2012–13 Port Vale F.C. season

March 2015 March 2015 Port Vale 2012–13 Micky Adams Paul Wildes(from 20 November) Vale Park Football League Two 3rd (78 points) FA Cup Second Round(eliminated by Sheffield United) League Cup First Round(eliminated by Burnley) Football League Trophy Third Round(eliminated by Bradford City) Player of the Year Tom Pope Tom Pope (31) Tom Pope (33) 12,496 vs. Northampton Town, 20 April 2013 2,702 vs. Tranmere Rovers, 4 September 2012 5,727 7–1 vs. Burton Albion, 5 April 2013 0–2 (eight games) and 1–3 (once) White jersey with black arms, black shorts, black socks _blackborder _thinblackstripes _blackborder _whitebottom _whitesides FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF 000000 000000 Gold jersey, black shorts, black socks FFD700 FFD700 FFD700 FFFFFF 000000 _blackcollar 000000 FC0FC0 000000 FC0FC0 000000 2011–12 2013–14 The 2012–13 season was Port Vale's 101st season of football in the English Football League, and fifth-successive season in League Two. The club secured promotion into League One with a third-place finish. Administration scuppered the club's promotion chances in the previous campaign, and high-profile departures in the summer meant that manager Micky Adams had to rebuild his team from the ground up. His rebuilding efforts were severely hampered when Keith Ryder's expected takeover collapsed. Paul Wildes instead took over the club on 20 November. There were no lengthy cup runs, as Vale exited the League Cup with an opening day defeat to Championship club Burnley, and were knocked out of the FA Cup in the second round with a loss away at League One side Sheffield United, before their progress in the Football League Trophy was halted by League Two rivals Bradford City. This allowed the "Valiants" to focus on gaining promotion, and their goal-scoring feats took them up to second place by 15 September, behind only defensive masters Gillingham. With the new owners in place, Adams could afford to sign experienced players in the January transfer window, and the team pushed on to establish themselves as the division's leaders. However, the wheels fell off as Vale struggled to score as they showed relegation form heading on from mid-February. After just one win in eight games, Vale rediscovered their previous form by mid-March and beat fourth-placed Burton Albion 7–1 in front of 10,978 supporters on 5 April. Promotion was secured 15 days later with a 2–2 draw with Northampton Town before a home crowd of 12,496. After promotion was secured, Paul Wildes resigned as chairman, and Norman Smurthwaite took full control of the club. Overview thumb|upright|Manager Micky Adams thumb|upright|Captain Doug Loft thumb|upright|Goalkeeper Chris Neal thumb|upright|Tom Pope and Lee Hughes formed an effective strike partnership thumb|upright|Talented winger Jennison Myrie-Williams and experienced centre-back Darren Purse thumb|upright|A pitch invasion ensued after promotion was secured in the final home game of the season against Northampton Town on 20 April 2013 League Two On 19 June 2012, Port Vale was given odds of 40 to 1 of gaining promotion.Promotion outsiders will make bookies think again, vows Micky Adams http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Promotion-outsiders-make-bookies-think/story-16411208-detail/story.html 19 June 2012 The Sentinel 19 June 2012 The club had lost some of its best players as versatile defender Lee Collins, midfield general Anthony Griffith, and top-scorers Sean Rigg and Marc Richards all signed big-money deals elsewhere – the latter two moving to clubs expecting to win promotion out of League Two. With the club's new owner in place, Adams signed six players early in July. He first signed midfielder Darren Murphy and winger Jennison Myrie-Williams (who had impressed in a loan spell at the club the previous season) from Stevenage, as well as Colchester United attacker Ashley Vincent.Port Vale sign Myrie-Williams, Vincent and Murphy https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18674565 12 July 2012 BBC Sport 2 July 2012 He then made another triple swoop by bringing in Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Chris Neal, Crewe Alexandra centre-back David Artell, and former Wales international Richard Duffy.Port Vale sign Richard Duffy, Chris Neal and David Artell https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18737694 12 July 2012 BBC Sport 6 July 2012 Highly rated striker Liam Dickinson, veteran forward Darren Byfield, and Irish attacker Tadhg Purcell also joined the club on trial.Liam Dickinson http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2834074,00.html 12 July 2012 port-vale.co.uk 6 July 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120715012947/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2834074%2C00.html 15 July 2012 Tadhg Purcell handed Valiants opportunity http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Tadhg-Purcell-handed-Valiants/story-16480327-detail/story.html 15 July 2012 The Sentinel 4 July 2012Port Vale boss checks out Darren Byfield as search for striker