I have no doubt that wizened oldies (like myself) may well remember the strength of feeling about Port Vale in the 1970s. I can only liken it to the animosity towards Burnley in the 90s and Wycombe now. There were some feisty 'kicking lumps out of each other' encounters just prior - and during - the Waiters years. None were more infamous than the 'Black Sunday' match in 1974 when THREE Argyle players (Steve Davey, Bobby Saxton and Dave Provan) were sent off at Vale Park (Argyle lost, unsurprisingly, 2-1).
There was little doubt that in a Wycombe-esque manner a significant amount of 'niggle' and bad blood existed between the clubs and for a long time I eagerly followed the results of Port Vale - feeling childishly elated if they had come unstuck. Whilst grudges seem to be particularly prevalent amongst football fans I am pleased to say that the long term therapy has worked and I am now over Port Vale. May the best team win next season (us!)