2008–09 Port Vale F.C. season

Overview

League Two

The pre-season saw manager Lee Sinnott sign non-League midfielder Rob Taylor, former Hereford United defender John McCombe, and former Middlesbrough midfielder Steve Thompson. Both players cited Sinnott as their reason for joining the club. He also added experienced defender Sam Stockley (Wycombe Wanderers); midfielder Anthony Griffith (Doncaster Rovers); and attacking midfielder Louis Dodds (Leicester City) to the squad. Lee Collins also joined on an extended loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and would sign a permanent contract with the club in January. Stockley was appointed captain, and most of these players would become key for the club over the next few seasons. Just before the season's start, teenage Tom Taiwo also arrived on a month loan from Chelsea, as did Plymouth Argyle youngster Damien McCrory. The club was aiming for an immediate return to League One, and fans got behind the club with record high season ticket sales of over 6,000.

Vale opened the season with a 3–1 win over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, with Louis Dodds and Sam Parkin goals cancelling each other out in the first half, whilst second-half strikes from Rob Taylor and Marc Richards won the game. August went well, but all four league games in September ended in defeat. However, Sinnott refused to compromise his managerial philosophy to pick up results. Vale lost 2–0 to Bradford City on 6 September, with goals from Lee Bullock and Peter Thorne.A 4–1 home defeat to Macclesfield Town on 20 September would prove to be Sinnott's last game in charge. Sinnott was sacked on 22 September, with the Valiants in 16th place, Dean Glover taking over as caretaker manager for the second time in twelve months. The players were against the decision to axe Sinnott. Sinnott would later take court action against the club for a breach of contract, and settle out of court. Glover was appointed as manager permanently on 6 October. A win at Shrewsbury Town instigated a run of four away wins out of five. However, Vale soon returned to their poor form and slid back down the table. At the end of October, former Vale star Dave Brammer joined on loan from Millwall, and would join permanently in the January transfer window. The next month Scott Brown also arrived on loan from Cheltenham Town, and would also join on a permanent transfer two months later. This is also what happened with defender Gareth Owen, who arrived after leaving Stockport County following a bust-up with Jim Gannon. Notts County player Neil MacKenzie also joined on loan, but would not enjoy his short stay in Stoke-on-Trent. Attempts to bring back Chris Birchall on loan failed. Leaving Burslem was Chris Slater, who returned to former club Chasetown. In December, Andy Porter left the club's backroom staff after 17 years at the club, highlighting the unrest in the camp. Both Porter and Mark Grew had turned down offers to become Glover's assistant.

In January, striker Luke Rodgers was released from his contract after a bust-up with manager Dean Glover, and immediately signed with Yeovil Town. Shane Tudor retired due to injury on 21 January. As well as the permanent signings of a number of loan players, Glover also brought in Pakistan international Adnan Ahmed on loan from Tranmere Rovers. Glover stated the club's revised aim was a top-half finish. In February, Glover signed Carlisle United striker Kevin Gall on loan. He failed to score in seven games with the club, and returned to Carlisle after picking up a calf injury. In March, Kyle Perry was allowed to join local non-League side Northwich Victoria, after being told he had no future at Vale. In his place came loanee winger Paul Marshall from Manchester City. On 21 March, Vale recorded a surprise 1–0 win over Bradford City at Valley Parade with Howland the only scorer. On 28 March, Anyon broke his leg at Saltergate in a defeat to Chesterfield. With Vale going eight games without a win, Glover admitted he was 'a dead man walking', and implored the fan's not to boo his son. Fans protested against both the board and the manager. The final game was a 2–1 win over Barnet at the Underhill Stadium.

They finished in 18th place with 48 points, 21 points short of the play-offs, and eleven points clear of relegation. Only Accrington Stanley and Chester City scored fewer than Vale's tally of 44 goals. With 14 defeats, only Macclesfield Town and Chester lost more games than Vale. Had Bournemouth and Luton Town not faced point deductions, then Vale would have finished in twentieth place. Marc Richards was the club's top scorer with eleven goals in all competitions, whilst Louis Dodds also contributed ten goals.

At the end of the season, most of the playing staff were retained. However, Scott Brown returned to Cheltenham Town, and Kyle Perry was released and signed with Mansfield Town, and Dave Brammer had to retire after Chairman Bill Bratt informed him via voicemail that he would not be offered a new contract. Youth team graduate Paul Dixon was not offered a new contract. Dean Glover, unpopular with the fans, was also informed that he would not be retained as manager for the following season, and left the club permanently after he rejected the opportunity to remain as a youth coach. A slow uptake of season ticket sales was one major factor in Glover's sacking. Following Glover's departure the club withdrew their contract offer to Paul Edwards, who went on to play for Barrow. However, Player of the Year Joe Anyon stayed at the club, despite claiming other clubs were interested in his signature.