goes on http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-boss-checks-Darren-Byfield-search/story-16648196-detail/story.html 4 August 2012 The Sentinel 4 August 2012 Adams appointed Doug Loft as club captain at the end of July.Doug Loft named as new Valiants captain http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Doug-Loft-named-new-Valiants-captain/story-16603662-detail/story.html 27 July 2012 The Sentinel 27 July 2012 The pre-season tour of Ireland was hailed as a success, whilst Vale recorded wins in each of their encounters with non-League opposition.It smells like team spirit, but true test is still to come http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-smells-like-team-spirit-true-test-come/story-16648160-detail/story.html 9 August 2012 The Sentinel 4 August 2012 However, David Artell left the club as a free agent days before the start of the season, as he refused to sign a contract that reflected the club's status as 'in administration' (the initial contract he signed listed Keith Ryder as the club's owner, and was therefore invalid).Johnson Dave Artell opts not to sign http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20120811-artell-306480.aspx 11 August 2012 port-vale.co.uk 11 August 2012 24 September 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924075814/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20120811-artell-306480.aspx dead "The players have been absolutely amazing. I've told them that I can't thank them enough for their loyalty, character and commitment. They have thrown away a lot of money in signing these [revised] contracts... I'm embarrassed because I believed in Keith Ryder and believed in what he was doing. To find out that the players could have walked away for nothing after all the work we had done in pre-season was unbelievable. I hope the football club has hit rock-bottom and we can start to climb again, but I can't guarantee that." Manager Micky Adams had hoped to build a strong squad to challenge for promotion, but as Ryder's takeover seemed less probable, so did Vale's chances of promotion.Match analysis: Port Vale 1, Tranmere Rovers 1 http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Match-analysis-Port-Vale-1-Tranmere-Rovers-1/story-16700392-detail/story.html 13 August 2012 The Sentinel 13 August 2012 The team got off to a solid start in August, recording wins over a poor Barnet side and a much more resilient Morecambe.A look back at the first five months at Vale Park http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-look-months-Vale-Park/story-17670664-detail/story.html 24 December 2012 The Sentinel 24 December 2012 They lost away at Accrington Stanley despite having 56% possession and 12 attempts on goal.Match statistics http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Match-statistics/story-16746131-detail/story.html 25 August 2012 The Sentinel 22 August 2012 They continued their form into September, as 14 points from a possible 18 left them sitting second in the table. Only a bizarre own goal from Brian Saah won them a point at home to Torquay United before Tom Pope hit four against former club Rotherham United in a 6–2 victory; the win over Steve Evans's big spending "Millers" sent a message to the rest of the division that Vale were genuine promotion candidates. They then came from behind to win away at Plymouth Argyle, before putting a highly impressive Fleetwood Town to the sword with a 5–2 away victory. A top-of-table clash with Gillingham at Vale Park ended the "Valiants" impressive run, as the visitors claimed a 2–0 victory with a professional performance. Having named the same first XI for nine successive games, Adams introduced Rob Taylor and Ryan Burge at the expense of central midfielders Sam Morsy and Chris Shuker, and was rewarded with a 1–0 win over high-flying Bradford City in front of over 11,000 spectators at Valley Parade. Micky Adams was named as Manager of the Month and Pope was named as Player of the Month.npower League 2 Manager and Player of the Month http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20121012-double-delight-for-port-vale-422220.aspx 13 October 2012 port-vale.co.uk 12 October 2012 29 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131029203547/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20121012-double-delight-for-port-vale-422220.aspx dead October opened with a dismal home draw with Dagenham & Redbridge, with goalkeeper Chris Neal making an uncharacteristic error to allow a blunted "Daggers" attack to claim an unlikely goal. The team then rallied to produce a convincing 2–0 win away at fourth-placed Exeter City, Pope's two goals taking him into double figures with 35 league games yet to play. However, injuries took hold of the small squad, with captain Loft sidelined with a calf injury,Doug Loft injury at Exeter City a major blow for Micky Adams http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Doug-Loft-injury-Exeter-City-major-blow/story-17050940-detail/story.html 8 October 2012 The Sentinel 8 October 2012 and winger Lewis Haldane