2011–12 Port Vale F.C. season

April 2014 April 2014 Port Vale 2011–12 Micky Adams Mike Lloyd(until 31 OctoberPeter Miller(31 October – 31 December)Administrators(from 9 March) Vale Park Football League Two 12th (59 points) FA Cup First Round(eliminated by Grimsby Town) League Cup First Round(eliminated by Huddersfield Town) Football League Trophy First Round(eliminated by Tranmere Rovers) Player of the Year Doug Loft Marc Richards (17) Marc Richards (17) 6,356 vs. Crewe Alexandra, 28 February 2012 3,014 vs. Huddersfield Town, 9 August 2011 4,820 4–0 vs. Aldershot Town, 17 December 2011 0–5 vs. Swindon Town, 28 April 2012 White short, black shorts, white socks _PortVale11Home _black_thinstripe_color _yellowline FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF All grey kit _grayborder _PortVale11Away _blackborder _blacktop 000000 808080 808080 808080 808080 2010–11 2012–13 The 2011–12 season was Port Vale's 100th season of football in the English Football League, and fourth-successive season in League Two. It marked the start of Micky Adams' second spell in charge of the club, and despite fan unrest with the board, Vale fans and players were hopeful of promotion come the end of the season.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Martin-Tideswell-Micky-just-man-Valiants-need-right/article-3556532-detail/article.html Martin Tideswell: Micky is just the man the Valiants need right now 15 May 2011 14 May 2011 Martin Tideswell The Sentinelhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14763421 Adam Yates says the Port Vale squad can win promotion 4 September 2011 BBC Sport 4 September 2011 However, a ten-point deduction for entering administration doomed the club to a mid-table finish. They exited both the League Cup and Football League Trophy at the first round following defeats to League One clubs. They also crashed out of the FA Cup in the first round against non-League opposition. Behind the scenes, former chairman Bill Bratt left the club, as a new look board was installed, consisting of chairman Peter Miller, vice-chairman Mike Lloyd, CEO Perry Deakin, and Glenn Oliver, with only Oliver having any connection to the previous Valiant2001 regime. In September, this new board announced that sports construction firm Blue Sky International was planning to invest £8 million into the club. However, doubts quickly began to emerge over the deal. In December, the CEO of Blue Sky confirmed that the company had never agreed to any such deal and that they would not be investing any money into the club. The club's financial problems and boardroom infighting left Adams unable to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window, making promotion an unlikely goal by the halfway stage. The club was unable to pay the player's wages in February. On 29 February, HM Revenue and Customs issued the club with a winding up petition. The club entered administration on 9 March. On 4 April, the administrators revealed Keith Ryder as the preferred bidder, though he never completed the deal. thumb|150px|Manager Micky Adams. thumb|200px|Star striker Marc Richards. thumb|150px|Key defender John McCombe. Overview League Two The return of Micky Adams meant that Vale could enter the pre-season looking to improve the playing squad rather than search for a new manager. His first signings of the season were former Glenn Hoddle Academy youngsters Ryan Burge and Ben Williamson, a midfielder and striker respectively.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9524455.stm Ben Williamson and Ryan Burge join Port Vale 28 June 2011 BBC Sport 28 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110728210726/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9524455.stm 28 July 2011 live Adams' notoriously tough pre-season training regime began in earnest, though the players reported that they had come to expect the hard work come summertime and Adams himself was pleased with the condition his players began the pre-season in.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Boss-Adams-hits-ground-running/story-12855100-detail/story.html Boss Adams hits the ground running 30 June 2011 The Sentinel 30 June 2011http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Owen-confident-double-life-mean-strife/story-12854918-detail/story.html Port Vale: Owen confident double life will not mean strife 30 June 2011 The Sentinel 30 June 2011http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2383878,00.html Micky on First Day 30 June 2011 port-vale.co.uk 30 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110703034824/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2383878,00.html 3 July 2011 dead dmy-all Adams built on his new youth policy with the signatures of Sheffield United duo Kingsley James and Phil Roe; as well as Walsall defender Clayton McDonald, and left-back Mike Green.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9528029.stm Port Vale agree deals with Sheffield United duo 1 July 2011 BBC Sport 1 July 2011 The club undertook a tour of North America for the first time in its history, where they recorded victories over USL Premier Development League sides North Sound SeaWolves, Tacoma Tide, Kitsap Pumas, and Victoria Highlanders.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14248508 Port Vale end North America tour with Victoria win 22 July 2011 BBC Sport 22 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110724202849/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14248508.stm 24 July 2011 live Following this tour, Justin Richards made a surprise exit to Burton Albion – this left namesake Marc as the club's senior player at the relatively young age of 29, in one of the club's youngest ever squads.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Richards-goes-Burton/story-13027491-detail/story.html Port Vale: Richards goes for a Burton 28 July 2011 The Sentinel 29 July 2011 To replace the departing striker former loanee – and self-confirmed Vale supporter – Tom Pope was signed from Rotherham United.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14365621 Port Vale sign ex-Rotherham striker Tom Pope BBC Football 2 August 2011 Vale began the season with a run of four games unbeaten, picking up easy wins over Accrington Stanley and Barnet and hard-fought draws with Crawley Town and Burton Albion, before finishing August with a 3–2 defeat to Southend United.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Goals-rain-Vale-late-Southend-clash/story-13224515-detail/story.html Port Vale: Goals rain in after Vale show up late for Southend clash 29 August 2011 The Sentinel 29 August 2011 Following a spate of injuries Adams signed Rangers and Northern Ireland utility player Andrew Little on a four-month loan.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14734380 Port Vale take Rangers' Andy Little on loan 31 August 2011 BBC Sport 31 August 2011 With 25 goals in the first six league games, Vale players found scoring goals easy, but the strength of the previous season – defending – seemed to have left them.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Phil-Sherwin-Vale-t-defend-like-win-promotion/story-13268651-detail/story.html Phil Sherwin: Vale can't defend like this and win promotion Sherwin Phil 5 September 2011 The Sentinel 5 September 2011 A brace from Gary Roberts consigned Plymouth Argyle to a sixth consecutive defeat as Port Vale won 2–0 at Home Park; both sides finished the match with ten men after Marc Richards and Ladjie Soukouna were sent off.Plymouth 0–2 Port Vale https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14773013 BBC Sport 10 September 2011 10 September 2011 In September, a brace from Rob Taylor and late winner from Pope were enough to beat Bradford City, as Vale climbed into the automatic promotion places.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14799500 Port Vale 3 – 2 Bradford 13 September 2011 BBC Sport 13 September 2011 On 22 September, Adams signed free agent Rob Kozluk on a short-term contract until 1 January 2012, and also brought in Liam Chilvers on a month's loan from Notts County (a loan deal later extended to 24 December);https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15390053 Port Vale extend loan of Notts County's Liam Chilvers 20 October 2011 BBC Sport 20 October 2011 both players were signed to bolster Vale's struggling defence.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15025381 Port Vale sign Rob Kozluk and Liam Chilvers BBC 22 September 2011 22 September 2011 The pair made their débuts two days later, as Vale earned a 1–1 draw with local rivals Crewe Alexandra at the Alexandra Stadium – Pope finding an equaliser just two minutes after Byron Moore gave the "Railwaymen" the lead.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14958224 Crewe 1 – 1 Port Vale 24 September 2011 BBC Sport 25 September 2011 However, after scoring in all of their first 15 league and cup games, a 4–0 home defeat by Morecambe sent the "Valiants" down to eleventh place; in doing so the "Shrimps" avenged the 7–2 defeat inflicted upon them at the Globe Arena on the penultimate day of the 2010–11 season.