2012–13 Port Vale F.C. season

The 2012–13 season was Port Vale's 101st season of football in the English Football League, and fifth-successive season in League Two. The club secured promotion into League One with a third-place finish. Administration scuppered the club's promotion chances in the previous campaign, and high-profile departures in the summer meant that manager Micky Adams had to rebuild his team from the ground up. His rebuilding efforts were severely hampered when Keith Ryder's expected takeover collapsed. Paul Wildes instead took over the club on 20 November.

Port Vale
2012–13 season
ChairmanPaul Wildes
(from 20 November)
ManagerMicky Adams
StadiumVale Park
Football League Two3rd (78 points)
FA CupSecond Round
(knocked out by Sheffield United)
League CupFirst Round
(knocked out by Burnley)
Football League TrophyThird Round
(knocked out by Bradford City)
Player of the YearTom Pope
Top goalscorerLeague: Tom Pope (31)
All: Tom Pope (33)
Highest home attendance12,496 vs. Northampton Town, 20 April 2013
Lowest home attendance2,702 vs. Tranmere Rovers, 4 September 2012
Average home league attendance5,727
Biggest win7–1 vs. Burton Albion, 5 April 2013
Biggest defeat0–2 (eight games) and 1–3 (once)

There were no lengthy cup runs, as Vale exited the League Cup with an opening day defeat to Championship club Burnley, and were knocked out of the FA Cup at the second round with a loss away at League One side Sheffield United, before their progress in the Football League Trophy was halted by League Two rivals Bradford City. This allowed the "Valiants" to focus on gaining promotion, and their goal-scoring feats took them up to second place by 15 September, behind only defensive masters Gillingham. With the new owners in place, Adams could afford to sign experienced players in the January transfer window, and the team pushed on to establish themselves as the division's leaders. However, the wheels fell off as Vale struggled to score as they showed relegation form heading on from mid-February. After just one win in eight games, Vale rediscovered their previous form by mid-March and beat fourth-placed Burton Albion 7–1 in front of 10,978 supporters on 5 April. Promotion was secured 15 days later with a 2–2 draw with Northampton Town before a home crowd of 12,496. After promotion was secured, Paul Wildes resigned as chairman, and Norman Smurthwaite took full control of the club.

Manager Micky Adams.
Captain Doug Loft.
Goalkeeper Chris Neal.
Tom Pope and Lee Hughes formed an effective strike partnership
Talented winger Jennison Myrie-Williams and experienced centre-back Darren Purse.
A pitch invasion ensued after promotion was secured in the final home game of the season against Northampton Town on 20 April 2013.

Overview

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League Two

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On 19 June 2012, Port Vale were given odds of 40 to 1 of gaining promotion.[1] The club had lost some its best players as versatile defender Lee Collins, midfield general Anthony Griffith, and top-scorers Sean Rigg and Marc Richards all signed big-money deals elsewhere – the latter two moving to club's expecting to win promotion out of League Two.

With the club's new owner in place, Adams signed six players early in July. He first signed midfielder Darren Murphy and winger Jennison Myrie-Williams (who had impressed in a loan spell at the club the previous season) from Stevenage, as well as Colchester United attacker Ashley Vincent.[2] He then made another triple swoop by bringing in Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Chris Neal, Crewe Alexandra centre-back David Artell, and former Wales international Richard Duffy.[3] Highly rated striker Liam Dickinson, veteran forward Darren Byfield, and Irish attacker Tadhg Purcell also joined the club on trial.[4][5][6] Adams appointed Doug Loft as club captain at the end of July.[7] The pre-season tour of Ireland was hailed as a success, whilst Vale recorded wins in each of their encounters with non-League opposition.[8] However, David Artell left the club as a free agent days before the start of the season, as he refused to sign a contract that reflected the club's status as 'in administration' (the initial contract he signed listed Keith Ryder as the club's owner, and was therefore invalid).[9]

"The players have been absolutely amazing. I've told them that I can't thank them enough for their loyalty, character and commitment. They have thrown away a lot of money in signing these [revised] contracts... I'm embarrassed because I believed in Keith Ryder and believed in what he was doing. To find out that the players could have walked away for nothing after all the work we had done in pre-season was unbelievable. I hope the football club has hit rock-bottom and we can start to climb again, but I can't guarantee that."

— Manager Micky Adams had hoped to build a strong squad to challenge for promotion, but as Ryder's takeover seemed less probable, so did Vale's chances of promotion.[10]

The team got off to a solid start in August, recording wins over a poor Barnet side and a much more resilient Morecambe.[11] They lost away at Accrington Stanley despite having 56% possession and 12 attempts on goal.[12] They continued their form into September, as 14 points from a possible 18 left them sitting second in the table. Only a bizarre own goal from Brian Saah won them a point at home to Torquay United before Tom Pope hit four against former club Rotherham United in a 6–2 victory; the win over Steve Evans's big spending "Millers" sent a message to the rest of the division that Vale were genuine promotion candidates.[11] They then came from behind to win away at Plymouth Argyle, before putting a highly impressive Fleetwood Town to the sword with a 5–2 away victory.[11] A top-of-table clash with Gillingham at Vale Park ended the "Valiants" impressive run, as the visitors claimed a 2–0 victory with a professional performance.[11] Having named the same first XI for nine successive games, Adams introduced Rob Taylor and Ryan Burge at the expense of central midfielders Sam Morsy and Chris Shuker, and was rewarded with a 1–0 win over high-flying Bradford City in front of over 11,000 spectators at Valley Parade.[11] Micky Adams was named as Manager of the Month and Pope was named as Player of the Month.[13]

