper the last time they won a league title in 1959.

A minute's applause will be held on Saturday during Port Vale's match with Gillingham FC, a spokesperson said, as they shared the news on social media.

"Everyone at Port Vale is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Port Vale Football Club legend Ken Hancock," the club, which is based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, wrote on Facebook.

"Ken was the goalkeeper in our last title-winning side in 1958-59. As such, we will be holding a minute's applause in his memory in the 59th minute of [Saturday's] game."

The football club signed off the post with the tribute: "Ken Hancock, Forever Valiant."

'A great bloke'

Lisa Bickerton replied to the post on behalf of Hancock's family and thanked people for their comments.

"It's nice to know that after all these years his contribution is still recognised and that he is still in the heart of Vale supporters," she wrote.

"Vale was a massive part of his life and one of the last things that he said was that he was very proud of his time spent at the Vale."

Sue Prince wrote that her father, Terry Miles, a fellow Vale player, remembered him as "a great bloke".

Her father said his teammate had been "well-liked by everyone".

Hancock's career from the 1950s to the 1970s included playing for several other clubs including Ipswich Town, Tottenham Hotspur, Bury, Stafford Rangers and Northwich Victoria.

He spent most of his time at two clubs, playing more than 240 matches for Port Vale and more than 160 games for Ipswich.

The footballer was also on the management committee at Leek Town.