2012–13 Port Vale F.C. season

Port Vale
2012–13 season
Chairman Paul Wildes (November onwards)
Manager Micky Adams
Stadium Vale Park
Football League Two 3rd (78 points)
FA Cup Second Round
(knocked out by Sheffield United)
League Cup First Round
(knocked out by Burnley)
League Trophy Third Round
(knocked out by Bradford City)
Player of the Year Tom Pope
Top goalscorer League: Tom Pope (31)
All: Tom Pope (33)
Highest home attendance 12,496 vs. Northampton Town, 20 April 2013
Lowest home attendance 2,702 vs. Tranmere Rovers, 4 September 2012
Average home league attendance 5,727
White jersey with black arms, black shorts, black socks
Home colours
Gold jersey, black shorts, black socks
Away colours
Third colours
← 2011–12 2013–14 →

The 2012–13 season was Port Vale's 101st season of football in the 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. The club was instead taken over by Paul Wildes on 20 November.

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 then 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 went on to 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

League Two

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 eleven 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 in to 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 then ended the year 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 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. 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".[35]

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.[36] League Cup finalists Bradford then came to Burslem, and left with a point after the first goalless draw at Vale Park of the season. With the gap between Vale and play-offs getting ever more slender, Southend then successfully defended a two-goal lead at half-time to beat Vale 2–1. Adams admitted that "Promotion seems a million miles away with the way we're playing."[37] 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.[38] Full-back Adam Yates later said this low-point motivated the players to pull together to prove wrong fans that had barracked Adams.[39] Burge was suspended for two weeks after refusing to apologize for making veiled criticism of the club on Twitter.[40] 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 were holding onto 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".[41] Reduced tickets of £9 ensured a crowd of 10,978, and they were treated to a comprehensive 7–1 victory as Lee Hughes scored a hat-trick.[42] Bottom-placed Aldershot were the visitors four days later, and were seemingly fired up after manager Andy Scott took offense 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."[43] 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.[44] 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 equalizer 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.[45] Ashley Vincent rejected his contract, choosing instead to leave the club.[46] Despite still being under contract, John McCombe chose to leave the club by mutual consent.[47] Sam Morsy was the third to leave the club, after he rejected the two-year contract on offer in order to sign with Chesterfield.[48][49]

Finances & ownership issues

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 a number of weeks after Ryder faced difficulties in passing the league's 'fit and proper persons' test.[50] 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.[51] The deadline passed without comment from either party.[52] 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.[53] 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."[54] 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."[54]

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."[55] 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.[56][57] 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.[58] Ryder disappeared from the scene completely, losing some £170,000 he had spent on a non-refundable deposit and some pre-seasons costs.[59] 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.[60] 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.[61]

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".[62] The new preferred bidder was revealed to be Wirral-based businessman Paul Wildes.[63] On 17 November, the Roy Sproson status was revealed, as was new home shirt sponsor UK Windows Systems Ltd.[64] Wildes completed his £1.25 million takeover of the club on 20 November.[65]

"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.[66]

After promotion was secured, Smurthwaite said that "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."[67] 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".[68] 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 Smuthwaite insisting on a more public approach to take pressure off the manager and players.[69]

Cup competitions

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.[70] Ever ready with a quote, Adams said: "I just thought 'All those balls in that bag and they picked this one out'".[71] 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.[72]

The Football League Trophy First Round draw left Vale facing League One leaders 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-yard free kick and a penalty.[73][74] 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".[75] 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.[76] 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.[76] 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]

League table

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[lower-alpha 1]
5 Cheltenham Town 46 20 15 11 58 51 +7 75
Updated to match(es) played on 27 April 2013. Source: BBC Sport
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored
(C) Champion; (P) Promoted.
Notes:
  1. ↑ Four teams play for one spot and promotion to Football League One.