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15319492 Port Vale 0 – 4 Morecambe 22 October 2011 BBC Sport 22 October 2011 Andrew Little returned to parent club Rangers after the game, having damaged his knee ligaments during the defeat.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15437964 Injured Andrew Little returns to Rangers from Port Vale 24 October 2011 BBC Sport 24 October 2011 Mike Green also left the club after asking to have his contract terminated following a loan spell at Eastleigh.Green Leaves Club http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2518818,00.html 17 November 2011 port-vale.co.uk 17 November 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120614142338/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2518818%2C00.html 14 June 2012 After a run of five games without a win – which included 388 minutes without scoring a goal – Adams signed Cameroonian striker Guy Madjo and winger Jennison Myrie-Williams on loan from Stevenage, as well as Irish defender Shane O'Connor on loan from Ipswich Town.Port Vale sign three players on loan ahead of deadline https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15878622 24 November 2011 BBC Sport 24 November 2011 The two Stevenage loanees scored a goal a piece against struggling Dagenham & Redbridge on 10 December, to give the Vale their first win in more than six weeks.Dag & Red 1 – 2 Port Vale https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16015535 11 December 2011 BBC Sport 10 December 2011 Supporters showed their disapproval against the board by displaying red cards in the home fixture against Aldershot Town, a game in which Madjo scored a hat-trick.Port Vale 4 – 0 Aldershot https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16124170 18 December 2011 BBC Sport 17 December 2011 Following this match, both Roe and McDonald were signed until the end of the season, whilst Kozluk was released.Questier Joe New Deals for McDonald and Roe http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2556630,00.html 23 December 2011 port-vale.co.uk 23 December 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120614143110/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2556630%2C00.html 14 June 2012 On 30 December, midfield playmaker Gary Roberts had his contract terminated following two serious breaches of club discipline in the space of three months.Club Statement: Gary Roberts http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2561427,00.html 30 December 2011 port-vale.co.uk 30 December 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120111193539/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2561427%2C00.html 11 January 2012 Nominated for the Manager of the Month award for three wins in four December games,Questier Joe Adams Nominated for Award http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2563895,00.html 3 January 2012 port-vale.co.uk 3 January 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120614143529/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2563895%2C00.html 14 June 2012 Adams revealed that due to the club's precarious financial position he was unable to sign any new players or even retain his loan players in the January transfer window – despite the chairman having previously told him to draw up a list of transfer targets.Port Vale: Adams accuses board of U-turn on player cash http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Adams-accuses-board-U-turn-player-cash/story-14305930-detail/story.html 3 January 2012 The Sentinel 3 January 2012 11 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120111133545/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Adams-accuses-board-U-turn-player-cash/story-14305930-detail/story.html dead Contract negotiations were also put on hold.Port Vale defender Adam Yates encourages solidarity https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9674655.stm 10 January 2012 BBC Sport 10 January 2012 In addition to off-the-field troubles in January, Adams also had to deal with an injury crisis to his small squad; already missing Ryan Burge and Lewis Haldane with long-term injuries, the treatment room also welcomed Marc Richards, Rob Taylor, Gareth Owen, Tom Pope and Lee Collins. Vale suffered four consecutive defeats, before managing to turn things around by the end of the month with 1–0 wins over Rotherham United and Plymouth Argyle.Port Vale kept their play-off hopes alive with a late goal against relegation battlers Plymouth. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16664535 8 February 2012 BBC Sport 28 January 2012 On 14 February, midfielders Chris Shuker and Paul Marshall joined the club on non-contract terms.Port Vale sign Shuker and Marshall on non-contract terms https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17029461 14 February 2012 BBC Sport 14 February 2012 However, the treatment room grew more busy, as Adam Yates and Tom Pope picked up injuries requiring several weeks of rest.Port Vale: Double setback rocks Valiants http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Double-setback-rocks-Valiants/story-15256575-detail/story.html 17 February 2012 The Sentinel 17 February 2012 18 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120218022659/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Double-setback-rocks-Valiants/story-15256575-detail/story.html dead The club expected to receive a boost when Trinidad and Tobago international Chris Birchall returned from the Los Angeles Galaxy to play for the club on a month-by-month basis;Port Vale: Birchall in line for Valiants appearance http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Birchall-line-Valiants-appearance/story-15308526-detail/story.html https://archive.today/20120913202134/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Birchall-line-Valiants-appearance/story-15308526-detail/story.html dead 13 September 2012 24 February 2012 The Sentinel 24 February 2012 however, the club were hit by a transfer embargo by the Football League on 25 February for failing to pay a bill.Club Statement http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2623805,00.html https://archive.today/20120805170504/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2623805,00.html dead 5 August 2012 25 February 2012 port-vale.co.uk 25 February 2012 Nevertheless, performances on the pitch were solid, and Vale entered the Crewe derby having won four and drawn one of their last five games. The derby finished honours even again at 1–1, with a late header from Byron Moore cancelling out the own goal scored by Crewe captain David Artell.Port Vale 1 – 1 Crewe https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17109368 28 February 2012 BBC Sport 28 February 2012 A 2–1 home defeat by Barnet on 10 March ended Vale's run of eight game unbeaten; combined with a ten-point deduction for entering administration, the club slipped from 9th to 14th in the space of 24 hours.Port Vale 1 – 2 Barnet https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17243552 10 March 2012 BBC Sport 10 March 2012 Promising young defender Lee Collins was the first the leave the club post-administration, joining Championship side Barnsley on a loan deal worth £50,000 to the Vale on 15 March.Port Vale: Vale to pocket £50,000 for loanee Lee Collins http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Vale-pocket-pound-50-000-loanee-Lee/story-15521437-detail/story.html 15 March 2012 The Sentinel 15 March 2012 17 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120317092807/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Vale-pocket-pound-50-000-loanee-Lee/story-15521437-detail/story.html dead The drama continued in the game against Shrewsbury Town on 27 March, as the match was abandoned after 64 minutes due to a fire caused by the failure of the floodlights at the New Meadow.Shrewsbury's League Two match with Port Vale has been abandoned because of a floodlight failure https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17441576 27 March 2012 BBC Sport 27 March 2012 With the season drawing to a close, Adams began developing his squad for the following season, and announced that he had 'reluctantly' released defender Charlie Raglan, without giving him his first-team debut.Defender Released http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2750116,00.html port-vale.co.uk 26 April 2012 26 April 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120430202918/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2750116%2C00.html 30 April 2012 He offered contracts to all but three players: Chris Martin, Phil Roe, and Paul Marshall; he also placed Burge on the transfer list.Contracts latest http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2763722,00.html port-vale.co.uk 8 May 2012 31 July 