forced to announce his retirement after failing to recover from a broken leg he sustained in August 2011.Haldane opts to call it a day http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Haldane-opts-day/story-17050965-detail/story.html 8 October 2012 The Sentinel 8 October 2012 They played Oxford United on a Monday night in front of the Sky Sports cameras, and did themselves justice with a convincing 3–0 win, with both Ashley Vincent and Sam Morsy scoring impressive goals. An injury/suspension crisis in midfield then did little to prevent a patched up Vale side from coming from behind to beat Gareth Ainsworth's Wycombe Wanderers 4–1. They then travelled to Staffordshire rivals Burton Albion, and battled to a 1–1 draw after falling behind to a fluke goal. The month ended on a sour note at Sixfields, as John McCombe was sent off after breaking the leg of Northampton Town goalscorer Alex Nicholls; injuries and suspensions left teenagers Joe Davis and Kingsley James to form a makeshift centre-back partnership, though the score was kept to a respectable 2–0. For a second-successive time, a Vale player was named the division's Player of the Month; Ashley Vincent took the award, but credited his teammates, saying "this award is as much for them as it is for me".Port Vale's Ashley Vincent: League Two Player of the Month award is team effort http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-s-Ashley-Vincent-League-Player-Month/story-17338673-detail/story.html 16 November 2012 The Sentinel 16 November 2012 Vale went three league games without a win on 6 November, as they lost a two-goal lead to draw 2–2 at home with Rochdale; the game turned on Sam Morsy's sending off on the 67-minute mark. Three days later, Adams boosted his midfield by signing former Shrewsbury player Sean McAllister to an eight-week deal.Port Vale sign Sean McAllister on short-term deal https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20267027 9 November 2012 BBC Sport 9 November 2012 A day later and Vale travelled to Roots Hall and came away with a point following a goalless draw. Vale then went five league games without a win, after throwing away a two-goal lead for the second successive home game, to draw 2–2 with York City. Adams said "It's not a time for people to criticise and get on the players' backs, so I'll have to put my arm around a few of them, even if I feel like strangling them at times."Pearson Guy Sloppy Vale let it slip as York fight back http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Sloppy-Vale-let-slip-York-fight/story-17362592-detail/story.html 19 November 2012 The Sentinel 19 November 2012 His team duly went on to record a simple 4–0 win over Bristol Rovers, with Pope's hat-trick taking him to 20 goals in the season. On 22 November, Liam Chilvers re-signed on loan from AFC Telford United in order to provide more options in defence.Telford's Liam Chilvers completes return move to Port Vale https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20453658 22 November 2012 BBC Sport 22 November 2012 Notts County striker Lee Hughes was also reported to have joined the club on loan, with a view to a permanent move; however, the next day it was revealed that the loan move would not go through as the relevant paperwork had not been sent into the Football League on time.Valiants wait on Hughes signing http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Valiants-wait-Hughes-signing/story-17403874-detail/story.html 23 November 2012 The Sentinel 23 November 2012 5 May 2013 https://archive.today/20130505080139/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Valiants-wait-Hughes-signing/story-17403874-detail/story.html deadLee Hughes: Port Vale miss out on signing Notts County striker https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20463051 23 November 2012 BBC Sport 23 November 2012 Vale carried on scoring goals regardless, ending the month with a 3–1 win in miserable conditions at Aldershot Town. They also welcomed Calvin Andrew, who was signed to provide cover for Tom Pope.Calvin Andrew pledges to thrill the fans http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Calvin-Andrew-pledges-thrill-fans/story-17434685-detail/story.html 27 November 2012 The Sentinel 27 November 2012 Vale went into the festive schedule with a 2–0 home defeat to Chesterfield, who boasted four former "Valiants" in their team, including goal scorer Jay O'Shea. Adams tried to boost the team's confidence and said he then did "a bit of psychology with the players... sat them down, one-on-one, and reminded them about what and where they are."Port Vale: Micky Adams delves into players' minds with psychology sessions http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Micky-Adams-delves-players-minds/story-17578673-detail/story.html 14 December 2012 The Sentinel 14 December 2012 The talks seemed to work, as a Louis Dodds goal ensured that they came from behind at third-place Cheltenham Town to record a 1–1 draw. Assistant manager Mark Grew also employed psychology, telling the media that "We have the ability to