Spennymoor Town FC is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Alan Porter, a goalkeeper who formed part of the rich footballing history of Spennymoor United during the 1970s.
Alan was a familiar figure on the North East football scene. He enjoyed a spell as a professional with Blackpool before continuing his playing career in the local game. Representing his country England in both football and the high jump, and playing with some of football’s greatest names such as Bobby Charlton, Jackie Charlton and Nobby Stiles.
Away from football, he worked as a schoolteacher while continuing to play at a high level on Saturdays and Sundays.
His connection with the Moors is particularly memorable. Alan was part of the Wear Valley side that reached the FA Sunday Cup Final in 1973, with the final being played at the Brewery Field in front of a crowd of around 4,000. Wear Valley eventually lost 2–1 to Carlton United after extra time, with Alan playing in goal.
Four years later, Alan found himself on the opposing side when Spennymoor United and Consett contested a dramatic play-off for the 1976/77 Northern League championship.
The circumstances surrounding that match were remarkable. Having played in goal for Langley Park Rams Head in the FA Sunday Cup Final at the Brewery Field the previous afternoon, Alan then lined up for Consett against the Moors the following evening.
Spennymoor won that decisive contest 3–0 at Willington to claim the championship, with Alan facing the formidable Moors attack that night.
Alan Porter was deeply tied to this memorable chapter of Northern League history. While Spennymoor United was achieving legendary status in the FA Trophy, local rivals Consett AFC were pushing them to the absolute limit domestically. Alan himself was highly regarded throughout North East non-league football and became known for representing both Spennymoor United and Consett.
His connection with Spennymoor United also extended into the club’s historic 1977/78 FA Trophy campaign. The Moors enjoyed a remarkable run to the semi-finals of the competition, where they faced Surrey-based Leatherhead FC over two legs.
Alan was part of the legendary Spennymoor squad of that era as the club narrowly missed out on a place at Wembley, losing to Leatherhead over the two legs. Leatherhead went on to reach the final, where they ultimately lost 3–1 to Altrincham.
Alan’s association with the town and its football club endured long after his playing days. In 1992, he returned to the Brewery Field for a charity match between former Spennymoor United and Blyth Spartans players from the 1970s, helping to raise funds for Bishop Auckland General Hospital.
Alan was clearly part of a generation of footballers for whom the boundaries between the professional game, Northern League football and Sunday football were wonderfully fluid. His career brought him into contact with many of the characters and occasions that helped make North East football so special.
Everyone at Spennymoor Town FC sends our sincere condolences to Alan’s family, friends and former teammates at this sad time.