2004–05 Port Vale F.C. season

March 2015 March 2015 Port Vale 2004–05 Martin Foyle Valiant 2001 Bill Bratt Vale Park Football League One 18th (56 points) FA Cup Second Round(eliminated by Blackpool) League Cup First Round(eliminated by Doncaster Rovers) Football League Trophy Second Round(eliminated by Tranmere Rovers) Player of the Year Billy Paynter Lee Matthews, Billy Paynter (10 each) Billy Paynter (13) 8,671 vs. Sheffield Wednesday, 28 December 2004 1,970 vs. Barnsley, 28 September 2004 4,973 5–0 vs. Barnsley, 23 April 2005 0–4 (twice) _shoulder_stripes_black_stripes _collarblack _shoulder_stripes_black_stripes _color_3_stripes_white ffffff ffffff ffffff 000000 000000 2003–04 2005–06 The 2004–05 season was Port Vale's 93rd season of football in the English Football League, and first in the newly created League One. It was Martin Foyle's first full season in charge after succeeding Brian Horton midway through the previous campaign. The club endured a relegation scrap but ultimately secured 18th place with 56 points, ensuring safety despite the loss of key performers Stephen McPhee and Steve Brooker over the summer. Port Vale struggled to make an impact in cup competitions. They were eliminated in the First Round of the League Cup, suffered defeat to Blackpool in the Second Round of the FA Cup, and exited the Football League Trophy at the Second Round after a loss to Tranmere Rovers. On the field, Billy Paynter emerged as the club's top scorer with 13 goals in all competitions, while Lee Matthews also contributed ten league goals. One of the season's standout results was a 5–0 home win over Barnsley in April, although the campaign also featured heavy 4–0 losses on two occasions. Attendance remained low, with an average crowd of around 4,973, underscoring the ongoing financial challenges facing the club. thumb|150px|Manager Martin Foyle. thumb|150px|Winger Chris Birchall managed to establish himself as a first-team regular. Overview League One The pre-season saw Martin Foyle add to his squad with a number of free signings: Lee Matthews (Bristol City);https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/3792217.stm Matthews joins Port Vale 9 June 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 Jeff Smith (Bolton Wanderers);https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/3828875.stm Port Vale snap up Smith 22 June 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 Dean Smith (Sheffield Wednesday); Daryl McMahon (West Ham United); and Robin Hulbert (Telford United).https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/3897043.stm Port Vale sign Hulbert 15 July 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 The pre-season saw Vale finish 5th in the Isle of Man tournament at The Bowl. They also managed to battle to a draw at home to La Liga club Racing de Santander. The season started positively with ten points from five games, though until the end of the season, Vale failed to find form and picked up an average of one point a game despite only playing in five draws all season. On 14 August, Vale beat Hull City 3–2, with Brooker scoring two goals including a stoppage-time winner.Baggaley Mike Transfer and injury updates ahead of Tranmere https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/transfer-and-injury-updates-ahead 16 August 2024 Valiant's Substack 15 August 2024 At half-time at the opening game of the season at Vale Park, fans were surprised to hear an announcement over the public address system telling them not to sing songs deriding rivals Stoke City.Baggaley Michael Dear Mr Ryder, the fans need to know your plans The Sentinel 14 April 2012 Vale defeated Bristol City by three goals to nil on 28 August, quickly building on their lead after Craig James opened the scoring on 37 minutes.Match Preview Port Vale vs Bristol City https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/match-preview-port-vale-vs-bristol-city 3 March 2026 Port Vale FC 3 March 2026 en Mark Goodlad picked up an injury, allowing Jonny Brain the chance to impress between the sticks.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/3674040.stm Goodlad blow for Vale 20 September 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 Teenage defender James O'Connor joined on loan from Aston Villa.