Joe Anyon

Port Vale

Born in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, Anyon grew up supporting Blackpool. He played in the Blackburn Rovers youth system before joining Port Vale. He joined Stafford Rangers on loan towards the end of the 2004–05 season, making five appearances. He rejoined Stafford on loan in August 2005, again making five appearances. At the end of the season he was voted Youth Player of the Year by the Port Vale management. After winning a first-team contract with Vale, Anyon spent time on loan at Harrogate Town, making two appearances in November. He rejoined Harrogate in February 2006, making nine appearances before returning to Vale after breaking his jaw in April. He made his first-team debut for the Vale in December 2006, after first-choice goalkeeper Mark Goodlad ruptured his right achilles tendon against Bristol City in December 2006 and had to have reconstructive surgery. He then played the rest of the 2006–07 season, with only 25 goals scored against him. Goodlad was forced to retire due to his injury and Anyon then established himself as the first-choice keeper, and was voted Young Player of the Year by the Port Vale management. He was also rumoured to have had his progress tracked by both Liverpool and Birmingham City. In August 2007 the Daily Mirror reported that his club had rejected a £250,000 bid from Fulham. Following a 3–1 home defeat to Macclesfield Town in the FA Cup on 28 November 2008, Anyon blasted his teammates, labelling their performance as "a…

Individual

Port Vale Player of the Year: 2008–09 Lincoln City Player of the Season: 2011–12