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230731165050/https://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2763722,00.html dead Aside from Lee Collins, the first player to reject a contract with Vale to move elsewhere was Anthony Griffith, who signed a two-year deal with League One side Leyton Orient.Leyton Orient sign Port Vale midfielder Anthony Griffith https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18133039 19 May 2012 BBC Sport 19 May 2012 The first out-of-contract players to pledge their futures to Port Vale were Rob Taylor (two years), Lewis Haldane (six months), Ben Williamson (one year), and Sam Johnson (one year).Four players put pen to paper on new deals http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-players-pen-paper-new-deals/story-16143964-detail/story.html 21 May 2012 The Sentinel 21 May 2012 Days later it was announced that Sean Rigg had signed with Oxford United,Oxford United sign Port Vale forward Sean Rigg https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18160426 22 May 2012 BBC Sport 22 May 2012 whilst Clayton McDonald confirmed that he would accept Vale's offer of a new one-year deal.Clayton McDonald extends stay at Vale Park http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Clayton-McDonald-extends-stay-Vale-Park/story-16152945-detail/story.html 22 May 2012 The Sentinel 22 May 2012 23 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120523004913/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Clayton-McDonald-extends-stay-Vale-Park/story-16152945-detail/story.html dead However, the biggest blow to fan's hopes of promotion came when it was announced that talismanic top-scorer Marc Richards had signed a two-year deal with relegated League One side Chesterfield.Vale hoping League ruling on club will be an easy Ryder http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Vale-hoping-League-ruling-club-easy/story-16173206-detail/story.html 24 May 2012 The Sentinel 24 May 2012 June began with John McCombe and Tom Pope both agreeing to sign new deals with the club.Smith Peter McCombe and Pope say yes to offer of new deals The Sentinel 2 June 2012 The only player to reject the club's offer of a new contract despite not signing a contract elsewhere was goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson;Micky Adams in hunt for new goalkeeper after Stuart Tomlinson rejects new deal http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Micky-Adams-hunt-new-goalkeeper-Stuart/story-16477777-detail/story.html 11 July 2012 The Sentinel 3 July 2012 8 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120708235611/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Micky-Adams-hunt-new-goalkeeper-Stuart/story-16477777-detail/story.html dead he eventually ended up at Burton Albion.Burton Albion sign keeper Stuart Tomlinson https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19510974 8 September 2012 BBC Sport 7 September 2012 Finances & ownership issues On the financial side, hostilities were renewed between Bill Bratt's board and some supporters' groups. The North London Valiants rejected a seat on the board after dismissing the offer as "hollow and disingenuous".http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Angry-fans-accused-club-blocking-board/story-13004581-detail/story.html Port Vale: Angry fans accused club of blocking board bid 25 July 2011 The Sentinel 25 July 2011 Bratt resigned as chairman on 29 July, citing a desire to unite the fans, and was replaced by Mike Lloyd.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Bratt-quits-chairman/story-13031346-detail/story.html Port Vale: Bill Bratt quits as chairman 29 July 2011 The Sentinel 29 July 2011 The board of directors at the start of the campaign consisted of: Mike Lloyd (as chairman), Glenn Oliver, Bill Bratt MBE, and Micky Adams (serving as both manager and director). Matchday tickets for adult fans were priced between £20.50 and £21.50 – the highest minimum price for an adult in the division – though a BBC survey placed Vale Park as the eighth priciest venue in the league when food and drink were also factored into the equation.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14365145.stm Rotherham offer League Two value 1 August 2011 BBC Sport 2 August 2011 3 August 2011 https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20110803000641/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14365145.stm deadhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14367362 Price of Football – League Two clubs 1 August 2011 BBC Sport 2 August 2011 Fan unrest emerged on the opening day of the season, as some 500 protesters campaigned outside the ground during the draw with Crawley Town, before putting their views toward new chairman Mike Lloyd when he came to hear their views.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-New-chairman-Lloyd-meets-protesting/story-13090256-detail/story.html Port Vale: New chairman Lloyd meets protesting fans 8 August 2011 The Sentinel 8 August 2011 Bratt then announced that he would step down as a director in September following planned investment from an anonymous group.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14502890 Bill Bratt set to resign as Port Vale director 12 August 2011 BBC Sport 12 August 2011 This news was enough to end protests by fan group 'Black and Gold Until It's Sold', as the group waited for Valiant2001's influence in the boardroom to cease completely.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Grew-delighted-end-protests-lifts-mood/story-13186104-detail/story.html Port Vale: Grew delighted as end of protests lifts mood at Vale park 23 August 2011 The Sentinel 23 August 2011 In September 2011, the anonymous investors were revealed to be sports construction firm Blue Sky International, who planned to plough £5 million into the club in twelve months, as well as a further £2.5 million by 2016.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14906932 Port Vale receive £5m Blue Sky International investment 13 September 2011 BBC Sport 13 September 2011 This sum would secure the long-term future of the club.http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2449924,00.html https://archive.today/20120805105448/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2449924,00.html dead 5 August 2012 Port Vale Welcomes Blue Sky Investment 13 September 2011 port-vale.co.uk 13 September 2011 Following the Blue Sky investment announcement, club CEO Perry Deakin announced his intention to purchase £100,000 of shares to replace Bill Bratt on the board of directors.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Deakin-confirms-pound-100-000-purchase/story-13427764-detail/story.html Port Vale: Deakin confirms £100,000 purchase of Vale shares 29 September 2011 The Sentinel 29 September 2011 Peter Miller, vice-president of the sports and education division of Global Events Group, a consultancy firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, also bought a £250,000 stake in the club.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-sports-consultant-invests-pound-250-000/story-13438998-detail/story.html Port Vale: US sports consultant invests £250,000 in Valiants 30 September 2011 The Sentinel 30 September 2011 As a result of the imminent investment and departure of the Valiant2001 directors, fan groups 'North London Valiants' and 'Black and Gold Until It's Sold' announced a cease-fire in their protests.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Fans-announce-cease-anti-board-battle/story-13482108-detail/story.html Port Vale: Fans announce cease fire in anti-board battle 5 October 2011 The Sentinel 5 October 2011 'North London Valiants' representative Malcolm Hirst said that "We feel the time has come to forget our political differences and move forward together"; whilst a 'Black and Gold' spokesman said that "Sadly, the dream of a fan-owned democratically run club proved beyond our reach and we have to accept that the smaller shareholders will not have any influence on the future direction of the club. The promise of a supporter director on the board is, however, a significant compromise." The day after these announcements, Longsdon businessman Mark Sims, who had been voted onto the board four months earlier at the club's EGM, withdrew his candidacy after refusing to take on the required financial guarantees.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Sims-turns-Vale-board-offer/story-13493452-detail/story.html Port Vale: Sims turns down Vale board offer 6 October 2011 The Sentinel 6 October 2011 That same day Bill Bratt resigned from the board completely and was replaced by as a director by CEO Perry Deakin.