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/3622390.stm Vale to sign Villa defender 2 September 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 O'Connor made his debut on 4 September as Vale picked up their first away of the season with a 2–0 victory at Bradford City.Baggaley Mike Selection issues after Wolves drama https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/selection-issues-after-wolves-drama 5 September 2024 Valiant's Substack 4 September 2024 At the end of September, star midfielder Steve Brooker was sold to Bristol City for £225,000. The club failed to bring in Christian Roberts in return, though Marc Goodfellow was signed on a four-week loan deal the following month.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/3712870.stm Loan switch for Goodfellow 4 October 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 In November, Andreas Lipa returned to his homeland to play for Austria Lustenau, after Foyle released the injury-plagued defender.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4014477.stm Lipa time with Vale comes to end 15 November 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 McMahon also left the club to join Leyton Orient.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/4043151.stm Vale hand chance to Magpie McClen 25 November 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 Foyle brought a new signing to Vale Park though, with striker Nathan Lowndes joining on a free transfer from Plymouth Argyle.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/3985499.stm Lowndes leaves Plymouth for Vale 5 November 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 In December, defender Tyrone Loran joined on a one-month loan from Tranmere Rovers,https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4061985.stm Vale sign defender Loran on loan 2 December 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 though returned to Prenton Park when the loan deal was up, after Foyle failed to sign him permanently.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4146249.stm Vale keen to sign defender Loran 4 January 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 Christian Hanson was also signed from non-League Billingham Synthonia. Foyle also signed Nigerian defender George Abbey, who had been released by Macclesfield Town.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/4105471.stm Vale snap up former Macc defender 17 December 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 On 3 January, Matthews scored both of the goals as Vale won 2–0 away at Blackpool, ending a run of six defeats in seven games.Baggaley Mike Signs of improvement in Cheltenham stalemate https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/signs-of-improvement-in-cheltenham 5 January 2025 Valiant's Substack 2 January 2025 Dean Smith retired as a player and took up coaching at Leyton Orient. As a replacement, former Vale player Tommy Widdrington joined until the end of the season on non-contract terms.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4175839.stm Widdrington joins Port Vale again 14 January 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 In February, veteran midfielder Danny Sonner joined on a one-month loan from Peterborough United.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/4284517.stm Sonner joins Vale in loan switch 21 February 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 On 19 March, Vale beat Walsall 2–0 at home despite injuries severely limited the availability of fit players, with full-back Steve Rowland stepping up to play an excellent game in a centre-back partnership with Sam Collins.Baggaley Mike Pushing for promotion and making memories https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/pushing-for-promotion-and-making 20 March 2025 Valiant's Substack 17 March 2025 In March, club legend and former teammate of Foyle, Tony Naylor, joined on an emergency short-term contract, though never took to the field. Tony Dinning also was signed on loan from Bristol City.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4372391.stm Dinning seals loan deal with Vale 22 March 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 In addition to this, Mark Innes joined on a free transfer from Chesterfield.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4378829.stm Innes joins Vale from Spireites 24 March 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 Sonner's loan deal was also extended until the end of the season,https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/4371735.stm Sonner lengthens Vale loan move 22 March 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 at which point he was signed permanently,https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4589555.stm Vale sign Posh midfielder Sonner 28 May 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 as was Dinning.