subject of the up-and-coming stadium in Burslem. A massive £20,000 was raised for the sale of Ronnie Allen to West Brom. One major setback was government refusal of permission to transfer of a stand from the old stadium to the new, despite the protestations of local MP Albert Davies. 1950–1959: New stadium, new triumphs In 1950, Vale Park was completed. The 1950–51 season was the first at their new home. The stadium was impressive, but the team not so, yet again failing to improve on mid-table. The players had to familiarise themselves with a much larger stadium and pitch. Along with their new stadium came a new player – Roy Sproson. In March, Bill McGarry was sold to Huddersfield Town for £12,000. He had moved on to better things and after impressing at the First Division club was selected for the England team. Still working on the new stadium, especially trying to solve the drainage problem, the club were very quiet on the transfer front for the start of the 1951–52 campaign. In September, Alan Martin was exchanged with rivals Stoke for £10,000 and Albert Mullard. Initially against the trade, supporters eventually warmed to Mullard, who was the top scorer of the season. The team suffered before Christmas and manager Ivor Powell was sacked – to the relief of the players. On Christmas Eve Freddie Steele became manager. He managed to bring the club back into the safety of mid-table. Steele quickly established himself at the club, masterminding the celebrated 'Iron Curtain' defence. He worked largely with the players already at the club, who were quite young and therefore easier to mould into the players he needed. The FA switched the club to the Third Division North in 1952–53. With a haul of 58 points the club were unfortunate to lose out only one point off champions Oldham Athletic and therefore remain in the third tier. A remarkable 35 goals were conceded in 46 games, but the attack was disappointing, though Basil Hayward did manage 22 goals. The 1953–54 saw Vale storming to the Third Division North title as well as reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup, losing out to eventual winners West Brom in very controversial fashion, seeing an Albert Leake goal disallowed for offside. Villa Park saw an attendance of 68,221 for the game. The defence of Ray King, Stan Turner, Reg Potts, Albert Mullard, Tommy Cheadle