October opened with a dismal home draw with Dagenham & Redbridge, with goalkeeper Chris Neal making an uncharacteristic error to allow a blunted "Daggers" attack to claim an unlikely goal.[11] The team then rallied to produce a convincing 2–0 win away at fourth-placed Exeter City, Pope's two goals taking him into double figures with 35 league games yet to play.[11] However, injuries took hold of the small squad, with captain Loft sidelined with a calf injury,[14] and winger Lewis Haldane forced to announce his retirement after failing to recover from a broken leg he sustained in August 2011.[15] They played Oxford United on a Monday night in front of the Sky Sports cameras, and did themselves justice with a convincing 3–0 win, with both Ashley Vincent and Sam Morsy scoring impressive goals.[11] An injury/suspension crisis in midfield then did little to prevent a patched up Vale side to come from behind to beat Gareth Ainsworth's Wycombe Wanderers 4–1.[11] They then travelled to Staffordshire rivals Burton Albion, and battled to a 1–1 draw after falling behind to a fluke goal.[11] The month ended on a sour note at Sixfields, as John McCombe was sent off after breaking the leg of Northampton Town goalscorer Alex Nicholls; injuries and suspensions left teenagers Joe Davis and Kingsley James to form a makeshift centre-back partnership, though the score was kept to a respectable 2–0.[11] For a second-successive time, a Vale player was named the division's Player of the Month; Ashley Vincent took the award, but credited his teammates, saying "this award is as much for them as it is for me".[16]

Vale went three league games without a win on 6 November, as they lost a two-goal lead to draw 2–2 at home with Rochdale; the game turned on Sam Morsy's sending off on the 67-minute mark.[11] Three days later, Adams boosted his midfield by signing former Shrewsbury player Sean McAllister to an eight-week deal.[17] A day later and Vale travelled to Roots Hall and came away with a point following a goalless draw.[11] Vale then went five league games without a win, after throwing away a two-goal lead for the second successive home game, to draw 2–2 with York City.[11] Adams said "It's not a time for people to criticise and get on the players' backs, so I'll have to put my arm around a few of them, even if I feel like strangling them at times."[18] His team duly went on to record a simple 4–0 win over Bristol Rovers, with Pope's hat-trick taking him to 20 goals in the season.[11] On 22 November, Liam Chilvers re-signed on loan from AFC Telford United in order to provide more options in defence.[19] Notts County striker Lee Hughes was also reported to have joined the club on loan, with a view to a permanent move; however, the next day it was revealed that the loan move would not go through as the relevant paperwork had not been sent into the Football League on time.[20][21] Vale carried on scoring goals regardless, ending the month with a 3–1 win in miserable conditions at Aldershot Town.[11] They also welcomed Calvin Andrew, who was signed to provide cover for Tom Pope.[22]

Vale went into the festive schedule with a 2–0 home defeat to Chesterfield, who boasted four former "Valiants" in their team, including goal scorer Jay O'Shea.[11] Adams tried to boost the team's confidence and said he then did "a bit of psychology with the players... sat them down, one-on-one, and reminded them about what and where they are."[23] The talks seemed to work, as a Louis Dodds goal ensured that they came from behind at third-place Cheltenham Town to record a 1–1 draw.[11] Assistant manager Mark Grew also employed psychology, telling the media that "We have the ability to bring people in, but hopefully we won't have to... if we lose three or four games, then the gaffer might have to freshen things up... but if we can pick up maybe nine points over Christmas and new year, then we wouldn't have a problem."[24] On Boxing day, Vale headed to the New York Stadium for the first time and completed the double over Rotherham with a 2–1 win. They ended the year at the top of the table after beating the "Daggers" 3–2 in rain-soaked conditions.

The new year was welcomed with a poor showing at home to Fleetwood that ended in a 2–0 loss. There was good and bad news on 3 January, as Trinidad and Tobago international midfielder Chris Birchall was re-signed to the club as John McCombe was ruled out injured for "at least six weeks".[25][26] Adams responded to the defeat to Fleetwood by making six changes at home to Plymouth, and was rewarded with a comprehensive 4–0 win over a struggling team reduced to ten men in the first half. He also signed experienced Argyle centre-back and captain Darren Purse.[27] Gareth Owen and Darren Murphy both left the club, whilst veteran striker Lee Hughes was signed from Notts County.[28][29] Liam Chilvers was also signed up until the end of the season.[30] Both Purse and Hughes were handed debuts for the top of the table clash with Gillingham on 12 January, and played vital roles in the team's 2–1 victory. Adams then added another new face, with left-sided Sheffield Wednesday player Daniel Jones signed on until the end of the season.[31] With the influx of defenders limiting first-team opportunities, Clayton McDonald joined Bristol Rovers on loan until the end of the season.[32] Jones scored on his debut, helping Vale to earn a point away at AFC Wimbledon in front of the television cameras.