Results

Port Vale's score comes first

Legend

Win Draw Loss

Pre-season

Football League Two

Round12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546
GroundHAAHHAAHAHAHHAAHAHHAHAAAHHAAHHAHAHAHHAAHAHHAHA
Result W L W D W W W L W D W W W D L D D D W W L D W W L W W D W W D L W L L D L L W W D W D D D D
Position 2 10 5 7 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3

Sourced from Statto.[77]

FA Cup

Main article: 2012–13 FA Cup

League Cup

League Trophy

Squad statistics

Appearances and goals

Louis Dodds contributed seven goals.
Richard Duffy played almost 40 games.
Pos. # Name League Two FA Cup League Cup League Trophy Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
GK1England Chris Neal 460201020510
DF2England Adam Yates 260201030320
MF3England Rob Taylor 280200020320
MF4Montserrat Anthony Griffith 100000000100
DF5England John McCombe 321101030371
DF6England Darren Purse 172000000172
DF7England Doug Loft 321101020361
FW8England Louis Dodds 307201030367
MF9England Jennison Myrie-Williams 4492010325011
MF10England Ashley Vincent 347211030408
FW11England Tom Pope 46312110215133
GK12England Sam Johnson 0000001010
DF14England Clayton McDonald 220211010261
MF15England Chris Shuker 290101130341
FW16England Calvin Andrew 221100010241
DF17England Joe Davis 70101010100
MF18Egypt Sam Morsy 282101020322
FW19England Ben Williamson 338211030399
DF21England Kingsley James 6010000070
MF22England Ryan Lloyd 6000001070
DF24Wales Richard Duffy 360100020390
DF25England Liam Chilvers 202000010212
MF26Trinidad and Tobago Chris Birchall 111000000111
FW29England Lee Hughes 18100000001810
GK32England Ryan Boot 0000000000
DF36England Daniel Jones 161000000161
Players that left the club mid-season:
MF4Republic of Ireland Darren Murphy 3000000030
DF6Wales Gareth Owen 2000000020
MF16Wales Lewis Haldane 0000000000
DF20Gibraltar David Artell 0000000000
MF20England Sean McAllister 2000001030
MF23England Ryan Burge 302201021353

Top scorers

Place Position Nation Number Name League Two FA Cup League Cup League Trophy Total
1FW England11Tom Pope3110133
2MF England9Jennison Myrie-Williams900211
3FW England29Lee Hughes1000010
4FW England19Ben Williamson81009
5MF England10Ashley Vincent71008
6FW England8Louis Dodds70007
7MF England23Ryan Burge20013
8DF England25Liam Chilvers20002
=MF Egypt18Sam Morsy20002
=DF England6Darren Purse20002
=–––Own goals20002
12DF England16Calvin Andrew10001
=MF Trinidad and Tobago7Chris Birchall10001
=DF England36Daniel Jones10001
=DF England7Doug Loft10001
=DF England5John McCombe10001
=DF England14Clayton McDonald01001
=MF England15Chris Shuker00101
TOTALS 87 4 1 4 96

Disciplinary record

Number Nation Position Name League Two FA Cup League Cup League Trophy Total
Red card Red card Red card Red card Red card
18 EgyptMFSam Morsy7100101091
7 EnglandDFDoug Loft7100000071
5 EnglandDFJohn McCombe4100000041
24 WalesDFRichard Duffy80100010100
23 EnglandMFRyan Burge6010001080
14 EnglandDFClayton McDonald7000000070
9 EnglandMFJennison Myrie-Williams5000002070
11 EnglandFWTom Pope6010000070
29 EnglandFWLee Hughes6000000060
10 EnglandMFAshley Vincent4000001050
36 EnglandDFDaniel Jones4000000040
25 EnglandDFLiam Chilvers3000000030
8 EnglandFWLouis Dodds3000000030
1 EnglandGKChris Neal3000000030
6 EnglandDFDarren Purse3000000030
4Montserrat MontserratMFAnthony Griffith2000000020
3 EnglandMFRob Taylor1010000020
26 Trinidad and TobagoMFChris Birchall1000000010
17 EnglandDFJoe Davis0010000010
6 WalesDFGareth Owen1000000010
15 EnglandMFChris Shuker1000000010
TOTALS 82 3 5 0 1 0 6 0 94 3

Sourced from Soccerway.[78]

Awards

End of Season Awards Winner[79]
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