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4599665.stm Port Vale complete Dinning swoop 1 June 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 Vale lost to fellow relegation strugglers Torquay United and Wrexham in the last five games of the season, though a 5–0 win over Barnsley ensured the club's safety from the drop.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/4451393.stm Port Vale 5-0 Barnsley 23 April 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 They finished in 18th place with 56 points, leaving them five points clear of relegated Torquay. Their 59 goals conceded was a highly respectable tally, however, they failed to score in almost half of their league games, and only recorded five draws all season. Vale lost more games and scored fewer goals than all clubs in the division other than Peterborough United and Stockport County, who were both cut adrift early in the season. Billy Paynter was the club's top-scorer with 13 goals, with other contributions also coming from Lee Matthews and Chris Birchall. At the end of the season teenage prodigy David Hibbert was snapped up by Preston North End, who paid Vale £35,000 after a tribunal.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/preston/4219402.stm Tribunal sets fee on Hibbert move 6 September 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 Four players were also released: Simon Eldershaw (Northwich Victoria); Christian Hanson (Billingham Synthonia); Levi Reid (Stafford Rangers); and Ryan Brown (Leek Town).https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4530931.stm Vale boss Foyle releases quintet 9 May 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 Ian Armstrong also retired due to injury. Finances On the financial front, Chairman Bill Bratt announced there was a 50-50 chance that an elderly American would put funds into the club.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4439791.stm Vale hopeful on investor interest 13 April 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4563815.stm Vale made to wait over investment 19 May 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 However, the investment did not come through. Bratt also went public with his idea of Reginald Mitchell Stadium in honour of the inventor of the Spitfire, hopeful that 85-year-old American billionaire Sidney Frank would thus be encouraged to invest in the club.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/staffordshire/4250959.stm 'Mitchell Stadium' scheme mooted 9 February 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4254813.stm Vale cash in on Spitfire legend 10 February 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 Foyle was desperate for more funds to attract better players,https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4488981.stm Vale manager wants better players 27 April 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 and was forced to dismiss speculation that he would sell Billy Paynter to Crewe Alexandra.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4355377.stm Foyle dismisses Paynter rumours 16 March 2005 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 On 13 December, shareholders voted by a margin of 119 to 3 to limit individual holdings in the club to a maximum of 24.9% "to ensure that no single shareholder can acquire undue influence or control over the company", in the words of Bill Bratt.What If There Had Been No Port In The Vale?: Startling Port Vale Stories! p. 181 (Witan Books, 2011, 978-0-9529152-8-7) The club's shirt sponsorship came from mobile phone company Tricell. However, the firm could not afford to pay the club any money as they entered administration, worsening an already bleak financial picture for the "Valiants". Cup competitions In the FA Cup, Vale avoided embarrassment by coming from behind to defeat local side Kidderminster Harriers 3–1.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/3988133.stm Port Vale 3-1 Kidderminster 12 November 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 They then lost out to Blackpool in the second round with a 1–0 defeat at Bloomfield Road.