New signings Hughes and Purse gave Vale a 3–0 home win over Accrington on 2 February. Three days later, the bottom club, Wimbledon, arrived at Vale Park, and Vale won the game 3–0 thanks to goals from Hughes and Vincent (2). The next challenge was another club battling against relegation, Barnet, and Adams named the same team for the fourth-successive game; however, for only the second time in the season, Vale fans witnessed a goalless draw.[33] Mid-table Morecambe then arrived at Vale Park as the club honoured former chairman Bill Bell, who died on 12 February; the game ended with a 1–0 defeat to ten-man Morecambe.[34] Calvin Andrew was given a surprise start at Torquay, and rewarded Micky Adams with the only goal of the game. Adams sniped at online critics after the game, saying they "think they’re clever on their computers" but "I’m sure they’ll be disappointed we've won".[35] However, Vale then tasted a 2–0 defeat at home to play-off hopefuls Exeter City, who put in a superb performance; Adams nevertheless found his team's lack of urgency going forward as a "little bit baffling".[36]

Oxford beat Vale 2–1 on 2 March, ending Vale's five-month unbeaten run on the road. Adams then tried to add some steel to his midfield by re-signing tough-tackling Anthony Griffith from Leyton Orient.[37] League Cup finalists Bradford then came to Burslem. He left with a point after the season's first goalless draw at Vale Park. With the gap between Vale and play-offs getting more slender, Southend successfully defended a two-goal lead at half-time to beat Vale 2–1. Adams admitted, "Promotion seems a million miles away with the way we're playing."[38] Things then went from bad to worse at Bristol Rovers, with former Stoke player Ryan Brunt giving the "Gas" a 2–0 win whilst Ashley Vincent suffered a season-ending injury. Adams claimed that "idiots" in a "certain section of the crowd" were giving him "personal" abuse following the run of bad results and his decision to drop fan favourite Ryan Burge for disciplinary reasons.[39] Full-back Adam Yates later said this low-point motivated the players to pull together to prove wrong fans that had barracked Adams.[40] Burge was suspended for two weeks after refusing to apologize for making veiled criticism of the club on Twitter.[41] Vale then put a poor York side to the sword with goals from Myrie-Williams and Hughes. Cheltenham Town proved a much sterner challenge, but Vale recovered from 2–1 down to win a crucial match 3–2, with Tom Pope hitting his third hat-trick of the season.

Vale held second place going into April, and though they failed to capitalize on their rivals dropping points on 1 April, they managed to come from behind to two Marc Richards goals at Chesterfield to secure a point. Four days later, Vale hosted fourth-placed Burton Albion in what was labelled as the biggest game of the season for the "Valiants".[42] Reduced tickets of £9 ensured a crowd of 10,978. They were treated to a comprehensive 7–1 victory as Lee Hughes scored a hat-trick.[43] Bottom-placed Aldershot were the visitors four days later, and were seemingly fired up after manager Andy Scott took offence to Adams saying that "[Aldershot] are down the bottom because [they] deserve to be"; Scott stated that "Sometimes managers say things to deflect from what is going on at their own club. We will find out if they have got the stomach for the fight and see if they want to get promoted as they have got a few clubs chasing them."[44] The match proved to be low on action, and Vale surrendered a half-time lead to draw the game 1–1. On 12 April, it was confirmed that Burge had left the club by mutual consent.[45] Vale could have won promotion the following day, and seemed to have done so after Liam Chilvers made amends for a horrific first half own goal by heading Vale into the lead on 89 minutes; however, an injury-time equaliser left the Vale still just short of their final target. Automatic promotion was effectively secured with a 2–2 draw against Northampton Town on 20 April, the two unlikely goalscorers were Chilvers and former "Valiant" turned "Cobbler" Lee Collins. Promotion was confirmed with a 1–1 draw with Wycombe at Adams Park on the last day of the season, in what was former favourite Gareth Ainsworth's last game as a player.

At the end of the season all out-of-contract players were rewarded with a contract offer, except for Darren Purse, Calvin Andrew, Clayton McDonald, and Kingsley James.[46] Ashley Vincent rejected his contract, choosing instead to leave the club.[47] Despite still being under contract, John McCombe chose to leave the club by mutual consent.[48] Sam Morsy was the third to leave the club, after he rejected the two-year contract on offer in order to sign with Chesterfield.[49][50]

Finances & ownership issues

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The club lost the services of David Artell after Keith Ryder failed to produce the money to complete his takeover.

The trauma of administration still afflicted Port Vale during the 2012–13 season, as Micky Adams was unable to sign any players until the club's new owner, Keith Ryder, was granted clearance from the Football League. The takeover deal was delayed for several weeks after Ryder faced difficulties in passing the league's 'fit and proper persons' test.[51] The administrators lost patience in Ryder, and publicly stated that if Ryder did not pay the £1.3 million takeover sum before 1 August 2012 then his bid would be rejected, and 'plan B' would be implemented.[52] The deadline passed without comment from either party.[53] Confusion reigned as the administrators confirmed that they were open to negotiations with other parties and that it was up to Ryder to complete his takeover, as he had the opportunity, the funds and – according to Ryder himself – the inclination to complete his takeover.[54] Administrator Bob Young stated that "We initially gave him a deadline of the end of June, which was then extended to 6 July. If someone comes back to us with the funding first, then we will obviously take that forward."[55] Ryder responded that "I wake up every morning believing this is the day we will complete the takeover. If the deal does not go through, and someone else buys the club, there will be no-one more disappointed than me."[55]