Anthony Griffith was one of a number of former Vale players to make a return to the club.
Gareth Owen retired from professional football.
Players transferred in
Date Pos. Name Previous Club Fee Ref.
2 July 2012 MF England Jennison Myrie-Williams England Stevenage Free [2]
2 July 2012 MF Republic of Ireland Darren Murphy England Stevenage Free [2]
2 July 2012 MF England Ashley Vincent England Colchester United Free [2]
6 July 2012 DF Gibraltar David Artell England Crewe Alexandra Free [3]
6 July 2012 DF Wales Richard Duffy England Exeter City Free [3]
6 July 2012 GK England Chris Neal England Shrewsbury Town Free [3]
9 November 2012 MF England Sean McAllister England Shrewsbury Town Free [17]
26 November 2012 FW England Calvin Andrew England Crystal Palace Free [22]
3 January 2013 MF Trinidad and Tobago Chris Birchall United States Columbus Crew Free [25]
5 January 2013 DF England Darren Purse England Plymouth Argyle Free [27]
8 January 2013 FW England Lee Hughes England Notts County Free [29]
10 January 2013 DF England Liam Chilvers England AFC Telford United Free [30]
17 January 2013 DF England Daniel Jones England Sheffield Wednesday Free [31]
Players transferred out
Date Pos. Name To Fee Ref.
11 August 2012 DF Gibraltar David Artell England Northampton Town Rejected contract [80]
7 October 2012 MF Wales Lewis Haldane N/A Retired [15]
8 January 2013 MF England Sean McAllister Scotland Cowdenbeath Contract expired [81][82]
8 January 2013 MF Republic of Ireland Darren Murphy England Macclesfield Town Released [28]
8 January 2013 DF Wales Gareth Owen N/A Retired [28][83]
12 April 2013 MF England Ryan Burge England Newport County Released [44][84]
2 May 2013 DF England Darren Purse Finland IFK Mariehamn Released [45][85]
2 May 2013 FW England Calvin Andrew England Mansfield Town Released [45][86]
2 May 2013 DF England Clayton McDonald England Grimsby Town Released [45][87]
2 May 2013 MF England Kingsley James England Hereford United Released [45][88]
21 May 2013 MF England Ashley Vincent England Cheltenham Town Rejected contract [46][89]
31 May 2013 DF England John McCombe England Mansfield Town Mutual consent [47][90]
5 June 2013 MF Egypt Sam Morsy England Chesterfield Rejected contract [48][49]
Players loaned in
Date from Pos. Name From Date to Ref.
22 November 2012 DF England Liam Chilvers England AFC Telford United 5 January 2013 [19]
4 March 2013 MF Montserrat Anthony Griffith England Leyton Orient 1 May 2013 [36]
Players loaned out
Date from Pos. Name To Date to Ref.
21 January 2013 DF England Clayton McDonald England Bristol Rovers 22 April 2013 [32]
28 January 2013 DF England Kingsley James England Hereford United 22 April 2013 [91]

