1934–35 Port Vale F.C. season

Overview

Second Division

The pre-season saw the arrival of eight new signings, the most significant of these were: 'safe as houses' goalkeeper John Potts (Leeds United), 'outstanding' outside-right John Friar (Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic), inside-left David Galloway (Preston North End), and centre-half Joe Craven (Swansea Town).

The season started with just one defeat in the opening eight games, leaving the club in fourth place by the end of September – mostly down to the goalscoring partnership of Friar and Nolan. Home victories over Sheffield United, Southampton, Manchester United, and Burnley nevertheless saw attendances of only 7,311 to 11,975. Following this they went on a run of twelve games without a win, with an over-reliance on Friar and Nolan in attack, whilst the defence lacked understanding. The team was changed around but to no avail, as they slipped down the league towards a relegation battle. On 24 November, Vale lost 2–1 at home to second-from-bottom Hull City. In the middle of December Friar was sold on to Preston North End, having scored ten goals in 18 games, with the 'more steady' Ted Critchley heading in the other direction. Vale fell to third-from-bottom following a 1–1 draw with Bradford (Park Avenue) on 22 December. Their poor form was halted with a Christmas day victory over Bradford City, the club's first win since September. The team were then inconsistent until the end of the season.

The 2 February matchday programme (for a 2–1 victory over Swansea) recorded a discussion on whether or not the club should change its name. Concluding that many people didn't know where Port Vale was, Stoke Central and Stoke United were put forward as possible new names. A discussion with the fans resulted in Stoke United being decided as the best alternative, despite calls from some for the name Hanley to be included. On 2 March (a 1–1 draw with Norwich City), each supporter was given a ballot slip upon entering the Old Recreation Ground, with the result of the poll being that 3,737 were in favour of a change of name, and 3,633 opposed a change. A shareholders' meeting on 18 March at the Grand Hotel (Hanley) saw the directors suggest the name of Stoke North End to the 100 members present. Finding little support, a resolution was instead passed for the new name of Hanley Port Vale. The Football League forced them to wait until the end of the season to implement a name change, having already printed countless papers with the original name. However, the new name proved unpopular with the public, who criticised the club for being too parochial and lacking civic pride. The name change never occurred.

Back on the pitch, the team were bobbing along, picking up enough points to avoid relegation concerns – whereas Oldham Athletic and Notts County were rapidly drifting away from safety. On 9 March at St James' Park the Vale picked up a shock result by beating promotion hopefuls Newcastle United 2–1 – their first away win in 24 attempts, ending a run going back to January 1934. Nolan's stand-in James Baker bagged both of the goals. On 19 April, a 5–3 beating of Notts County proved enough to guarantee safety, yet Vale still earned just two points from their final four games. On 20 April, they lost a massive 8–0 to champions Brentford – the biggest defeat in the division that season.

They finished 18th with 34 points, eight points clear of relegation and 22 points short of promotion. Away from home, they recorded just one win, whilst in front of goal, their 55 goals scored was their lowest total since 1925 (after which the offside rule had been changed to make scoring easier). Tom Nolan's 16 goals and the departed John Friar's ten goals were the only significant contributions.

Finances

On the financial side, a mere £11,120 was made on the gates, though a £3,775 credit on transfers ensured a profit of £2,415. Only 14 players were retained, with those leaving including: James Baker (Barrow), Bob Morton (Throckley Welfare), Jack Blackwell (Boston United), Joe Craven (Newport County), David Galloway (Carlisle United), Ted Critchley (South Liverpool), and 128 game veteran Jack Round (also Carlisle).

FA Cup

In the FA Cup, Vale were defeated 2–1 by eventual runners-up West Bromwich Albion of the First Division at The Hawthorns. The 18,989 crowd saw £1,000 raised in gate receipts, and a comeback from the "Throstles" just six minutes from time.

Results

Football League Second Division

Main article: 1934–35 Football League

League table

Results by matchday

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Matches

FA Cup

Main article: 1934–35 FA Cup

Player statistics

Appearances and goals

:Key to positions: GK – Goalkeeper; FB – Full back; HB – Half back; FW – Forward

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Top scorers

Transfers

Transfers in

Transfers out

References

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References

1. Kent, Jeff. (1990). "The Valiants' Years: The Story Of Port Vale". Witan Books.
2. [http://www.statto.com/football/teams/port-vale/1934-1935/results Port Vale 1934–1935 : Results & Fixtures] {{Webarchive. link. (4 March 2016 . Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012.)
3. Kent, Jeff. (1996). "Port Vale Personalities". Witan Books.