The time-sensitive nature of the situation was emphasized when the club revealed that the two pre-season friendlies at Vale Park would be played behind closed doors "as the club has been unable to carry out usual maintenance work during the closed season owing to the prolonged period in administration."[56] The 18 players who signed new contracts in the summer did so on the understanding that Ryder would be the club's owner, and so when told that they had to sign revised contracts that offered less security they sought the advice of the Professional Footballers' Association – they technically remained free agents, free to join another club, until either they agreed to the revised contracts or until Ryder completed his takeover.[57][58] All but one of the players agreed to sign revised contracts, allowing the club to at least start the season with a full complement of senior players.[59] Ryder disappeared from the scene completely, losing some £170,000 he had spent on a non-refundable deposit and some pre-seasons costs.[60] The off-field problems even extended to the first-team kit, as they spent the pre-season in only the grey away strip and played the League Cup First Round game in a pink strip.[61] This was because of a problem supplying the black and white home kit. The new away black and gold kit was released in mid-September, and the new home kit was released the following month. Fans could purchase seasons tickets for between £272 and £356, and could purchase matchday tickets for between £20 and £21.[62]

At the end of September, Bob Young said that he was hopeful of selling the club by the end of October at the earliest, and that he would "be disappointed if we haven't sold the club by the end of the year".[63] The new preferred bidder was revealed to be Wirral-based businessman Paul Wildes.[64] On 17 November, the Roy Sproson status was revealed, as was new home shirt sponsor UK Windows Systems Ltd.[65] Wildes completed his £1.25 million takeover of the club on 20 November.[66]

"I have a lot of experience of fixing broken businesses. It's what I'm good at for 30 years. And while this is very different to what I've done before, the model is no different. If you don't have any debt, which we won't have, and you don't have any excessive payrolls for people driven by ego, which we won't have, this business can only go one way and that's up. The only ego issue is ensuring I deliver what I believe this business needs. But everything we do here will be for the benefit of the club, and ultimately for the benefit of the team and the supporters. We'll try to get more people into the ground, increase our turnover, encourage people to spend more within the business and that will enable me to put money directly into the playing budget. There's nothing clever about it. We'll only be custodians of this club, just like everybody else before us, but I'm hoping when people look back they'll see that the club is in a better place than when I arrived... It's a business which needs a lot, but not a lot. That sounds like a contradiction, but there are stupid things which are broken and simply by fixing them we'll make Vale Park a better place. The only way we can influence things on the pitch is by creating the commercial resources to increase our income. We'll filter that down to the squad. It's difficult to list priorities because there are so many things that are broken, damaged or tarnished – from the toilets to the stadium seating to people's perception of the business and the overall match-day experience. But this should not be a one-day-a-week venue. The resources here are massively under-used at the moment and we want to change that... We'll have a board for operational purposes, but there will be just two shareholders – Paul, who will be chairman, and myself, and we'll take no salaries or dividends. We're planning to take nothing out of this club whatsoever. We're bringing in people from within our current group of businesses, but it will be a very flat structure, and even their costs will come from within the group of businesses that we run, so the finance and operational side of things will not be a cost to Port Vale... If you're coming to the game, come earlier, drink our beer and eat our pies because everything we can do to increase turnover will directly go straight into the playing squad, It's that simple."

— Norman Smurthwaite, Wildes' advisor and the new club CEO, speaking upon the completion of the takeover in November.[67]

After securing the promotion, Smurthwaite said, "I've never had any hobbies to speak of, but buying Port Vale has given me a passion. The club has reinvigorated me – it has saved me really, given me a new purpose."[68] On 18 May, Paul Wildes made a shock decision to resign as chairman and sell his 50% stake to Smurthwaite, who became the club's chairman and sole owner; Wildes stated that "From many conversations with Norman, it's clear we have conflicting ideas on how to take Vale forward".[69] It was revealed that Smurthwaite had funded the initial takeover, and that the pair had a disagreement following defeat to Bristol Rovers in March, with Smurthwaite insisting on a more public approach to take pressure off the manager and players.[70]

Cup competitions

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The FA Cup draw was not kind on the "Valiants", as they were forced to travel to Conference play-off hopefuls Forest Green Rovers at The New Lawn. Ashley Vincent and Clayton McDonald (scoring his first goal for the club) opened the scoring before Rovers levelled shortly after half-time; substitute Ben Williamson then scored a late winner to avoid a replay.[11] The second round was also tough, particularly for Micky Adams, who was tasked with overcoming Sheffield United at Bramall Lane; the League One title chasers had sacked Adams and appointed Danny Wilson in May 2011.[71] Ever ready with a quote, Adams said: "I just thought 'All those balls in that bag and they picked this one out'".[72] Vale seemed certain to progress to the third round after Tom Pope put them into the lead before two late goals from Shaun Miller dumped them out of the competition.[11]

As per tradition, Vale exited the League Cup at the first-round stage. They were beaten 3–1 by Championship side Burnley.[73]

The Football League Trophy First Round draw left Vale facing League One leader Tranmere Rovers for the second successive season. Wishing to advance in the competition, Adams picked a strong side, and Vale won the game 2–0 thanks to a brace from Jennison Myrie-Williams, who scored with a 30 yards (27 m) free kick and a penalty.[74][75] For the second round clash with Walsall at the Bescot Stadium, Adams took the unusual move of naming his team a day in advance "to allow Vale fans a fairer chance to decide whether they think it is worth making the short trip down the M6".[76] Nineteen-year-old goalkeeper Sam Johnson made his debut in the game, and was unable to prevent the two "Saddlers" goals in a 2–2 draw.[77] However, in a remarkable turn of events he went on to score the winning penalty as the 22nd penalty taker of the penalty shoot-out.[77] However, suspensions weakened the team – Tom Pope's presence was especially missed – for the encounter with Bradford City, and Vale exited the competition with a 2–0 home defeat.[11]