References

Specific
  1. ↑ "Promotion outsiders will make bookies think again, vows Micky Adams". The Sentinel. 19 June 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Port Vale sign Myrie-Williams, Vincent and Murphy". BBC Sport. 2 July 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Port Vale sign Richard Duffy, Chris Neal and David Artell". BBC Sport. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  4. ↑ "Liam Dickinson". port-vale.co.uk. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  5. ↑ "Tadhg Purcell handed Valiants opportunity". The Sentinel. 4 July 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2012.
  6. ↑ "Port Vale boss checks out Darren Byfield as search for striker goes on". The Sentinel. 4 August 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  7. ↑ "Doug Loft named as new Valiants captain". The Sentinel. 27 July 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  8. ↑ "It smells like team spirit, but true test is still to come". The Sentinel. 4 August 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  9. ↑ Johnson, Dave (11 August 2012). "Artell opts not to sign". port-vale.co.uk. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  10. ↑ "Match analysis: Port Vale 1, Tranmere Rovers 1". The Sentinel. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 "A look back at the first five months at Vale Park". The Sentinel. 24 December 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  12. ↑ "Match statistics". The Sentinel. 22 August 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  13. ↑ "npower League 2 Manager and Player of the Month". port-vale.co.uk. 12 October 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  14. ↑ "Doug Loft injury at Exeter City a major blow for Micky Adams". The Sentinel. 8 October 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
  15. 1 2 "Haldane opts to call it a day". The Sentinel. 8 October 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
  16. ↑ "Port Vale's Ashley Vincent: League Two Player of the Month award is team effort". The Sentinel. 16 November 2012. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
  17. 1 2 "Port Vale sign Sean McAllister on short-term deal". BBC Sport. 9 November 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  18. ↑ Pearson, Guy (19 November 2012). "Sloppy Vale let it slip as York fight back". The Sentinel. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  19. 1 2 "Telford's Liam Chilvers completes return move to Port Vale". BBC Sport. 22 November 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
  20. ↑ "Valiants wait on Hughes signing". The Sentinel. 23 November 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  21. ↑ "Lee Hughes: Port Vale miss out on signing Notts County striker". BBC Sport. 23 November 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  22. 1 2 "Calvin Andrew pledges to thrill the fans". The Sentinel. 27 November 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  23. ↑ "Port Vale: Micky Adams delves into players' minds with psychology sessions". The Sentinel. 14 December 2012. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
  24. ↑ "Port Vale may steer clear of transfer market". The Sentinel. 18 December 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  25. 1 2 "Port Vale: Micky Adams signs Chris Birchall for third time". BBC Sport. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  26. ↑ Johnson, Dave (3 January 2013). "Defender out for at least six weeks and possibly more". port-vale.co.uk. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  27. 1 2 "Port Vale sign former Plymouth Argyle defender". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  28. 1 2 3 "Port Vale: Injury-hit Gareth Owen and Darren Murphy allowed to exit". BBC Sport. 8 January 2013. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  29. 1 2 "Lee Hughes: Notts County striker exits Meadow Lane for Port Vale". BBC Sport. 7 January 2013. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  30. 1 2 Pearson, Guy (10 January 2013). "Chilvers extends Vale stay". The Sentinel. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  31. 1 2 Johnson, Dave. "Daniel Jones joins Vale until the end of the season". port-vale.co.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  32. 1 2 "Clayton McDonald joins Bristol Rovers on loan from Port Vale". BBC Sport. 21 January 2013. Retrieved 21 January 2013.
  33. ↑ Pearson, guy (11 February 2013). "Micky Adams to consider changes on the road after Barnet draw". The Sentinel. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  34. ↑ "Micky Adams remains upbeat despite Morecambe defeat". The Sentinel. 18 February 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  35. ↑ "Micky Adams searches for answers after latest home defeat to Exeter City". The Sentinel. 27 February 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
  36. 1 2 Johnson, Dave. "Griff joins on loan". port-vale.co.uk. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  37. ↑ Pearson, Guy (11 March 2013). "Port Vale must snap out of shocking slump after Southend defeat". t. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  38. ↑ Pearson, Guy (13 March 2013). "Adams blasts critics after defeat". The Sentinel. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  39. ↑ "Yates looks back on dark day as turning point for campaign". The Sentinel. 7 May 2013. Retrieved 7 May 2013.
  40. ↑ "Two-week ban for Burge the defiant". The Sentinel. 16 March 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
  41. ↑ Tideswell, Martin (5 April 2013). "Derby victory can push Port Vale ever closer to League One". The Sentinel. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  42. ↑ "Valiants run riot to crush promotion rivals". The Sentinel. 6 April 2013. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  43. ↑ "Port Vale v Aldershot". BBC Sport. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  44. 1 2 Pearson, Guy (12 April 2013). "Ryan Burge leaves Port Vale by mutual consent". The Sentinel. Retrieved 12 April 2013.
  45. 1 2 3 4 5 "Four players released by Valiants". The Sentinel. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