Finances

On the financial side, poor results encouraged Vale fans to organize protests against manager Glover and the board, including Chairman Bill Bratt. With talks of fresh investment from shirt sponsors Harlequin Property came rumours on the internet that the company were planning to demolish Vale Park and build a supermarket, paying off Bratt to ensure his compliance. Bratt passionately denied these accusations, seemingly angered by the suggestion and claimed that if he were to comply with the protesters demands and remove himself and the rest of the V-2001 directors from the Board, then the club would fold as banks and creditors would seek their money. He also reiterated his prior statements by stating that he would be prepared to leave his position if the right offer were to be made. The club had to make monthly repayments of around £19,000 for a £2.25 million loan taken out from the local council in 2005. The club's shirt sponsorship came from Harlequin Property.

Cup competitions

In the FA Cup, Vale advanced past Huddersfield Town with a 4–3 win at the Galpharm Stadium, Dodds hitting a brace. They then were knocked out by Macclesfield Town at the second-round stage with a 3–1 home defeat. This meant the Vale missed out on a lucrative home tie with Premier League side Everton. Keeper Anyon slammed his defenders for their part in the defeat.

In the League Cup, Vale were defeated 3–1 by Championship club Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

In the Football League Trophy, Vale exited in the first round with a 1–0 defeat to Stockport County at Edgeley Park.

Results

Football League Two

League table

Main article: 2008–09 Football League Two

Results by matchday

|color_-7=green1|color_23-=red1

Matches

FA Cup

Main article: 2008–09 FA Cup

League Cup

Main article: 2008–09 Football League Cup

Football League Trophy

Main article: 2008–09 Football League Trophy

Player statistics

Appearances and goals

:Key to positions: GK – Goalkeeper; DF – Defender; MF – Midfielder; FW – Forward

|- |}

Top scorers

Disciplinary record

Sourced from Soccerway.