Results

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Pre-season

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17 July 2012 Alsager Town 0–8 Port Vale The Town Ground
19:30 Report Pope   29'
Vincent   43'
o.g.   45'
Purcell   49', 53', 88'
Williamson   72', 82'
Attendance: 450
18 July 2012 Biddulph Town 0–5 Port Vale Tunstall Road
19:30 Report Purcell   3'
Williamson   18'
Myrie-Williams   30', 41'
Dodds   89'
Referee: Chris Jackson
21 July 2012 Newcastle Town 0–2 Port Vale Lyme Valley Stadium
14:30 Report Pope   41'
Williamson   66'
Attendance: 1,464
25 July 2012 Athlone Town   0–5 Port Vale Athlone Town Stadium
19:30 Report Pope   50', 77', 79', 81'
Dodds   52'
29 July 2012 Galway United   0–3 Port Vale Eamonn Deacy Park
19:30 Report Burge   28'
Dodds  
Williamson   50'
Attendance: 405
31 July 2012 Ilkeston 0–2 Port Vale New Manor Ground
19:30 Report Pearson (og)   35'
Williamson   69'
Attendance: 265
1 August 2012 Stafford Rangers 1–3 Port Vale Marston Road
19:30 Johnson   58' Report Dodds   17'
Myrie-Williams  
Pope   63'
Attendance: 398
Referee: Craig Taylor
3 August 2012 Nantwich Town 0–1 Port Vale The Weaver Stadium
19:30 Report Purcell   90' (pen.) Attendance: 352
Referee: Rob Jones
7 August 2012 Port Vale 0–1 Coventry City Vale Park
19:30 Report McSheffrey   42' Attendance: Closed Doors
8 August 2012 Congleton Town 1–2 Port Vale Booth Street
19:30 Southern Report James
Marland
11 August 2012 Port Vale 1–1 Tranmere Rovers Vale Park
15:00 Goodison (og)   17' Report Stockton   75'

Football League Two

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League table

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Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Promotion, qualification or relegation
1 Gillingham (C, P) 46 23 14 9 66 39 +27 83 Promotion to Football League One
2 Rotherham United (P) 46 24 7 15 74 59 +15 79
3 Port Vale (P) 46 21 15 10 87 52 +35 78
4 Burton Albion 46 22 10 14 71 65 +6 76 Qualification for League Two play-offs[a]
5 Cheltenham Town 46 20 15 11 58 51 +7 75
Updated to match(es) played on 27 April 2013. Source: BBC Sport[needs update]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored
(C) Champions; (P) Promoted
Notes:
  1. ^ Four teams play for one spot and promotion to Football League One.

Results by matchday

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Round12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546
GroundHAAHHAAHAHAHHAAHAHHAHAAAHHAAHHAHAHAHHAAHAHHAHA
ResultWLWDWWWLWDWWWDLDDDWWLDWWLWWDWWDLWLLDLLWWDWDDDD
Position21057322222222222222222212211111222222322222223
Source: Statto[78]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Matches