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15201998 Chief executive Perry Deakin becomes Port Vale director 6 October 2011 BBC Sport 6 October 2011 Peter Miller (formerly of Luton Town) was voted onto the board on 24 October.http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2491599,00.html Miller joins Board 24 October 2011 port-vale.co.uk 24 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111026174816/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2491599,00.html 26 October 2011 dead dmy-all Miller was also elected chairman seven days later, with Mike Lloyd becoming vice-chairman.Miller Named New Chairman http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2500135,00.html 31 October 2011 port-vale.co.uk 31 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120612130132/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2500135,00.html 12 June 2012 dead dmy-all In November the club were threatened with legal action by Ameriturf, a rival company of Blue Sky that had previously been looking to invest in the club and that had sponsored the pre-season tour of America.Port Vale: Vale threatened by legal action after Ameriturf deal collapses http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Vale-threatened-legal-action-Ameriturf/story-13732247-detail/story.html 2 November 2011 The Sentinel 2 November 2011 Adams stepped down as a director on 5 November, the day of his 100th game in charge at Port Vale.Micky Steps Down http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2506785,00.html 5 November 2011 port-vale.co.uk 5 November 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120612130151/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2506785%2C00.html 12 June 2012 However, eleven days later, doubts began to emerge over the Blue Sky deal, as it was revealed that the deal may not go ahead due to 'contractual issues'.Port Vale: Contractual issues hit Blue Sky share investment http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Contractual-issues-hit-Blue-Sky-share/story-13862958-detail/story.html 16 November 2011 The Sentinel 16 November 2011Port Vale: Questions remain unanswered over investment deal http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Questions-remain-unanswered-investment/story-13862920-detail/story.html 16 November 2011 The Sentinel 16 November 2011 Fan groups criticised the board for their lack of transparency on the issue.Port Vale: Supporters demand answers from Valiant board http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Supporters-demand-answers-Valiant-board/story-13874540-detail/story.html 17 November 2011 The Sentinel 17 November 2011 It was also revealed that the club had agreed to pay Miller a salary of £100,000 a year (former chairman Bill Bratt was unpaid, though received a £50,000 salary as CEO).Deakin and Miller became Port Vale directors without putting a penny into club http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Deakin-Miller-Port-Vale-directors-putting-penny/story-14020844-detail/story.html 2 December 2011 The Sentinel 2 December 2011 Peter Miller issued a statement on the Port Vale website decrying the paper's reporting as being "misleading and unhelpful", and stating that whilst "it is common knowledge", he could "confirm, beyond all doubt, that these sums have been lodged and £350,000 has been received by Port Vale Football Club for our [Deakin and Miller's] respective shareholdings."Miller Peter Chairman's Statement http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2535630,00.html 2 December 2011 port-vale.co.uk 2 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111207040507/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2535630,00.html 7 December 2011 dead dmy-all Former director Stan Meigh called on Miller to resign.Port Vale: Former director calls on Miller to resign http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-director-calls-Miller-resign/story-14030050-detail/story.html 3 December 2011 The Sentinel 3 December 2011 7 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111207104428/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-director-calls-Miller-resign/story-14030050-detail/story.html dead Supporters group 'North London Valiants' further discovered that Deakin and Miller had used their 'nil-paid' shares to vote each other onto the board, as well as the 'nil-paid' shares from Blue Sky (this totalled as £500,000 worth of unpaid for shares); combined with 'yes' votes from directors Mike Lloyd and Glenn Oliver this rendered voting from other shareholders a mooted exercise.Port Vale: Chairman and chief executive voted themselves on to board http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Chairman-chief-executive-voted-board/story-14069420-detail/story.html 7 December 2011 The Sentinel 7 December 2011 As these facts were revealed, former prospective investor Mo Chaudry offered to lay on hospitality for the Roy Sproson statue unveiling ceremony, as the club had refused to provide refreshments for former players and Sproson family members. On 8 December, Hank Julicher, CEO of Blue Sky International made the following statement: "I can tell you categorically that Blue Sky will not be investing in Port Vale Football Club. The deal is dead and has been, in my eyes, for a long time. I simply don't know where these figures of £5 million and £8 million came from. It was never our intention to invest that kind of money into Port Vale. I'd have to be crazy or on drugs to agree to such a thing. By my estimation, the maximum outlay for Blue Sky would have been in the region of $850,000 (the equivalent of about £550,000). The partnership won't be happening. The reason I have remained quiet for so long is that I have visited Port Vale. I have met the people who work there. I have spoken to fans and I've seen the passion. They're good people – honest and hard-working. I don't want to be the guy to punish them or their football club. I'm angry. Really angry. The people I have a problem with are on the board at Port Vale; Peter Miller, Mike Lloyd and Perry Deakin. However, I've received dozens of emails, hand-written letters and phone calls from Port Vale fans recently and so I want to make my position clear: Blue Sky hasn't put any money into Port Vale and won't be doing so. End of story... as for the shares said to have been issued to my wife Margit, and counted in the 'yes' vote for the recent polls to elect Perry Deakin and Peter Miller to the Port Vale board, I know nothing about them and Margit tells me neither does she. In my opinion they are 'ghost stock' – 'phantom shares'. We were supposed to do all these jobs such as the Robbie Williams Suite and then reinvest the money from the profits back into Port Vale. You've seen the contract. The deal I signed back on August 31 was entirely dependent on the club bringing in the money to make these things happen through a variety of sources. Peter Miller talked about lottery funding and other deals they were working on. In my opinion, both I and the club's supporters have been misled." Julicher confirmed that Blue Sky International had never invested any money into the club, and claimed that the £8 million deal the club had announced was pure fantasy.Port Vale: Investment deal is dead, says Blue Sky chief executive http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Investment-deal-dead-says-Blue-Sky/story-14080264-detail/story.html 8 December 2011 The Sentinel 8 December 2011 Miller said that this statement was a "blatant misrepresentation of the facts".Port Vale-Blue Sky investment partnership is 'dead' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16084827 8 December 2011 BBC Sport 8 December 2011 In October, Blue Sky had announced a ten-year £1.25m sponsorship deal with Yeovil Town.Yeovil Town sign £1.25m sponsorship deal with Blue Sky https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15464041 8 December 2011 BBC Sport 26 October 2011 The board responded with another statement on the club's website, and provided documented evidence to prove that Blue Sky did in fact apply for £150,000 of shares and did vote for Miller and Deakin to join the club as directors.Chairman's Statement http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2541275,00.html 9 December 2011 port-vale.co.uk 8 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120111203805/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2541275,00.html 11 January 2012 dead dmy-allDocuments in Support of Chairman's Statement http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2541534,00.html#continue 9 December 2011 port-vale.co.uk 8 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120111182859/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2541534,00.html#continue 11 January 2012 dead dmy-all Julicher responded by saying "we haven't paid so how the hell do we own shares?"Port Vale: Blue Sky boss says deal broke down over cash demand http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Blue-Sky-boss-says-deal-broke-cash/story-14092751-detail/story.html 9 December 2011 The Sentinel 9 December 2011 He further said that he backed out of any deal when he was told to pay money upfront and when his own negotiations were ignored: "Peter Miller would just put things off. Finally we had a meeting at Crewe