bring people in, but hopefully we won't have to... if we lose three or four games, then the gaffer might have to freshen things up... but if we can pick up maybe nine points over Christmas and new year, then we wouldn't have a problem."Port Vale may steer clear of transfer market http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Mark-Grew-Port-Vale-steer-clear-transfer-market/story-17610316-detail/story.html 18 December 2012 The Sentinel 18 December 2012 On Boxing day, Vale headed to the New York Stadium for the first time and completed the double over Rotherham with a 2–1 win. They ended the year at the top of the table after beating the "Daggers" 3–2 in rain-soaked conditions.Baggaley Mike Woeful Vale thumped at Grimsby https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/woeful-vale-thumped-at-grimsby 30 December 2024 Valiant's Substack 30 December 2024 The new year was welcomed with a poor showing at home to Fleetwood that ended in a 2–0 loss. There was good and bad news on 3 January, as Trinidad and Tobago international midfielder Chris Birchall was re-signed to the club as John McCombe was ruled out injured for "at least six weeks".Port Vale: Micky Adams signs Chris Birchall for third time https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20904814 3 January 2013 BBC Sport 3 January 2013Johnson Dave Defender out for at least six weeks and possibly more http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20130103-mccombe-out-for-a-while-577503.aspx 3 January 2013 port-vale.co.uk 3 January 2013 Adams responded to the defeat to Fleetwood by making six changes at home to Plymouth, and was rewarded with a comprehensive 4–0 win over a struggling team reduced to ten men in the first half. He also signed experienced Argyle centre-back and captain Darren Purse.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20921229 Port Vale sign former Plymouth Argyle defender BBC Sport 5 January 2013 Gareth Owen and Darren Murphy both left the club, whilst veteran striker Lee Hughes was signed from Notts County.Port Vale: Injury-hit Gareth Owen and Darren Murphy allowed to exit https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20948726 8 January 2013 BBC Sport 8 January 2013Lee Hughes: Notts County striker exits Meadow Lane for Port Vale https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20939609 7 January 2013 BBC Sport 7 January 2013 Liam Chilvers was also signed up until the end of the season.Pearson Guy Chilvers extends Vale stay http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Chilvers-extends-Vale-stay/story-17819069-detail/story.html 10 January 2013 The Sentinel 10 January 2013 5 May 2013 https://archive.today/20130505073835/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Chilvers-extends-Vale-stay/story-17819069-detail/story.html dead Both Purse and Hughes were handed debuts for the top of the table clash with Gillingham on 12 January, and played vital roles in the team's 2–1 victory. Adams then added another new face, with left-sided Sheffield Wednesday player Daniel Jones signed on until the end of the season.Johnson Dave Daniel Jones joins Vale until the end of the season http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20130117-meet-vales-new-signing-605320.aspx port-vale.co.uk 17 January 2013 16 March 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170316113240/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20130117-meet-vales-new-signing-605320.aspx dead With the influx of defenders limiting first-team opportunities, Clayton McDonald joined Bristol Rovers on loan until the end of the season.Clayton McDonald joins Bristol Rovers on loan from Port Vale https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21128313 21 January 2013 BBC Sport 21 January 2013 Jones scored on his debut, helping Vale to earn a point away at AFC Wimbledon in front of the television cameras. New signings Hughes and Purse gave Vale a 3–0 home win over Accrington on 2 February. Three days later, the bottom club, Wimbledon, arrived at Vale Park, and Vale won the game 3–0 thanks to goals from Hughes and Vincent (2). The next challenge was another club battling against relegation, Barnet, and Adams named the same team for the fourth-successive game; however, for only the second time in the season, Vale fans witnessed a goalless draw.Pearson guy Micky Adams to consider changes on the road after Barnet draw http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Micky-Adams-consider-changes-road/story-18116103-detail/story.html#axzz2KRB036Q8 11 February 2013 The Sentinel 11 February 2013 Mid-table Morecambe then arrived at Vale Park as the club honoured former chairman Bill Bell, who died on 12 February; the game ended with a 1–0 defeat to ten-man Morecambe.Micky Adams remains upbeat despite Morecambe defeat http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Micky-Adams-remains-upbeat-despite/story-18182165-detail/story.html#axzz2LFVWod7A 18 February 2013 The Sentinel 18 February 2013 Calvin Andrew was given a surprise start at Torquay, and rewarded Micky Adams