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18 August 2012 1 Port Vale 3–0 Barnet Vale Park
15:00 Dodds   8'
Myrie-Williams   20' (pen.)
Pope   75'
Report Attendance: 4,608
Referee: Scott Duncan
21 August 2012 2 Accrington Stanley 2–0 Port Vale Crown Ground
19:45 Amond   43' (pen.)
Gray   90+3'
Report Attendance: 1,946
Referee: David Webb
25 August 2012 3 Morecambe 1–3 Port Vale Globe Arena
15:00 Ellison   32' Report Morsy   1'
McCombe   89'
Pope   90+4'
Attendance: 2,164
Referee: Mark Brown
1 September 2012 4 Port Vale 1–1 Torquay United Vale Park
15:00 Saah   69' (o.g.) Report Morris   39' Attendance: 4,721
Referee: Steve Bratt
8 September 2012 5 Port Vale 6–2 Rotherham United Vale Park
15:00 Dodds   5'
Pope   16', 21', 68', 78'
Vincent   28'
Report O'Connor   31'
Nardiello   54' (pen.)
Attendance: 5,544
Referee: Mick Russell
15 September 2012 6 Plymouth Argyle 1–3 Port Vale Home Park
15:00 Williams   18' Report Myrie-Williams   66' (pen.)
Vincent   74'
Williamson   78'
Attendance: 6,080
Referee: Darren Sheldrake
18 September 2012 7 Fleetwood Town 2–5 Port Vale Highbury Stadium
19:45 Brown   39'
Gillespie   84' (pen.)
Report Pope   29', 60'
Vincent   34'
Dodds   67', 78'
Attendance: 3,392
Referee: Nigel Miller
22 September 2012 8 Port Vale 0–2 Gillingham Vale Park
15:00 Report Burton   11'
Whelpdale   25'
Attendance: 6,924
Referee: Darren Bond
29 September 2012 9 Bradford City 0–1 Port Vale Valley Parade
15:00 Report Pope   37' Attendance: 11,030
Referee: Paul Tierney
2 October 2012 10 Port Vale 1–1 Dagenham & Redbridge Vale Park
19:45 Myrie-Williams   75' Report Howell   72' Attendance: 4,355
Referee: Tony Harrington
6 October 2012 11 Exeter City 0–2 Port Vale St James Park
15:00 Report Pope   40', 62' Attendance: 3,938
Referee: Robert Lewis
15 October 2012 12 Port Vale 3–0 Oxford United Vale Park
19:45 Pope   30'
Vincent   51'
Morsy   61'
Report Attendance: 4,596
Referee: Keith Stroud
20 October 2012 13 Port Vale 4–1 Wycombe Wanderers Vale Park
15:00 Williamson   59'
Pope   66', 87'
Vincent   90'
Report Grant   20' (pen.) Attendance: 5,303
Referee: Carl Boyeson
23 October 2012 14 Burton Albion 1–1 Port Vale Pirelli Stadium
19:45 Chappell   73' Report Williamson   75' Attendance: 3,975
Referee: Graham Salisbury
27 October 2012 15 Northampton Town 2–0 Port Vale Sixfields Stadium
15:00 Nicholls   20'
Moult   43'
Report Attendance: 5,061
Referee: Richard Clark
6 November 2012 16 Port Vale 2–2 Rochdale Vale Park
19:45 Pope   27', 62' Report Grant   73'
Tutte   87'
Attendance: 4,139
Referee: Andy Woolmer
10 November 2012 17 Southend United 0–0 Port Vale Roots Hall
15:00 Report Attendance: 4,876
Referee: Gavin Ward
17 November 2012 18 Port Vale 2–2 York City Vale Park
15:00 Burge   30'
Myrie-Williams   44' (pen.)
Report Rodman   67'
Reed   89'
Attendance: 5,380
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
20 November 2012 19 Port Vale 4–0 Bristol Rovers Vale Park
19:45 Pope   20', 22', 67'
Williamson   35'
Report Attendance: 4,177
Referee: Andrew Madley
24 November 2012 20 Aldershot Town 1–3 Port Vale Recreation Ground
15:00 López   29' Report Williamson   17'
Burge   47'
Myrie-Williams   76' (pen.)
Attendance: 1,992
Referee: Mick Russell
8 December 2012 21 Port Vale 0–2 Chesterfield Vale Park
15:00 Report O'Shea   37'
Darikwa   64'
Attendance: 5,298
Referee: Brendan Malone
15 December 2012 22 Cheltenham Town 1–1 Port Vale Whaddon Road
15:00 Carter   61' Report Dodds   67' Attendance: 3,670
Referee: Mark Heywood
26 December 2012 23 Rotherham United 1–2 Port Vale New York Stadium
15:00 Agard   83' Report Dodds   55'
Pope   63'
Attendance: 10,502
Referee: Trevor Kettle
29 December 2012 24 Dagenham & Redbridge 2–3 Port Vale Victoria Road
15:00 Williams   18' (pen.)
Doe   84'
Report Pope   4'
Myrie-Williams   9'
Dodds   39'
Attendance: 1,697
Referee: David Phillips
1 January 2013 25 Port Vale 0–2 Fleetwood Town Vale Park
19:45 Report Ball   26'
Goodall   39'
Attendance: 6,092
Referee: Paul Tierney
5 January 2013 26 Port Vale 4–0 Plymouth Argyle Vale Park
15:00 Myrie-Williams   32'
Pope   55', 83'
Williamson   77'
Report Attendance: 5,168
Referee: Scott Mathieson
12 January 2013 27 Gillingham 1–2 Port Vale Priestfield Stadium
15:00 Kedwell   21' Report Pope   4'
Hughes   20'
Attendance: 8,392
Referee: Darren Sheldrake
24 January 2013 28 AFC Wimbledon 2–2 Port Vale Kingsmeadow
19:45 Midson   8', 42' (pen.) Report Jones   44'
Pope   58'
Attendance: 3,395
Referee: Graham Scott
2 February 2013 29 Port Vale 3–0 Accrington Stanley Vale Park
15:00 Hughes   50', 66'
Purse   54'
Report Attendance: 5,172
Referee: Andy Davies
5 February 2013 30 Port Vale 3–0 AFC Wimbledon Vale Park
19:45 Hughes   13'
Vincent   35', 75'
Report Attendance: 5,567
Referee: Mark Brown
9 February 2013 31 Barnet 0–0 Port Vale Underhill Stadium
15:00 Report Attendance: 2,398
Referee: Graham Salisbury
16 February 2013 32 Port Vale 0–1 Morecambe Vale Park
15:00 Report Alessandra   63' Attendance: 5,513
Referee: David Phillips
23 February 2013 33 Torquay United 0–1 Port Vale Plainmoor
15:00 Report Andrew   28' Attendance: 2,679
Referee: Keith Hill
26 February 2013 34 Port Vale 0–2 Exeter City Vale Park
19:45 Report Cureton   11'
Coles   33'
Attendance: 4,480
Referee: Gary Sutton
2 March 2013 35 Oxford United 2–1 Port Vale Kassam Stadium
15:00 Potter   10'
Smalley   76'
Report Loft   16' Attendance: 6,322
Referee: Eddie Ilderton
5 March 2013 36 Port Vale 0–0 Bradford City Vale Park
15:00 Report Attendance: 4,281
Referee: James Adcock
9 March 2013 37 Port Vale 1–2 Southend United Vale Park
15:00 Hughes   64' Report Clohessy   19' (pen.)
Assombalonga   31'
Attendance: 4,858
Referee: Darren Sheldrake
12 March 2013 38 Bristol Rovers 2–0 Port Vale Memorial Stadium
19:45 Brunt   7', 38' Report Attendance: 5,111
Referee: Fred Graham
16 March 2013 39 York City 0–2 Port Vale Bootham Crescent
15:00 Report Myrie-Williams   7'
Hughes   48'
Attendance: 3,945
Referee: Andy Haines
29 March 2013 40 Port Vale 3–2 Cheltenham Town Vale Park
15:00 Pope   19', 58', 74' Report Mohamed   47'
Benson   54'
Attendance: 5,867
Referee: Scott Mathieson
1 April 2013 41 Chesterfield 2–2 Port Vale Proact Stadium
19:45 Richards   14', 19' Report Purse   5'
Pope   85'
Attendance: 6,669
Referee: Simon Hooper
5 April 2013 42 Port Vale 7–1 Burton Albion Vale Park
19:45 Hughes   12', 22' (pen.), 51' (pen.)
Birchall   25'
Pope   56'
Williamson   73', 90'
Report Paterson   70' Attendance: 10,978
Referee: Gavin Ward
9 April 2013 43 Port Vale 1–1 Aldershot Town Vale Park
19:45 Myrie-Williams   45' Report McCallum   74' Attendance: 6,197
Referee: Lee Collins
13 April 2013 44 Rochdale 2–2 Port Vale Spotland Stadium
15:00 Chilvers   31' (og.)
Kennedy   90+3'
Report Pope   34'
Chilvers   89'
Attendance: 5,042
Referee: Richard Clark
20 April 2013 45 Port Vale 2–2 Northampton Town Vale Park
15:00 Chilvers   38'
Collins   86' (og.)
Report Carlisle   2'
O'Donovan   69'
Attendance: 12,496
Referee: Keith Hill
27 April 2013 46 Wycombe Wanderers 1–1 Port Vale Adams Park
15:00 Morgan   31' (pen.) Report Hughes   79' Attendance: 7,120
Referee: Mark Haywood