Hall and I said to him 'Where's this stuff, baby? Where's the beef?' But he didn't have any answers, so I said 'It's over'." The club then issued another strongly worded statement, condemning Julicher's "stream of dangerous inaccuracy" and The Sentinel for their "subjective agenda".Chairman's Statement http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2543665,00.html 11 December 2011 port-vale.co.uk 10 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120111191907/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2543665,00.html 11 January 2012 dead dmy-all However, the Supporters' Club voted in favour of another EGM to remove the Miller-led board,Port Vale: Fans vote to call EGM in bid to vote out board http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Fans-vote-EGM-bid-vote-board/story-14124016-detail/story.html 16 December 2011 The Sentinel 13 December 2011 as the contract with Blue Sky was revealed, confirming Julicher's words that the company were only ever planning to invest £500,000 in synthetic training pitches.Port Vale: The Blue Sky contract is revealed http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Blue-Sky-contract-revealed/story-14156530-detail/story.html 16 December 2011 The Sentinel 16 December 2011 In the December home game against Aldershot Town, 80% of Vale fans in attendance took part in the 'red card' protest against the board.Port Vale: Fans see red in board protest http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Fans-red-board-protest/story-14181046-detail/story.html 23 December 2011 The Sentinel 19 December 2011 Deakin announced his resignation from the position as CEO on Christmas Eve, claiming that: "Over the last two or three months I have accepted advice from certain individuals at the club about what is best for Port Vale. I am extremely upset and angry about the position I have been placed in through no fault of my own. It is an impossible position."Port Vale: Deakin quits as chief executive http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Deakin-quits-chief-executive/story-14229170-detail/story.html 25 December 2011 The Sentinel 24 December 2011 27 September 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130927221809/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Deakin-quits-chief-executive/story-14229170-detail/story.html dead On 28 December, The Sentinel reported that 22 days earlier, a £277,000 mortgage was taken out on Vale Park to pay for day-to-day operations.Port Vale: Mortgage on ground is keeping club afloat http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Mortgage-ground-keeping-club-afloat/story-14259882-detail/story.html 28 December 2011 The Sentinel 28 December 2011 The next day, Deakin, Lloyd and Oliver announced that they had "carried out a review of Miller... and decided his tenure [as chairman] should cease" at the end of the calendar year.Port Vale part company with chairman Peter Miller https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16358575 29 December 2011 BBC Sport 29 December 2011Club Statement http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2560280,00.html 29 December 2011 port-vale.co.uk 29 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120109095902/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2560280,00.html 9 January 2012 dead dmy-all The leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Mohammed Pervez, told reporters that he was "concerned" about the club's ability to repay a £2.25 million loan taken out in 2006,'Concern' over Port Vale Football Club's council loan https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-16365009 30 December 2011 BBC News 30 December 2011 and also confirmed that the mortgage the club had taken out in December breached the loan agreement with the council.Port Vale: Vale loan breached council cash deal http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Vale-loan-breached-council-cash-deal/story-14401620-detail/story.html 12 January 2012 The Sentinel 12 January 2012 In addition to board members, The Sentinel's Martin Tideswell also criticised local MP Joan Walley, the local council, the FA, and the Football League for not acting to protect the club from its directors: "they fiddle and talk in platitudes while Vale Park burns."Tideswell Martin MP Joan, the FA and Football League are all blind to Vale woes http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Martin-Tideswell-MP-Joan-FA-Football-League-blind/story-14412636-detail/story.html 13 January 2012 The Sentinel 13 January 2012 Meanwhile, the club's directors announced that the club's AGM would be held on 13 March, having twice postponed the meeting traditionally held in December.Port Vale: Fans call for board vote after new AGM delay http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Fans-board-vote-new-AGM-delay/story-14973364-detail/story.html 19 January 2012 The Sentinel 19 January 2012 On 25 January, fan groups organised an interim board consisting of Pete Williams (supporters' club chairman); Margaret Sinstadt; Mike Thompstone and Paul Humphreys (both of whom former directors who resigned during the 2010–11 campaign) – the former two finding sponsors with at least a £50,000 stake, and the latter two not requiring a stake due to their status as former directors.Port Vale: Fans pick four candidates for interim board http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Fans-pick-candidates-interim-board/story-15029975-detail/story.html 25 January 2012 The Sentinel 25 January 2012 Six days later, Ameriturf announced that they would again be interested in investing into the club.Port Vale: Ameriturf ready to reconsider investment deal http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Ameriturf-ready-reconsider-investment/story-15087583-detail/story.html 31 January 2012 The Sentinel 31 January 2012 However, the company that produced the club's matchday programmes threatened the club with legal action after they were allegedly misled over sales figures.Port Vale: Valiants in £24,000 dispute with programme publishers http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Valiants-pound-24-000-dispute-programme/story-15130893-detail/story.html 4 February 2012 The Sentinel 4 February 2012 In February, Stoke-on-Trent city council confirmed that for the first time the club had missed its monthly repayments of around £19,000 for a £2.25 million loan taken out in 2006.Port Vale late with repayments of £2.25m council loan https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16942162 8 February 2012 BBC Sport 8 February 2012 On 25 February, the club were hit with a transfer embargo after failing to pay a tax bill, leaving fears of administration more acute than ever following the club's exit from administration in 2003.Port Vale faces fight against administration after unpaid tax bill http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-faces-fight-adminstration-unpaid-tax/story-15333099-detail/story.html 27 February 2012 The Sentinel 27 February 2012 Peter Miller then quit the board, leaving just three directors; meanwhile club sponsors Harlequin Property began suing the club over the repayment of a £125,000 loan, and the city council confirmed that it was still owed £9,033 in unpaid loan payments.Port Vale: Vale in crisis as Miller exits crippled board http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Vale-crisis-Miller-exits-crippled-board/story-15342360-detail/story.html 28 February 2012 The Sentinel 28 February 2012Port Vale director Peter Miller resigns from the board https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17192738 28 February 2012 BBC Sport 28 February 2012Port Vale FC: Club makes overdue loan payment https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-17185095 28 February 2012 BBC News 27 February 2012 The players were not paid in February.Port Vale unable to pay players https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17203259 29 February 2012 BBC Sport 29 February 2012 On 29 February, HM Revenue and Customs issued the club with a winding up petition.Port Vale: Winding-up petition served against Valiants by HMRC http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Winding-petition-served-Valiants-HMRC/story-15352947-detail/story.html?ito=SPT 29 February 2012 The Sentinel 29 February 2012 Two days later the council proposed putting the club into administration, which was by then the club's only chance of survival.Stoke City Council propose Port Vale administration https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17230886 2 March 2012 BBC Sport 2 March 2012 Perry Deakin told the media that he regretted ever getting involved with the club, but laid the blame for the club's collapse at the hands of former chairman Bill Bratt; his parting comment was "Perhaps in hindsight I was a bit naive. I had a look at the club's website and there didn't appear to be any issues there. I guess I should have looked at The Sentinel's site."Port Vale: Deakin blames former chairman Bill Bratt for cash-flow problems http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Deakin-blames-chairman-Bratt-cash-flow/story-15411042-detail/story.html 6 March 2012 The Sentinel 6 March 2012 Administration The club entered administration on 9 March 2012. Stoke-on-Trent City Council agreed to pay £500,000 to cover running costs for the next three months, and also agreed to pay the estimated £100,000 administrators' fee.Earle Robbie Administration the right call, but uncertainty remains http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Robbie-Earle-Administration-right-uncertainty/story-15432563-detail/story.html https://archive.today/20120913085610/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Robbie-Earle-Administration-right-uncertainty/story-15432563-detail/story.html dead 13 September 2012 8 March 2012 The Sentinel March 8, 2012 The administrators were Begbies Traynor, headed by Bob Young (the same "Administrator Man" who took charge in 2003); Young was assisted by Gerald Krasner and Steve Currie.Port Vale: Administrator Bob faces a sense of deja-vu http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Administrator-Bob-faces-sense-deja-vu/story-15432970-detail/story.html 8 March 2012 The Sentinel 8 March 2012 The administrators appointed Wasserman Media Group's Ben Mansford to try and sell the club's players to any interested parties.Port Vale: Stars angry after being touted for sale http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Stars-angry-touted-sale/story-15524118-detail/story.html 16 March 2012 The Sentinel 16 March 2012 They also made four redundancies: Hayley Wright (commercial manager), John Baines (media officer), Paula Jones (PA), and Perry Deakin – Deakin had claimed to have announced his resignation weeks ago, but was still on the payroll.Port Vale: Deakin among first to lose job as administrator wields axe http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Deakin-lose-job-administrator-wields/story-15533828-detail/story.html 16 March 2012 The Sentinel 16 March 2012 On 4 April, the administrators revealed Lancashire businessman Keith Ryder to be the preferred bidder, ahead of bids from Mo Chaudry and several other interested parties.Port Vale administrators in talks with Keith Ryder https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17609864 4 April 2012 BBC Sport 4 April 2012 Fans expressed surprise at the decision, but were optimistic of a bright future under Ryder.Port Vale: Fans left surprised as Ryder wins the day http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Fans-left-surprised-Ryder-wins-day/story-15725623-detail/story.html 5 April 2012 The Sentinel 5 April 2012 It was revealed that Ryder had loaned the club £100,000 to stay afloat in February.Port Vale creditors: Keith Ryder made £100k loan to club before administration http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-creditors-Keith-Ryder-100k-loan-club/story-15793270-detail/story.html 12 April 2012 The Sentinel 12 April 2012 It was also announced that the City council were to lose £1 million of the £1.8 million the club owed the authority, whilst other creditors received a mere 3p in the £1 for the rest of the £2.7 million debt.Taxpayers to lose £1m on Port Vale: Creditors set to get 3p in the £1 http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Taxpayers-lose-1m-Port-Vale-Creditors-set-3p-1/story-15792695-detail/story.html 12 April 2012 The Sentinel 12 April 2012 Aside from the council and Ryder, the two other significant creditors (owed more than £50,000) were Gibraltar-based loan company Continental Solutions Limited (£277,734) and HMRC (£189,965).Port Vale administration: List of creditors http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-administration-List-creditors/story-15792693-detail/story.html 12 April 2012 The Sentinel 12 April 2012 More unexpected creditors included £15 of expenses owed to Perry Deakin, £3,550 owed to Rangers and £70 owed to S&A Pet Discs. Ryder revealed himself to be a Manchester United supporter with a keen interest in football; a quiet man, he put forward realistic aims for the club and a wish to keep footballing matters up to Micky Adams.Keith Ryder opens door to other Port Vale suitors https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17762169 18 April 2012 BBC Sport 18 April 2012 By 6 July, he was allowed to complete his takeover, though he never did.Keith Ryder has completed his takeover of Port Vale https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18652983 11 July 2012 BBC Sport 6 July 2012 Cup competitions In the FA Cup, Vale faced a home tie with Grimsby Town, a side struggling in the Conference National. A goalless draw meant the Vale had to find victory at Blundell Park to progress.Port Vale 0 – 0 Grimsby https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15604898 12 November 2011 BBC Sport 12 November 2011 Conference South side Salisbury City awaited in the second round,FA Cup second-round draw details https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15709216 14 November 2011 BBC Sport 13 November 2011 meaning that Vale only had to beat two non-League sides to progress to a potentially lucrative third round tie.Sherwin Phil Two non-league teams to beat for a third-round spot ... what more can we ask? http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Dodds-hoping-make-lasting-impact-boss/story-13844039-detail/story.html 14 November 2011 The Sentinel 14 November 2011 In the replay, Vale were forced to play in the colours of rivals Stoke City, due to a clash of kits. A Serge Makofo goal was enough to settle the tie, as Vale exited the competition at the first round for the first time since 2002. Micky Adams said he was "disappointed and embarrassed" and "I'm angry and disappointed with certain players and a little bit bewildered";Port Vale boss Micky Adams embarrassed by FA Cup exit https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15850825 23 November 2011 BBC Sport 23 November 2011 he also criticised the referee for allowing the goal even though Makofo handled the ball.Port Vale: Ref got it wrong when he awarded Grimsby goal, says Adams http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Ref-got-wrong-awarded-Grimsby-goal-says/story-13962416-detail/story.html 26 November 2011 The Sentinel 26 November 2011 He went on to say that "All leave has been cancelled, there's no more days off. It's double-session time every day until we get it right."Micky Adams cancels days off to stop Port Vale slump https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15871323 24 November 2011 BBC Sport 24 November 2011 In the League Cup, Vale fell at the first hurdle to highly fancied League One side Huddersfield Town; the "Valiants" took the lead with a Gary Roberts effort, before the "Terriers" recovered to leave Burslem with a 4–2 win.http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Match-report-Port-Vale-2-Huddersfield-4/story-13103823-detail/story.html Match report: Port Vale 2, Huddersfield 4 10 August 2011 The Sentinel 10 August 2011 In the Football League Trophy, Vale exited at the first round to League One Tranmere Rovers following a shoot-out at Prenton Park; Chris Martin scored a penalty and saved one, however, misses by Pope and Roberts proved costly – ironically the pair had only been brought on as last-minute substitutes to take penalties.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14626431 Tranmere 1 – 1 Port Vale 30 August 2011 BBC Sport 31 August 2011 This meant that Vale had been eliminated from the competition after a defeat in the penalty shoot-out for the third consecutive season. Adams paid little heed to the result though, as he was more concerned with Lewis Haldane, who had to be stretchered off the field with a broken leg.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9576922.stm Port Vale winger Lewis Haldane suffers double leg break 31 August 2011 BBC Sport 31 August 2011http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Pain-game-Vale-lose-shoot-Haldane/story-13237335-detail/story.html Port Vale: Adams dismisses result to lament Haldane's latest heartache 31 August 2011 The Sentinel 31 August 2011http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2436955,00.html https://archive.today/20120805101230/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2436955,00.html dead 5 August 2012 Adams Waits on Haldane Questier Joe 31 August 2011 port-vale.co.uk 31 August 2011 Results Football League Two 2011–12 Football League Two League table PTV Results by matchday table b Round Ground H/A/A/H/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H Result D/W/D/W/L/L/W/W/L/D/W/D/W/L/W/L/L/L/D/W/W/W/L/L/L/L/W/W/D/W/W/D/D/W/L/L/W/L/L/W/W/D/L/W/L/W Position 9/4/10/6/8/12/7/3/8/11/7/9/8/11/8/9/10/13/12/12/10/9/9/13/13/14/12/11/10/8/8/8/9/9/14/16/14/16/17/15/14/15/15/13/15/12 Points 1p/4p/5p/8p/8p/8p/11p/14p/14p/15p/18p/19p/22p/22p/25p/25p/25p/25p/26p/29p/32p/35p/35p/35p/35p/35p/38p/41p/42p/45p/48p/49p/50p/53p/43p/43p/46p/46p/46p/49p/52p/53p/53p/56p/56p/59p Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss green1 red1 StattoPort Vale 2011–2012 : Results & Fixtures. Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012. Matches 6 August 2011 1 15:00 BST Port Vale 2–2 Report Crawley Town Richards 42 Dodds 90+1 Barnett 39 McFadzean 51 Vale Park Burslem 5,889 David Webb D 13 August 2011 2 15:00 BST Barnet 1–3 Report Port Vale Price 63 Rigg 27 57 Roberts 37 Underhill Stadium Chipping Barnet, London 2,260 Fred Graham W 16 August 2011 3 19:45 BST Burton Albion 1–1 Report Port Vale Webster 23 Loft 40 Pirelli Stadium Burton upon Trent 3,608 Graham Salisbury D 20 August 2011 4 15:00 BST Port Vale 4–1 Report Accrington Stanley Rigg 19 43Roberts 23Pope 37 Murphy 81 Vale Park Burslem 4,615 Carl Berry W 27 August 2011 5 15:00 BST Port Vale 2–3 Report Southend United Loft 25 52 pen. Phillips 5Dickinson 10Leonard 29 Vale Park Burslem 4,615 Jon Moss L 3 September 2011 6 15:00 BST AFC Wimbledon 3–2 Report Port Vale Midson 40 Gwillim 60 Jolley 90+5 Dodds 46 Morsy 84 Kingsmeadow Kingston upon Thames 4,404 Graham Scott L 10 September 2011 7 15:00 BST Plymouth Argyle 0–2 Report Port Vale Roberts 26 84 pen. Home Park Plymouth 5,018 Craig Pawson W 13 September 2011 8 19:45 BST Port Vale 3–2 Report Bradford City Taylor 5 39 Pope 90+3 Devitt 24 Jones 50 Vale Park Burslem 4,769 Dean Whitestone W 17 September 2011 9 13:00 BST Port Vale 2–3 Report Shrewsbury Town Williamson 26 81 Morgan 3 Wright 14 Ainsworth 50 Vale Park Burslem 5,541 Phil Gibbs L 24 September 2011 10 15:00 BST Crewe Alexandra 1–1 Report Port Vale Moore 72 Pope 74 Gresty Road Crewe 6,613 Neil Swarbrick D 1 October 2011 11 15:00 BST Port Vale 2–0 Report Rotherham United Richards 18 26 Vale Park Burslem 4,983 Paul Tierney W 8 October 2011 12 15:00 BST Gillingham 1–1 Report Port Vale Kedwell 63 pen. Richards 33 Priestfield Stadium Gillingham, Kent 4,676 Simon Hooper D 14 October 2011 13 19:45 BST Port Vale 3–0 Report Northampton Town Pope 5 Griffith 19 McCombe 26 Vale Park Burslem 5,082 Andrew Madley W 22 October 2011 14 15:00 BST Port Vale 0–4 Report Morecambe Price 27 Alessandra 37 Wilson 87 pen. Fleming 90 Vale Park Burslem 5,004 Dean Mohareb L 25 October 2011 15 15:00 BST Bristol Rovers 0–3 Report Port Vale Richards 19 Loft 37 Rigg 85 Memorial Stadium Bristol 5,444 Gary Sutton W 29 October 2011 16 15:00 BST Oxford United 2–1 Report Port Vale Duberry 11 Leven 64 Richards 62 Kassam Stadium Oxford 8,027 Mark Heywood L 5 November 2011 17 15:00 GMT Port Vale 0–2 Report Swindon Town Magera 25 Kerrouche 49 pen. Vale Park Burslem 4,961 Darren Sheldrake L 19 November 2011 18 15:00 GMT Cheltenham Town 2–0 Report Port Vale Duffy 55 pen. Summerfield 69 Whaddon Road Cheltenham 3,165 Bobby Madley L 25 November 2011 19 19:45 GMT Port Vale 0–0 Report Torquay United Vale Park Burslem 5,168 Keith Stroud D 10 December 2011 20 15:00 GMT Dagenham & Redbridge 1–2 Report Port Vale Woodall 23 Myrie-Williams 24Madjo 65 Victoria Road Dagenham 1,682 Scott Mathieson W 17 December 2011 21 15:00 GMT Port Vale 4–0 Report Aldershot Town Madjo 8 48 60 Rigg 83 Vale Park Burslem 3,714 Nigel Miller W 26 December 2011 22 13:30 GMT Hereford United 1–2 Report Port Vale Barkhuizen 55 Yates 78 Richards 84 pen. Edgar Street Hereford 3,097 Andy Woolmer W 31 December 2011 23 13:00 GMT Macclesfield Town 2–1 Report Port Vale Tomlinson 37 og. Donnelly 71 Richards 61 Moss Rose Macclesfield 4,214 Paul Tierney L 2 January 2012 24 15:00 GMT Port Vale 1–2 Report Cheltenham Town Rigg 79 Bennett 63 Smikle 74 Vale Park Burslem 4,696 Andy Haines L 7 January 2012 25 15:00 GMT Southend United 3–0 Report Port Vale Phillips 8 Dickinson 29 Owen 55 og. Roots Hall Southend-on-Sea 5,269 Brendan Malone L 14 January 2012 26 15:00 GMT Port Vale 1–2 Report AFC Wimbledon Richards 31 Midson 41 Moore 77 Vale Park Burslem 4,326 Andy Davies L 21 January 2012 27 15:00 GMT Rotherham United 0–1 Report Port Vale Richards 57 pen. Don Valley Stadium Rotherham 3,189 Dean Mohareb W 28 January 2012 28 15:00 GMT Port Vale 1–0 Report Plymouth Argyle Pope 86 Vale Park Burslem 4,375 Iain Williamson W 14 February 2012 29 19:45 GMT Bradford City 1–1 Report Port Vale Davies 90+4 Dodds 38 Valley Parade Bradford 12,149 Tony Harrington D 18 February 2012 30 15:00 GMT Port Vale 2–1 Report Gillingham Rigg 81 Richards 90 pen. Whelpdale 45 Vale Park Burslem 4,027 Darren Drysdale W 25 February 2012 31 15:00 GMT Northampton Town 1–2 Report Port Vale Akinfenwa 81 McCombe 4 Rigg 58 Sixfields Stadium Northampton 5,803 Gavin Ward W 28 February 2012 32 19:45 GMT Port Vale 1–1 Report Crewe Alexandra Artell 48 og. Moore 80 Vale Park Burslem 6,356 Graham Scott D 3 March 2012 33 15:00 GMT Accrington Stanley 2–2 Report Port Vale Amond 45+1 Hatfield 88 McCombe 28 Shuker 56 Crown Ground Accrington 2,093 Rob Lewis D 6 March 2012 34 19:45 GMT Port Vale 3–0 Report Burton Albion Richards 43 Dodds 86 88 Vale Park Burslem 5,197 Scott Mathieson W 10 March 2012 35 15:00 GMT Port Vale 1–2 Report Barnet Richards 55 May 66 Yiadom 89 Vale Park Burslem 5,522 Geoff Eltringham L 17 March 2012 36 15:00 GMT Crawley Town 3–2 Report Port Vale Torres 42 Alexander 69 82 Richards 31 Dodds 57 Broadfield Stadium Crawley 2,375 Mark Brown L 20 March 2012 37 19:45 GMT Port Vale 1–0 Report Hereford United Richards 85 Vale Park Burslem 3,959 Andy D'Urso W 24 March 2012 38 15:00 GMT Torquay United 2–1 Report Port Vale Howe 70 pen. Jarvis 74 McCombe 29 Plainmoor Torquay 3,136 Darren Sheldrake L 31 March 2012 39 15:00 BST Port Vale 0–1 Report Dagenham & Redbridge Spillane 65 Vale Park Burslem 4,127 Lee Collins L 6 April 2012 40 15:00 BST Aldershot Town 1–2 Report Port Vale Risser 85 Dodds 12 74 Recreation Ground Aldershot 2,747 Graham Salisbury W 9 April 2012 41 15:00 BST Port Vale 1–0 Report Macclesfield Town Yates 82 Vale Park Burslem 4,246 Craig Pawson W 14 April 2012 42 15:00 BST Morecambe 0–0 Report Port Vale Globe Arena Morecambe 2,210 Darren Deadman D 17 April 2012 43 19:45 BST Shrewsbury Town 1–0 Report Port Vale Richards 55 New Meadow Shrewsbury 7,678 Andrew Madley L 21 April 2012 44 15:00 BST Port Vale 1–0 Report Bristol Rovers Richards 23 Vale Park Burslem 4,076 Dean Mohareb W 28 April 2012 45 15:00 BST Swindon Town 5–0 Report Port Vale Ritchie 38 Benson 51 64 Flint 66 Connell 85 County Ground Swindon 12,864 David Phillips L 5 May 2012 46 15:00 BST Port Vale 3–0 Report Oxford United Richards 41 Rigg 69 Williamson 90+2 Vale Park Burslem 5,621 Darren Drysdale W FA Cup 2011–12 FA Cup 12 November 2011 R1 15:00 GMT Port Vale 0–0 Report Grimsby Town Vale Park Burslem 4,450 Jeremy Simpson D 22 November 2011 Replay 15:00 GMT Grimsby Town 1–0 Report Port Vale Makofo 59 Blundell Park Cleethorpes 1,906 Jock Waugh L League Cup 2011–12 Football League Cup 9 August 2011 R1 19:45 BST Port Vale 2–4 Report Huddersfield Town Roberts 24 Loft 83 pen. Novak 29 38 Hunt 58 Roberts 67 Vale Park Burslem 3,014 Andy Woolmer L Football League Trophy 2011–12 Football League Trophy 30 August 2011 R1 19:00 BST Tranmere Rovers 1–1 4–2 Report Port Vale Taylor 88 Labadie Power Welsh Weir Taylor Taylor 50 Roberts Martin Pope McDonald Prenton Park Prenton 2,546 Mark Heywood D yes Squad statistics Appearances and goals Key to positions: GK – Goalkeeper; DF – Defender; MF – Midfielder; FW – Forward EFL League Two FA Cup League Cup EFL Trophy 1 GK ENG Chris Martin 8 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 DF ENG Adam Yates 38 2 2 0 1 0 1 0 3 MF ENG Rob Taylor 31 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 4 MF Montserrat Anthony Griffith 43 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 5 DF ENG John McCombe 40 4 2 0 1 0 1 0 6 DF WAL Gareth Owen 24 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 7 MF ENG Doug Loft 44 4 1 0 1 1 0 0 8 MF ENG Louis Dodds 35 8 2 0 0 0 1 0 9 FW ENG Marc Richards 36 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 MF ENG Ryan Burge 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 11 FW ENG Tom Pope 41 5 2 0 1 0 1 0 12 GK ENG Stuart Tomlinson 38 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 14 MF ENG Paul Marshall 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 DF ENG Lee Collins 16 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 16 MF WAL Lewis Haldane 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 17 MF ENG Sean Rigg 42 10 2 0 1 0 0 0 18 MF EGY Sam Morsy 26 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 19 FW ENG Ben Williamson 35 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 20 MF ENG Chris Shuker 16 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 DF ENG Kingsley James 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 DF ENG Phil Roe 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 24 GK ENG Sam Johnson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 DF ENG Clayton McDonald 30 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 26 DF ENG Joe Davis 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 MF