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/4047553.stm Blackpool 1-0 Port Vale 3 December 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 In the League Cup, Vale travelled to Belle Vue, where they were knocked out by Doncaster Rovers after a 3–1 defeat. In the Football League Trophy, the "Valiants" advanced past Barnsley in front of a Vale Park crowd of just 1,970. However, they then exited at the second round after a 2–1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3967443.stm Tranmere 2-1 Port Vale 2 November 2004 BBC Sport 20 January 2011 Results Pre-season Isle of Man International Football Festival 18 July 2004 14:00 BST Wrexham 1–0 L https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=2008 Port Vale Williams 85 National Sports Centre Douglas, Isle of Man Nick Preskey 605 J. Freland, P. Beighton M. Thomas Isle of Man International Football Festival July 2004 Bristol Rovers 2–2 D Port Vale National Sports Centre Douglas, Isle of Man 6–5 Isle of Man International Football Festival July 2004 IOM Select XI 1–5 W Port Vale National Sports Centre Douglas, Isle of Man Football League One League table 2004–05 Football League y PTV Results by matchday table b Round Ground A/H/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H Result L/W/W/D/W/L/W/L/L/L/L/W/L/W/D/L/W/L/L/W/L/W/L/L/L/W/L/L/L/W/W/L/L/W/L/D/D/W/D/L/W/L/W/L/L/W Position 15/11/4/9/4/6/3/6/13/16/17/13/15/13/14/16/13/15/17/16/18/16/16/17/18/17/17/17/17/18/16/17/18/16/17/17/18/16/17/18/17/18/18/18/18/18 Points 0p/3p/6p/7p/10p/10p/13p/13p/13p/13p/13p/16p/16p/19p/20p/20p/23p/23p/23p/26p/26p/29p/29p/29p/29p/32p/32p/32p/32p/35p/38p/38p/38p/41p/41p/42p/43p/46p/47p/47p/50p/50p/53p/53p/53p/56p Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss green1 red1 StattoPort Vale 2004–2005 : Results & Fixtures. Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012. Matches 1 7 August 2004 Walsall 3–2 L http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/3942093.stm Port Vale Fryatt 12 pen. Williams 82 Taylor 86 Paynter 61 Matthews 90 Bescot Stadium Walsall Lee Probert 8,225 2 10 August 2004 Port Vale 3–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-milton-keynes-dons-10-august-2004-24808/ Milton Keynes Dons Brooker 43 Armstrong 46 64 Harding 19 75 Vale Park Burslem Mick Fletcher 4,602 3 14 August 2004 15:00 BST Port Vale 3–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-hull-city-14-august-2004-24877/ Hull City Collins 26 Brooker 51 90 Barmby 14 Elliott 90 Vale Park Burslem Mike Thorpe 6,736 4 21 August 2004 Wrexham 1–1 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/wrexham-v-port-vale-21-august-2004-24952/ Port Vale Holt 72 Brooker 64 Racecourse Ground Wrexham Trevor Parkes 5,005 5 28 August 2004 Port Vale 3–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-bristol-city-28-august-2004-25073/ Bristol City James 37 Brooker 45 Armstrong 66 Vale Park Burslem Paul Armstrong 5,377 6 31 August 2004 19:30 BST Chesterfield 1–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/chesterfield-v-port-vale-31-august-2004-25248/ Port Vale N'Toya 53 Saltergate Chesterfield, Derbyshire Paul Robinson 5,150 7 4 September 2004 Bradford City 0–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/bradford-city-v-port-vale-04-september-2004-25280/ Port Vale Paynter 40 J. Smith 49 Valley Parade Bradford Tony Leake 7,043 8 11 September 2004 Port Vale 0–3 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-huddersfield-town-11-september-2004-25406/ Huddersfield Town Abbott 62 67 75 Vale Park Burslem Keith Hill 6,298 9 18 September 2004 Brentford 1–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/brentford-v-port-vale-18-september-2004-25649/ Port Vale Salako 25 pen. Griffin Park Brentford, West London Clive Penton 5,442 10 25 September 2004 Port Vale 0–3 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-blackpool-25-september-2004-25743/ Blackpool Taylor 6 Vernon 27 47 Vale Park Burslem Eddie Ilderton 5,347 11 2 October 2004 Colchester United 2–1 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/colchester-united-v-port-vale-02-october-2004-25868/ Port Vale Danns 10 19 Matthews 84 Layer Road Colchester Martin Atkinson 3,230 12 8 October 2004 Port Vale 2–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-doncaster-rovers-08-october-2004-25988/ Doncaster Rovers Paynter 15 Collins 29 Vale Park Burslem Mark Warren 5,314 13 16 October 2004 AFC Bournemouth 4–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/afc-bournemouth-v-port-vale-16-october-2004-26027/ Port Vale Spicer 9 Stock 39 45 Cummings 46 Dean Court Bournemouth Andre Marriner 6,119 14 19 October 2004 Port Vale 1–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-swindon-town-19-october-2004-26180/ Swindon Town Birchall 76 Vale Park Burslem Nigel Miller 3,872 15 23 October 2004 Port Vale 0–0 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-stockport-county-23-october-2004-26239/ Stockport County Vale Park Burslem Brian Curson 5,025 16 30 October 