FA Cup

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3 November 2012 First round Forest Green Rovers 2–3 Port Vale The New Lawn
15:00 Norwood   34'
Oshodi   49'
Report Vincent   7'
McDonald   12'
Williamson   80'
Attendance: 1,753
Referee: Philip Gibbs
1 December 2012 Second round Sheffield United 2–1 Port Vale Bramall Lane
15:00 Miller   90', 90+5' Report Pope   33' Attendance: 10,215
Referee: Kevin Wright

League Cup

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14 August 2012 First round Port Vale 1–3 Burnley Vale Park
19:45 Shuker   9' Report McCann   11'
Austin   29'
Marney   42'
Attendance: 4,055
Referee: Andy Haines

Football League Trophy

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4 September 2012 First round Port Vale 2–0 Tranmere Rovers Vale Park
19:15 Myrie-Williams   57', 75' (pen.) Report Attendance: 2,702
Referee: Steve Martin
9 October 2012 Second round Walsall 2–2
(5–6 p)
Port Vale Bescot Stadium
19:45 Cuvelier   26' (pen.)
Grigg   47'
Report Burge   49'
Pope   61'
Attendance: 2,845
Referee: Darren Deadman
Penalties
Bowerman  
Paterson  
Taylor  
Cuvelier  
Featherstone  
Taundry  
Brandy  
Butler  
Downing  
Jones  
Darlow  
Myrie-Williams  
Shuker  
Burge  
Pope  
Davis  
Taylor  
Dodds  
Lloyd  
Yates  
McCombe  
Johnson  
4 December 2012 Third round Port Vale 0–2 Bradford City Vale Park
19:15 Report Jones   46'
Forsyth   55'
Attendance: 2,786
Referee: Darren Drysdale

Squad statistics

edit

Appearances and goals

edit
 
Louis Dodds contributed seven goals.
 
Richard Duffy played almost 40 games.
Pos. # Name League Two FA Cup League Cup Football League Trophy Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
GK 1   Chris Neal 46 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 51 0
DF 2   Adam Yates 26 0 2 0 1 0 3 0 32 0
MF 3   Rob Taylor 28 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 32 0
MF 4   Anthony Griffith 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0
DF 5   John McCombe 32 1 1 0 1 0 3 0 37 1
DF 6   Darren Purse 17 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 2
MF 7   Doug Loft 32 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 36 1
FW 8   Louis Dodds 30 7 2 0 1 0 3 0 36 7
MF 9   Jennison Myrie-Williams 44 9 2 0 1 0 3 2 50 11
MF 10   Ashley Vincent 34 7 2 1 1 0 3 0 40 8
FW 11   Tom Pope 46 31 2 1 1 0 2 1 51 33
GK 12   Sam Johnson 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
DF 14   Clayton McDonald 22 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 26 1
MF 15   Chris Shuker 29 0 1 0 1 1 3 0 34 1
FW 16   Calvin Andrew 22 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 24 1
DF 17   Joe Davis 7 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 10 0
MF 18   Sam Morsy 28 2 1 0 1 0 2 0 32 2
FW 19   Ben Williamson 33 8 2 1 1 0 3 0 39 9
DF 21   Kingsley James 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
MF 22   Ryan Lloyd 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 7 0
DF 24   Richard Duffy 36 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 39 0
DF 25   Liam Chilvers 20 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 21 2
MF 26   Chris Birchall 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 1
FW 29   Lee Hughes 18 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 10
GK 32   Ryan Boot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
DF 36   Daniel Jones 16 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 1
Players that left the club mid-season:
MF 4   Darren Murphy 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
DF 6   Gareth Owen 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
MF 16   Lewis Haldane 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
DF 20   David Artell 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MF 20   Sean McAllister 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0
MF 23   Ryan Burge 30 2 2 0 1 0 2 1 35 3