ENG Ryan Lloyd 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 MF ENG Dominic Thorley 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |- |colspan="14"|Players who featured but departed the club during the season: 14 MF ENG Gary Roberts 11 4 2 0 1 1 1 0 20 DF ENG Mike Green 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 23 DF ENG Charlie Raglan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 MF NIR Andrew Little 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 DF ENG Liam Chilvers 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 DF ENG Rob Kozluk 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 34 DF IRL Shane O'Connor 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 FW CMR Guy Madjo 6 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 MF ENG Jennison Myrie-Williams 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 |} Top scorers PlacePositionNationNumberNameLeague TwoFA CupLeague CupFootball League TrophyTotal1FWEngland9Marc Richards17000172MFEngland17Sean Rigg10000103MFEngland8Louis Dodds80008=MFEngland7Doug Loft40105=FWEngland11Tom Pope50005=MFEngland14Gary Roberts401057FWCameroon35Guy Madjo40004=DFEngland5John McCombe400049MFEngland3Rob Taylor20013=FWEngland19Ben Williamson3000311DFEngland2Adam Yates2000212MFMontserrat4Anthony Griffith10001=MFEgypt18Sam Morsy10001=MFEngland36Jennison Myrie-Williams10001=MFEngland20Chris Shuker10001n/an/an/an/aOwn goals10001TOTALS6502168 Disciplinary record NumberNationPositionNameLeague TwoFA CupLeague CupLeague TrophyTotal25EnglandDFClayton McDonald820000109226EnglandDFJoe Davis31000000319EnglandFWMarc Richards31000000314MontserratMFAnthony Griffith1100000001107EnglandMFDoug Loft70000000708EnglandMFLouis Dodds500000005018EgyptMFSam Morsy500000005014EnglandMFGary Roberts50000000502EnglandDFAdam Yates500000005028EnglandDFLiam Chilvers40000000405EnglandDFJohn McCombe30000010406WalesDFGareth Owen400000004011EnglandFWTom Pope400000004015EnglandDFLee Collins200000103017EnglandMFSean Rigg30000000303EnglandMFRob Taylor300000003012EnglandGKStuart Tomlinson200000002029EnglandDFRob Kozluk100000001029EnglandMFPaul Marshall100000001022EnglandDFPhil Roe100000001020EnglandMFChris Shuker1000000010TOTALS794000030824 Sourced from Soccerway.England - Port Vale FC - Results, fixtures, squad, statistics, photos, videos and news - Soccerway https://int.soccerway.com/teams/england/port-vale-fc/710/squad/ us.soccerway.com 9 October 2016 Awards End of Season AwardsWinnerLoft grateful for award success http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Loft-grateful-award-success/story-15979421-detail/story.html#axzz2R69ywP7J 29 April 2013 The Sentinel 2 May 2012 14 January 2013 https://archive.today/20130114045950/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Loft-grateful-award-success/story-15979421-detail/story.html#axzz2R69ywP7J dead Player of the Year Doug Loft Away Travel Player of the Year Doug Loft Players' Player of the Year Doug Loft Young Player of the Year Joe Davis Youth Player of the Year Joe Davis Transfers Transfers in Date from Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref.28 June 2011MFENGRyan BurgeHydeUndisclosed1 July 2011DFENGMike GreenAFC TottonFree transfer1 July 2011DFENGKingsley JamesSheffield UnitedFree transfer1 July 2011DFENGClayton McDonaldWalsallFree transfer1 July 2011DFENGPhil RoeSheffield UnitedFree transfer2 August 2011FWENGTom PopeRotherham UnitedFree transfer22 September 2011DFENGRob KozlukSheffield UnitedN/A14 February 2012MFENGChris ShukerMorecambeN/A14 February 2012MFENGPaul MarshallDroylsdenN/A21 May 2012FWENGBen WilliamsonHydeN/A Transfers out Date from Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref.1 June 2011DFENGKris TaylorDarlingtonFree transferhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13620041 Darlington sign utility man Kris Taylor BBC Football 1 June 20119 June 2011DFBVIMatt BellMansfield TownFree transferhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13718777 Mansfield Town sign Anthony Howell & Matt Bell BBC Football 9 June 201129 June 2011DFENGRitchie SuttonMansfield TownFree transferhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13958196 Mansfield Town bring in Ritchie Sutton from Port Vale BBC Football 29 June 201128 July 2011FWENGJustin RichardsBurton AlbionFree transfer17 November 2011DFENGMike GreenEastleighFree transfer23 December 2011DFENGRob KozlukBradford CityFree transferBradford City sign Rob Kozluk on short-term deal https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16512053 12 January 2012 BBC Sport 11 January 201230 December 2011MFENGGary RobertsMansfield TownFree transferMansfield Town sign Hutchinson, Green and Roberts https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16368788 30 December 2011 BBC Sport 30 December 201126 April 2012DFENGCharlie RaglanHinckley UnitedReleased8 May 2012GKENGChris MartinIlkestonReleasedAdams feels let down by Ryder http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Adams-feels-let-Ryder/story-16692925-detail/story.html 11 August 2012 The Sentinel 11 August 2012 30 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120830183102/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Adams-feels-let-Ryder/story-16692925-detail/story.html dead8 May 2012DFENGPhil RoeMatlock TownReleasedMark Atkins bolsters his squad with two new signings for Matlock Town http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Mark-Atkins-bolsters-squad-new-signings-Matlock/story-16609316-detail/story.html 18 January 2013 Derby Telegraph 28 July 2012 30 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120730040703/http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Mark-Atkins-bolsters-squad-new-signings-Matlock/story-16609316-detail/story.html dead8 May 2012MFENGPaul MarshallFC Halifax TownReleasedGilchrist Kelly Duo Handed Deals http://www.halifaxafc.co.uk/News/article/duo-sign-deals-july-29-276768.aspx 29 July 2012 halifaxafc.co.uk 29 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20130308080812/http://www.halifaxafc.co.uk/News/article/duo-sign-deals-july-29-276768.aspx 8 March 2013 dead dmy-all8 May 2012DFENGLee CollinsBarnsley£50,00019 May 2012MFMSRAnthony GriffithLeyton OrientFree transfer22 May 2012FWENGSean RiggOxford UnitedFree transfer23 May 2012FWENGMarc RichardsChesterfieldFree transfer3 July 2012GKENGStuart TomlinsonBurton AlbionReleased Loans in Start date Position Nationality Name From End date Ref.28 June 2011FWENGBen WilliamsonHydeEnd of season31 August 2011MFNIRAndrew LittleSCO Rangers24 October 201122 September 2011DFENGLiam ChilversNotts County24 December 201124 November 2011DFIRLShane O'ConnorIpswich Town3 January 2012Questier Joe Vale Sign O'Connor http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2526585,00.html 24 November 2011 port-vale.co.uk 24 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111127025801/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2526585,00.html 27 November 2011 dead dmy-all24 November 2011FWCMRGuy MadjoStevenage3 January 2012Questier Joe Madjo and Myrie-Williams Sign http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2526603,00.html 24 November 2011 port-vale.co.uk 24 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111127012404/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2526603,00.html 27 November 2011 dead dmy-all24 November 2011MFENGJennison Myrie-WilliamsStevenage3 January 2012 Loans out Start date Position Nationality Name To End date Ref.29 August 2011GKENGSam JohnsonStafford Rangers29 October 2011http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2435126,00.html Johnson Joins Stafford Rangers 29 August 2011 port-vale.co.uk 29 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110908041128/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2435126,00.html 8 September 2011 dead dmy-allhttp://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2467807,00.html Duo go on Loan 30 September 2011 port-vale.co.uk 30 September 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111001042657/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2467807%2C00.html 1 October 2011 dmy 30 September 2011MFENGCharlie RaglanHinckley United5 December 2011Raglan Loan Extended http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2500670,00.html port-vale.co.uk 2 November 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120612130142/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2500670%2C00.html 12 June 2012 20 October 2011DFENGMike GreenEastleigh17 November 2011http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2487872,00.html Green's Eastleigh Move Questier Joe 20 October 2011 port-vale.co.uk 20 October 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111022041524/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2487872%2C00.html 22 October 2011 20 October 2011DFENGKingsley JamesChasetown20 November 201115 March 2012DFENGLee CollinsBarnsleyEnd of season References Specific General Soccerbase Category:Port Vale F.C. seasons Port Vale