Cult hero 32: Teddy Peers

A goalkeeper, Peers’ Vale career spanned a mere sixteen months and 56 matches. A confident keeper, he was reported to have such faith in his defenders that he spent most of the game leaning on one of the posts.

Born in Connahs Quay, Flintshire, Peers began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers whom he joined in 1911. He was impressive enough to be named in the 1914 Wales squad making his International debut.

The professional game was suspended following the outbreak of World War One but it was during the war that Peers first came into contact with the Vale. The keeper was signed as a “guest player” and helped the Valiants to win the “Lancashire Section Championship” in 1917-18

Following the end of World War One, Peers rejoined Wolves until he was released in 1921. Now aged 35, he rejoined the Valiants and was behind the sticks during a club record seven successive clean sheets in the 1921-1922 season. However, despite that record, it is another achievement that gives Peers a unique place in the Port Vale hall of fame.

During his spell at the Old Recreation Ground, Peers continued to be picked for the Wales team and thus became the first-ever current Port Vale player to be picked for International duty. Following in Peers’ footsteps, a further thirteen Valiants have played for their country but only Peers can claim to be the first and it’s for that fact that we feel he’s a worthy entrant in our cult hall of fame.

In total, Peers made four International appearances while a Vale player. He left the club to join Hednesford, retiring in 1926. He later owned a pub before his untimely death in 1935, aged just 49.