Top scorers

edit
Place Position Nation Number Name League Two FA Cup League Cup Football League Trophy Total
1 FW   England 11 Tom Pope 31 1 0 1 33
2 MF   England 9 Jennison Myrie-Williams 9 0 0 2 11
3 FW   England 29 Lee Hughes 10 0 0 0 10
4 FW   England 19 Ben Williamson 8 1 0 0 9
5 MF   England 10 Ashley Vincent 7 1 0 0 8
6 FW   England 8 Louis Dodds 7 0 0 0 7
7 MF   England 23 Ryan Burge 2 0 0 1 3
8 DF   England 25 Liam Chilvers 2 0 0 0 2
= MF   Egypt 18 Sam Morsy 2 0 0 0 2
= DF   England 6 Darren Purse 2 0 0 0 2
= Own goals 2 0 0 0 2
12 DF   England 16 Calvin Andrew 1 0 0 0 1
= MF   Trinidad 7 Chris Birchall 1 0 0 0 1
= DF   England 36 Daniel Jones 1 0 0 0 1
= DF   England 7 Doug Loft 1 0 0 0 1
= DF   England 5 John McCombe 1 0 0 0 1
= DF   England 14 Clayton McDonald 0 1 0 0 1
= MF   England 15 Chris Shuker 0 0 1 0 1
TOTALS 87 4 1 4 96

Disciplinary record

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Number Nation Position Name League Two FA Cup League Cup League Trophy Total
                   
18   Egypt MF Sam Morsy 7 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 9 1
7   England DF Doug Loft 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 1
5   England DF John McCombe 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1
24   Wales DF Richard Duffy 8 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 10 0
23   England MF Ryan Burge 6 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 8 0
14   England DF Clayton McDonald 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
9   England MF Jennison Myrie-Williams 5 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 7 0
11   England FW Tom Pope 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
29   England FW Lee Hughes 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
10   England MF Ashley Vincent 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 0
36   England DF Daniel Jones 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
25   England DF Liam Chilvers 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
8   England FW Louis Dodds 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
1   England GK Chris Neal 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
6   England DF Darren Purse 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
4   Montserrat MF Anthony Griffith 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
3   England MF Rob Taylor 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
26   Trinidad MF Chris Birchall 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
17   England DF Joe Davis 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
6   Wales DF Gareth Owen 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
15   England MF Chris Shuker 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
TOTALS 82 3 5 0 1 0 6 0 94 3

Sourced from Soccerway.[79]

Awards

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End of Season Awards Winner[80]
Player of the Year Tom Pope
Away Travel Player of the Year Chris Neal
Players' Player of the Year Chris Neal
Young Player of the Year Sam Johnson
Youth Player of the Year Dougie Price
Goal of the Season Louis Dodds (vs Fleetwood Town, 18 September 2012)

Transfers

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Anthony Griffith was one of a number of former Vale players to make a return to the club.
 
Gareth Owen retired from professional football.

Transfers in

edit
Date from Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref.
2 July 2012 MF   Jennison Myrie-Williams Stevenage Free [2]
2 July 2012 MF   Darren Murphy Stevenage Free [2]
2 July 2012 MF   Ashley Vincent Colchester United Free [2]
6 July 2012 DF   David Artell Crewe Alexandra Free [3]
6 July 2012 DF   Richard Duffy Exeter City Free [3]
6 July 2012 GK   Chris Neal Shrewsbury Town Free [3]
9 November 2012 MF   Sean McAllister Shrewsbury Town Free [17]
26 November 2012 FW   Calvin Andrew Crystal Palace Free [22]
3 January 2013 MF   Chris Birchall   Columbus Crew Free [25]
5 January 2013 DF   Darren Purse Plymouth Argyle Free [27]
8 January 2013 FW   Lee Hughes Notts County Free [29]
10 January 2013 DF   Liam Chilvers AFC Telford United Free [30]
17 January 2013 DF   Daniel Jones Sheffield Wednesday Free [31]

Transfers out

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Date from Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref.
11 August 2012 DF   David Artell Northampton Town Rejected contract [81]
7 October 2012 MF   Lewis Haldane Retired [15]
8 January 2013 MF   Sean McAllister   Cowdenbeath Contract expired [82][83]
8 January 2013 MF   Darren Murphy Macclesfield Town Released [28]
8 January 2013 DF   Gareth Owen Retired [28][84]
12 April 2013 MF   Ryan Burge Newport County Released [45][85]
2 May 2013 DF   Darren Purse   IFK Mariehamn Released [46][86]
2 May 2013 FW   Calvin Andrew Mansfield Town Released [46][87]
2 May 2013 DF   Clayton McDonald Grimsby Town Released [46][88]
2 May 2013 MF   Kingsley James Hereford United Released [46][89]
21 May 2013 MF   Ashley Vincent Cheltenham Town Rejected contract [47][90]
31 May 2013 DF   John McCombe Mansfield Town Mutual consent [48][91]
5 June 2013 MF   Sam Morsy Chesterfield Rejected contract [49][50]

Loans in

edit
Start date Position Nationality Name From End date Ref.
22 November 2012 DF   Liam Chilvers AFC Telford United 5 January 2013 [19]
4 March 2013 MF   Anthony Griffith Leyton Orient 1 May 2013 [37]

Loans out

edit
Start date Position Nationality Name To End date Ref.
21 January 2013 DF   Clayton McDonald Bristol Rovers 22 April 2013 [32]
28 January 2013 DF   Kingsley James Hereford United 22 April 2013 [92]

References

edit
Specific
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General