2004 Hartlepool United 1–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/hartlepool-united-v-port-vale-30-october-2004-26325/ Port Vale Williams 24 Victoria Park Hartlepool Scott Mathieson 4,755 17 6 November 2004 Barnsley 1–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/barnsley-v-port-vale-06-november-2004-26449/ Port Vale Conlon 44 pen. Paynter 65 Williams 69 og. Oakwell Barnsley Keith Stroud 8,642 18 20 November 2004 Port Vale 1–2 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-torquay-united-20-november-2004-26684/ Torquay United Cummins 50 Hill 42 Constantine 65 Vale Park Burslem Russell Booth 4,763 19 27 November 2004 15:00 GMT Peterborough United 4–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/peterborough-united-v-port-vale-27-november-2004-26767/ Port Vale Purser 38 Farrell 62 Boucaud 69 Woodhouse 83 pen. London Road Stadium Peterborough Fred Graham M. Murphy, D. Naylor C. Francis 3,785 20 7 December 2004 Port Vale 3–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-tranmere-rovers-07-december-2004-26899/ Tranmere Rovers Birchall 9 51 Paynter 17 Jackson 73 Vale Park Burslem Eddie Ilderton 4,027 21 11 December 2004 Luton Town 1–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/luton-town-v-port-vale-11-december-2004-26941/ Port Vale Brković 84 Kenilworth Road Luton Mick Fletcher 6,974 22 18 December 2004 Port Vale 3–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-oldham-athletic-18-december-2004-27013/ Oldham Athletic Paynter 36 Birchall 63 Matthews 79 pen. Vernon 34 Vale Park Burslem Mike Jones 4,849 23 26 December 2004 Huddersfield Town 2–1 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/huddersfield-town-v-port-vale-26-december-2004-27072/ Port Vale Schofield 4 Abbott 8 Eldershaw 38 Kirklees Stadium Huddersfield Kevin Wright 12,243 24 28 December 2004 15:00 GMT Port Vale 0–2 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-sheffield-wednesday-28-december-2004-27122/ Sheffield Wednesday Jones 27 McGovern 43 Vale Park Burslem Steve Tanner 8,671 25 1 January 2005 Port Vale 0–1 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-bradford-city-01-january-2005-27172/ Bradford City Forrest 61 Vale Park Burslem Ray Olivier 5,001 26 3 January 2005 15:00 GMT Blackpool 0–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/blackpool-v-port-vale-03-january-2005-27205/ Port Vale Matthews 72 78 pen. Bloomfield Road Blackpool Alan Kaye 5,115 27 8 January 2005 Doncaster Rovers 2–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/doncaster-rovers-v-port-vale-08-january-2005-27267/ Port Vale Ryan 45 Green 90 Belle Vue Doncaster Joe Ross 5,209 28 15 January 2005 Port Vale 0–1 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-brentford-15-january-2005-27310/ Brentford Hutchinson 29 Vale Park Burslem Clive Oliver 4,230 29 21 January 2005 Sheffield Wednesday 1–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/sheffield-wednesday-v-port-vale-21-january-2005-27402/ Port Vale MacLean 15 Hillsborough Stadium Owlerton Jarnail Singh 18,465 Fixture was initially scheduled for 22 January but was brought forward for live Sky Sports broadcasting.Fielding Rob Port Vale Get £10,000 Cash Boost https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/2005/01/port-vale-get-10000-cash-boost/ 16 July 2026 onevalefan 3 January 2005 30 5 February 2005 Port Vale 2–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-afc-bournemouth-05-february-2005-27515/ AFC Bournemouth Paynter 17 Birchall 34 O'Connor 13 Vale Park Burslem Darren Drysdale 4,186 31 12 February 2005 Stockport County 1–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/stockport-county-v-port-vale-12-february-2005-27565/ Port Vale Le Fondre 88 Lowndes 22 Paynter 52 Edgeley Park Stockport Nigel Miller 4,587 32 19 February 2005 Port Vale 0–1 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-hartlepool-united-19-february-2005-27621/ Hartlepool United Porter 2 Vale Park Burslem Tony Leake 4,366 33 23 February 2005 Swindon Town 1–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/swindon-town-v-port-vale-23-february-2005-27711/ Port Vale Proctor 25 County Ground Swindon Kevin Friend 4,724 34 26 February 2005 Port Vale 3–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-luton-town-26-february-2005-27741/ Luton Town Hibbert 42 59 Matthews 81 Foley 6 Vale Park Burslem Andy Penn 5,353 35 5 March 2005 Oldham Athletic 3–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/oldham-athletic-v-port-vale-05-march-2005-27809/ Port Vale Haining 27 Cooper 52 54 Boundary Park Oldham Mark Warren 5,799 36 8 