  46. 1 2 "Port Vale: Ashley Vincent to leave after rejecting new contract". BBC Sport. 21 May 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  47. 1 2 Smith, Pete (31 May 2013). "Centre-back John McCombe leaves Vale Park". The Sentinel. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
  48. 1 2 "Morsy must learn lessons at his new club". The Sentinel. 6 June 2013. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  49. 1 2 "Morsy Agrees Deal". 29 June 2013. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  50. ↑ "Keith Ryder takeover hit by another delay". The Sentinel. 18 July 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  51. ↑ "Administrator warns Keith Ryder he must complete deal today". The Sentinel. 31 July 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  52. ↑ "Keith Ryder wants more time to complete deal". The Sentinel. 1 August 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  53. ↑ "Port Vale administrators enter talks with new bidders". BBC Sport. 1 August 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  54. 1 2 Hogg, Chris (1 August 2012). "Administrators to talk with other interested parties as Keith Ryder struggles to complete move". The Sentinel. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  55. ↑ "Club Statement". port-vale.co.uk. 2 August 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
  56. ↑ "Port Vale: Players seek advice from PFA over legality of contracts". BBC Sport. 8 August 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  57. ↑ "As contract row rumbles on, Vale have just five senior pros for cup tie". The Sentinel. 9 August 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  58. ↑ Johnson, Dave (11 August 2012). "ALL players apart from Dave Artell sign contracts". port-vale.co.uk. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  59. ↑ "Administrator stunned by Keith Ryder's about-turn". The Sentinel. 1 September 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  60. ↑ Johnson, Dave (14 August 2012). "Pink Kits". port-vale.co.uk. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  61. ↑ "BBC Sport Price of Football survey 2012". BBC News. 18 October 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  62. ↑ "Port Vale hopeful of late October takeover from new bidders". BBC Sport. 26 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  63. ↑ "Port Vale takeover: Paul Wildes expected to become new owner". BBC Sport. 15 October 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  64. ↑ "Window firm to open doors after clinching Port Vale deal". The Sentinel. 17 November 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
  65. ↑ "Port Vale exit administration as Paul Wildes completes takeover". BBC Sport. 20 November 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  66. ↑ "Port Vale takeover: 'Fans are key to the future prosperity of club'". The Sentinel. 21 November 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  67. ↑ "Smurf won over by the passion of supporters". The Sentinel. 23 April 2013. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  68. ↑ "Port Vale: Chairman Paul Wildes steps down after six-month reign". BBC Sport. 18 May 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  69. ↑ Pearson, Guy (18 May 2013). "Paul Wildes walks from Port Vale". The Sentinel. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  70. ↑ "Adams to make Sheffield United cup return". The Sentinel. 5 November 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
  71. ↑ "Port Vale manager Micky Adams awaits Sheffield United return". BBC Sport. 5 November 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
  72. ↑ "Capital One League Cup match action v Burnley". The Sentinel. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  73. ↑ "Port Vale 2 Tranmere 0: Adams 'right to pick strong team' for Johnstone's Paint Trophy". The Sentinel. 5 September 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  74. ↑ "Port Vale 2, Tranmere Rovers 0". The Sentinel. 5 September 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  75. ↑ "Port Vale's Doug Loft suffers injury as Lewis Haldane retires". BBC Sport. 8 October 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
  76. 1 2 "Debut boy Sam Johnson the hero in penalty shoot-out at Walsall". The Sentinel. 10 October 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  77. ↑ Port Vale 2012–2013 : Results & Fixtures. Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
  78. ↑ "England - Port Vale FC - Results, fixtures, squad, statistics, photos, videos and news - Soccerway". us.soccerway.com. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  79. ↑ "Tom Pope wins player-of-the-year award". The Sentinel. 29 April 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  80. ↑ "David Artell joins Northampton Town after Port Vale exit". BBC Sport. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  81. ↑ "Adams takes a fresh look at January sales". The Sentinel. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  82. ↑ Smith, Craig (16 March 2013). "Cowdenbeath v Airdrie United: Cameron looking for space". The Courier. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  83. ↑ "Gareth Owen makes return to Britannia Stadium". The Sentinel. 4 April 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
  84. ↑ Penman, Andrew (30 August 2013). "County snap up midfielder Ryan Burge". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  85. ↑ "Purse och Foster till IFK". Nya Åland (in Swedish). 8 August 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  86. ↑ "Mansfield Town sign ex-Palace striker". BBC Sport. 8 August 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  87. ↑ "Clayton McDonald signs one-year deal". BBC Sport. 25 July 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
  88. ↑ "Trialist trio sign for Bulls". Hereford United. 2013-07-31. Retrieved 2013-07-31.
  89. ↑ "Ashley Vincent returns to Cheltenham from Port Vale". BBC Sport. 17 July 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2013.
  90. ↑ "Stags sign experienced defender". Mansfield Town Official Website. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  91. ↑ "Hereford United sign Kingsley James and Rodney MacDonald". BBC Sport. 28 January 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
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