thomas holford (22 february 1878 – 6 april 1964) was an english footballer who played for stoke, manchester city, port vale and the england national team. his primary position was wing-half, but over the course of his career he played in many different positions. he later managed port vale on two separate occasions, serving throughout world war i, before a three-year spell from 1932 to 1935. he also served the club for many years as a trainer and a scout. in 1924 he turned out for the vale at the age of 46 years and 68 days, making him one of the oldest ever players in the english football league. he was a cousin of wilf kirkham.