March 2005 Port Vale 0–0 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-colchester-united-08-march-2005-27844/ Colchester United Vale Park Burslem Paul Robinson 3,496 37 12 March 2005 Milton Keynes Dons 1–1 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/milton-keynes-dons-v-port-vale-12-march-2005-27872/ Port Vale Platt 72 Matthews 69 Stadium MK Milton Keynes Keith Stroud 4,676 38 19 March 2005 Port Vale 2–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-walsall-19-march-2005-27954/ Walsall Cummins 51 Matthews 57 Vale Park Burslem Mike Pike 5,085 39 26 March 2005 13:00 GMT Hull City 2–2 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/hull-city-v-port-vale-26-march-2005-28013/ Port Vale Cort 33 Fagan 90 pen. Matthews 13 Delaney 67 og. KC Stadium Kingston upon Hull Phil Prosser 17,678 40 2 April 2005 Bristol City 2–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/bristol-city-v-port-vale-02-april-2005-33659/ Port Vale Lita 14 Heffernan 68 Ashton Gate Ashton Gate, Bristol Russell Booth 10,284 41 9 April 2005 Port Vale 1–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-chesterfield-09-april-2005-33745/ Chesterfield Matthews 49 Vale Park Burslem Martin Atkinson 4,489 42 16 April 2005 Torquay United 1–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/torquay-united-v-port-vale-16-april-2005-173534/ Port Vale Constantine 90 pen. Plainmoor Torquay Fred Graham 3,592 43 23 April 2005 Port Vale 5–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-barnsley-23-april-2005-186593/ Barnsley Birchall 16 Paynter 41 50 Dinning 57 70 Vale Park Burslem Mick Fletcher 4,324 44 26 April 2005 Port Vale 0–2 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-wrexham-26-april-2005-186622/ Wrexham Holt 21 Llewellyn 42 Vale Park Burslem Andy Hall 4,151 45 29 April 2005 Tranmere Rovers 1–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/tranmere-rovers-v-port-vale-29-april-2005-186626/ Port Vale Hall 40 Prenton Park Prenton Phil Prosser 8,940 46 7 May 2005 Port Vale 1–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-peterborough-united-07-may-2005-186706/ Peterborough United Dinning 63 Vale Park Burslem Mark Cowburn 4,815 FA Cup 2004–05 FA Cup R1 12 November 2004 Port Vale 3–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-kidderminster-harriers-12-november-2004-26580/ Kidderminster Harriers Paynter 53 65 Reid 59 Hatswell 4 Vale Park Burslem Graham Salisbury 4,141 R2 4 December 2004 Blackpool 1–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/blackpool-v-port-vale-04-december-2004-26838/ Port Vale Taylor 26 Bloomfield Road Blackpool Nigel Miller 4,669 League Cup 2004–05 Football League Cup R1 24 August 2004 Doncaster Rovers 3–1 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/doncaster-rovers-v-port-vale-24-august-2004-24979/ Port Vale D.Smith Belle Vue Doncaster 3,943 Football League Trophy 2004–05 Football League Trophy R1 28 September 2004 Port Vale 1–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-barnsley-28-september-2004-25830/ Barnsley Paynter 45 pen. Vale Park Burslem Trevor Parkes 1,970 R2 2 November 2004 Tranmere Rovers 2–1 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/tranmere-rovers-v-port-vale-02-november-2004-26402/ Port Vale Zola 6 Hume 40 Birchall 68 Prenton Park Prenton Mark Cowburn 3,735 Squad statistics Appearances and goals Key to positions: GK – Goalkeeper; DF – Defender; MF – Midfielder; FW – Forward League One FA Cup League Cup Football League Trophy 1 GK ENG Mark Goodlad 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 DF ENG George Pilkington 43 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 3 DF ENG Craig James 30 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 4 MF ENG Danny Sonner 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 DF ENG Michael Walsh 23 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 6 DF ENG Sam Collins 33 2 1 0 1 0 2 0 7 FW ENG Lee Matthews 31 10 0 0 1 0 0 0 8 MF IRL Micky Cummins 39 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 9 FW ENG Nathan Lowndes 12 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 10 FW ENG Billy Paynter 45 10 2 2 1 0 2 1 11 MF ENG Jeff Smith 34 1 2 0 1 0 2 0 12 MF ENG Tony Dinning 7 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 MF ENG Levi Reid 30 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 14 DF ENG Ryan Brown 20 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 15 MF ENG Ian Armstrong 8 3 1 0 1 0 1 0 16 DF WAL Steve Rowland 24 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 17 MF TRI Chris Birchall 34 6 2 0 1 0 2 1 19 