Transfers

Transfers in

Transfers out

Loans in

Loans out

References

;Specific

;General

• Soccerbase

References

1. (29 April 2008). "First summer signings for Sinnott". [[BBC Sport]].
2. (29 May 2008). "Port Vale sign ex-Bulls defender". [[BBC Sport]].
3. (14 May 2008). "Vale sign Boro youngster Thompson". [[BBC Sport]].
4. (4 June 2008). "McCombe reveals link with Sinnott". [[BBC Sport]].
5. (16 May 2008). "Thompson happy with Sinnott style". [[BBC Sport]].
6. (8 July 2008). "I'm here for promotion - Stockley". [[BBC Sport]].
7. (29 April 2008). "First summer signings for Sinnott". [[BBC Sport]].
8. (21 July 2008). "Port Vale complete Dodds signing". [[BBC Sport]].
9. (31 July 2008). "Collins makes Valiants loan move". [[BBC Sport]].
10. (16 January 2009). "Collins and Brammer sign for Vale". [[BBC Sport]].
11. (28 July 2008). "Stockley named new Vale captain". [[BBC Sport]].
12. (25 September 2008). "Vale send Taiwo back to Chelsea". [[BBC Sport]].
13. (8 October 2008). "Youngster McCrory joins Valiants". [[BBC Sport]].
14. (12 September 2008). "Vale can win promotion - Dodds". [[BBC Sport]].
15. (3 June 2008). "Vale ticket sales delight Bratt". [[BBC Sport]].
16. (29 May 2008). "Port Vale hit their 5,000 target". [[BBC Sport]].
17. (12 December 2025). "Match Preview {{!}} Luton Town vs Port Vale {{!}} Port Vale FC". Port Vale FC.
18. (18 September 2008). "Vale boss will not change style". [[BBC Sport]].
19. (6 September 2008). "Port Vale 0-2 Bradford". BBC Sport.
20. (22 September 2008). "Sinnott parts company with Vale". [[BBC Sport]].
21. (23 September 2008). "Players gutted by Sinnott sacking". [[BBC Sport]].
22. (17 January 2009). "Sinnott in Valiants legal action". [[BBC Sport]].
23. (21 January 2009). "Bratt hits back in Sinnott row". [[BBC Sport]].
24. (12 February 2009). "Vale reach agreement with Sinnott". [[BBC Sport]].
25. (6 October 2008). "Glover named new Port Vale boss". [[BBC Sport]].
26. (31 October 2008). "Brammer completes Vale loan deal". [[BBC Sport]].
27. (16 January 2009). "Breaking news: Brammer and Collins sign". [[The Sentinel (Staffordshire).
28. (21 November 2008). "Midfielder Brown seals Vale move". [[BBC Sport]].
29. (2 January 2009). "Brown completes move to Port Vale". [[BBC Sport]].
30. (25 November 2008). "Defender Owen joins Vale on loan". [[BBC Sport]].
31. (19 January 2009). "Owen completes move to Port Vale". [[BBC Sport]].
32. (27 November 2008). "MacKenzie seals Vale loan switch". [[BBC Sport]].
33. (6 January 2009). "Loan ace criticises 'negative' vale fans". [[The Sentinel (Staffordshire).
34. (21 November 2008). "Vale look to Birchall loan deal". [[BBC Sport]].
35. (19 November 2008). "Port Vale release defender Slater". [[BBC Sport]].
36. (24 December 2008). "Porter says goodbye to Port Vale". [[BBC Sport]].
37. (8 October 2008). "Grew and Porter reject Vale role". [[BBC Sport]].
38. (10 January 2009). "Bust-up to blame for me leaving – rodgers". [[The Sentinel (Staffordshire).
39. (15 January 2009). "Rodgers completes Yeovil switch". [[BBC Sport]].
40. Shaw, Steve. "Breaking News: Port Vale midfielder Tudor retires". [[The Sentinel (Staffordshire).
41. (21 January 2009). "Breaking News: Port Vale sign Ahmed on loan". [[The Sentinel (Staffordshire).
42. (2 January 2009). "Glover aiming for top-half finish". [[BBC Sport]].
43. (2 February 2009). "Vale sign Carlisle's Gall on loan". [[BBC Sport]].
44. (26 March 2009). "Port Vale: Gall blow leaves Glover in loan race". [[The Sentinel (Staffordshire).
45. (7 March 2009). "Northwich complete double signing". [[BBC Sport]].
46. (21 February 2009). "Perry told he can leave Port Vale". [[BBC Sport]].
47. (6 March 2009). "Vale snap up Man City youngster". [[BBC Sport]].
48. (22 March 2024). "Key questions answered after David Flitcroft leaves Vale". Valiant's Substack.
49. (29 March 2009). "Anyon breaks leg in Vale defeat". [[BBC Sport]].
50. (22 March 2009). "I am a dead man walking - Glover". [[BBC Sport]].
51. (1 April 2009). "Stop booing my son - Vale manager". [[BBC Sport]].
52. (26 April 2009). "Boss Glover escorted from protest". [[BBC Sport]].
53. Burns, David. (24 June 2009). "Stags sign ex-Vale striker Perry". [[BBC Sport]].
54. Shaw, Steve. (14 May 2009). "Port Vale: Brammer slams his voicemail farewell". [[The Sentinel (Staffordshire).
55. (1 May 2009). "Glover to leave Vale manager role". [[BBC Sport]].
56. (21 May 2009). "Glover ends Port Vale love affair". [[BBC Sport]].
57. Shaw, Steve. (16 April 2009). "Port Vale: Bratt refuses to panic over slow season-ticket sales". [[The Sentinel (Staffordshire).
58. (19 June 2009). "Valiants withdraw Edwards offer". [[BBC Sport]].
59. (2 February 2009). "Anyon unsure of Port Vale future". [[BBC Sport]].
60. (28 February 2009). "Vale fans stage post-match protest". [[The Sentinel (Staffordshire).
61. Shaw, Steve. (27 March 2009). "Breaking News: Shirt sponsor set to invest £1/2 million into Port Vale". [[The Sentinel (Staffordshire).
62. (27 March 2009). "Vale chairman happy to walk away". [[BBC Sport]].
63. (8 February 2012). "Port Vale late with repayments of £2.25m council loan". [[BBC Sport]].
64. (8 November 2008). "Huddersfield 3-4 Port Vale". [[BBC Sport]].
65. (28 November 2008). "Port Vale 1-3 Macclesfield". [[BBC Sport]].
66. (1 December 2008). "Anyon slams Port Vale team-mates". [[BBC Sport]].
67. (13 August 2008). "Sheff Utd 3-1 Port Vale". [[BBC Sport]].
68. (2 September 2008). "Stockport 1-0 Port Vale". [[BBC Sport]].
69. [http://www.statto.com/football/teams/port-vale/2008-2009/results Port Vale 2008–2009 : Results & Fixtures] {{Webarchive. link. (28 February 2010 . Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012.)
70. "England - Port Vale FC - Results, fixtures, squad, statistics, photos, videos and news - Soccerway".
71. "Port Vale FC Club Details {{!}} Transfers {{!}} Soccer Base".