FW ENG Simon Eldershaw 13 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 MF ENG Robin Hulbert 24 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 21 FW ENG David Hibbert 9 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 22 DF NGA George Abbey 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 GK ENG Joe Anyon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 GK ENG Jonny Brain 27 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 25 DF ENG Christian Hanson 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 MF ENG Daniel Holmes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 DF SCO Mark Innes 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 MF ENG Andy Porter 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |- |colspan="14"|Players who featured but departed the club during the season: 4 DF AUT Andreas Lipa 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 DF ANT Tyrone Loran 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 9 FW ENG Steve Brooker 9 5 0 0 1 0 1 0 12 DF ENG Dean Smith 13 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 18 DF ENG Simon Robinson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 DF ENG James O'Connor 13 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 25 MF IRL Daryl McMahon 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 26 MF ENG Marc Goodfellow 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 MF ENG Tommy Widdrington 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 FW ENG Tony Naylor 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |} Top scorers PlacePositionNationNumberNameLeague OneFA CupLeague CupFootball League TrophyTotal1FWEngland10Billy Paynter10201132FWEngland7Lee Matthews10000103MFTrinidad17Chris Birchall600174FWEngland9Steve Brooker500055MFEngland15Ian Armstrong30003–MFEngland12Tony Dinning300037MFIreland8Micky Cummins20002–DFEngland6Sam Collins20002–FWEngland21David Hibbert2000210DFEngland3Craig James10001–MFEngland11Jeff Smith10001–FWEngland19Simon Eldershaw10001–FWEngland9Nathan Lowndes10001–DFEngland12Dean Smith00101–MFEngland13Levi Reid01001–––Own goals20002TOTALS4931255 Transfers Transfers in Date from Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref. June 2004 FW ENG Lee Matthews Bristol City Free transfer Port Vale FC Club Details Transfers Soccer Base http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=2083&teamTabs=transfers www.soccerbase.com 7 October 2016 June 2004 MF ENG Jeff Smith Bolton Wanderers Free transfer July 2004 MF ENG Robin Hulbert Telford United Free transfer July 2004 DF ENG Dean Smith Sheffield Wednesday Free transfer September 2004 MF IRL Daryl McMahon West Ham United Non-contract terms November 2004 FW ENG Nathan Lowndes Plymouth Argyle Free transfer December 2004 DF ENG Christian Hanson Billingham Synthonia Free transfer December 2004 MF ENG Andy Porter Kidsgrove Athletic Free transfer January 2005 MF ENG Tommy Widdrington Hartlepool United Non-contract terms March 2005 DF SCO Mark Innes Chesterfield Free transfer Transfers out Date from Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref. September 2004 FW ENG Steve Brooker Bristol City £225,000 November 2004 DF AUT Andreas Lipa AUT Austria Lustenau Free transfer November 2004 MF IRL Daryl McMahon Leyton Orient Free transfer December 2004 DF NGR George Abbey Macclesfield Town Free transfer January 2005 DF ENG Dean Smith Released May 2005 DF ENG Ryan Brown Leek Town Released May 2005 FW ENG Simon Eldershaw Northwich Victoria Released May 2005 DF ENG Christian Hanson Billingham Synthonia Released May 2005 MF ENG Levi Reid Stafford Rangers Released May 2005 MF ENG Tommy Widdrington Salisbury City Released June 2005 FW ENG David Hibbert Preston North End £35,000 Summer 2005 MF ENG Ian Armstrong Retired Loans in Date from Position Nationality Name From Date to Ref. 4 September 2004 DF ENG James O'Connor Aston Villa 4 December 2004 4 October 2004 MF ENG Marc Goodfellow Bristol City 4 November 2004 2 December 2004 DF ANT Tyrone Loran Tranmere Rovers 4 January 2005 21 February 2005 MF NIR Danny Sonner Peterborough United End of season 22 March 2005 MF ENG Tony Dinning Bristol City End of season Loans out Date from Position Nationality Name To Date to Ref. 7 April 2005 GK ENG Joe Anyon Stafford Rangers End of season Fielding Rob Joe Anyon joins Stafford Rangers on loan https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/2005/04/joe-anyon-joins-stafford-rangers-on-loan/ 16 July 2026 onevalefan 7 April 2005 References Specific General Soccerbase Category:Port Vale F.C. seasons Port Vale