with the only goal of the game. Adams sniped at online critics after the game, saying they "think they’re clever on their computers" but "I’m sure they’ll be disappointed we've won".Baggaley Mike Vale slide closer to relegation with Lincoln loss https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/vale-slide-closer-to-relegation-with 25 February 2024 Valiant's Substack 25 February 2024 However, Vale then tasted a 2–0 defeat at home to play-off hopefuls Exeter City, who put in a superb performance; Adams nevertheless found his team's lack of urgency going forward as a "little bit baffling".Micky Adams searches for answers after latest home defeat to Exeter City http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Micky-Adams-searches-answers-latest/story-18266131-detail/story.html#axzz2LukvrGlc 27 February 2013 The Sentinel 27 February 2013 Oxford beat Vale 2–1 on 2 March, ending Vale's five-month unbeaten run on the road. Adams then tried to add some steel to his midfield by re-signing tough-tackling Anthony Griffith from Leyton Orient.Johnson Dave Griff joins on loan http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20130304-new-signing-692813.aspx port-vale.co.uk 4 March 2013 League Cup finalists Bradford then came to Burslem. He left with a point after the season's first goalless draw at Vale Park. With the gap between Vale and play-offs getting more slender, Southend successfully defended a two-goal lead at half-time to beat Vale 2–1. Adams admitted, "Promotion seems a million miles away with the way we're playing."Pearson Guy Port Vale must snap out of shocking slump after Southend defeat http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Micky-Adams-Port-Vale-snap-shocking-slump/story-18381620-detail/story.html#axzz2N9Sf3Oj5 11 March 2013 t 11 March 2013 Things then went from bad to worse at Bristol Rovers, with former Stoke player Ryan Brunt giving the "Gas" a 2–0 win whilst Ashley Vincent suffered a season-ending injury. Adams claimed that "idiots" in a "certain section of the crowd" were giving him "personal" abuse following the run of bad results and his decision to drop fan favourite Ryan Burge for disciplinary reasons.Pearson Guy Adams blasts critics after defeat http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Adams-blasts-critics-defeat/story-18393271-detail/story.html#axzz2N9Sf3Oj5 13 March 2013 The Sentinel 13 March 2013 Full-back Adam Yates later said this low-point motivated the players to pull together to prove wrong fans that had barracked Adams.Yates looks back on dark day as turning point for campaign http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Yates-looks-dark-day-turning-point-campaign/story-18912929-detail/story.html#axzz2SQ1iqmE8 7 May 2013 The Sentinel 7 May 2013 Burge was suspended for two weeks after refusing to apologize for making veiled criticism of the club on Twitter.Two-week ban for Burge the defiant http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-week-ban-Burge-defiant/story-18433763-detail/story.html#axzz2N9Sf3Oj5 16 March 2013 The Sentinel 16 March 2013 Vale then put a poor York side to the sword with goals from Myrie-Williams and Hughes. Cheltenham Town proved a much sterner challenge, but Vale recovered from 2–1 down to win a crucial match 3–2, with Tom Pope hitting his third hat-trick of the season. Vale held second place going into April, and though they failed to capitalise on their rivals dropping points on 1 April, they managed to come from behind to two Marc Richards goals at Chesterfield to secure a point. Four days later, Vale hosted fourth-placed Burton Albion in what was labelled as the biggest game of the season for the "Valiants".Tideswell Martin Derby victory can push Port Vale ever closer to League One http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Martin-Tideswell-Derby-victory-push-Port-Vale/story-18618750-detail/story.html#axzz2PCW4ITBH 5 April 2013 The Sentinel 5 April 2013 Reduced tickets of £9 ensured a crowd of 10,978. They were treated to a comprehensive 7–1 victory as Lee Hughes scored a hat-trick.Valiants run riot to crush promotion rivals http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Valiants-run-riot-crush-promotion/story-18628536-detail/story.html#axzz2PiaD41PI 6 April 2013 The Sentinel 6 April 2013 Bottom-placed Aldershot were the visitors four days later, and were seemingly fired up after manager Andy Scott took offence to Adams saying that "[Aldershot] are down the bottom because [they] deserve to be"; Scott stated that "Sometimes managers say things to deflect from what is going on at their own club. We will find out if they have got the stomach for the fight and see if they want to get promoted as they have got a few clubs chasing them."Port Vale v Aldershot https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21999148 8 April 2013 BBC Sport 8 April 2013 The match proved to be low on action, and Vale surrendered a half-time lead to draw the game 1–1. On 12 April, it was confirmed that Burge had left the club by mutual consent.Pearson Guy Ryan Burge leaves Port Vale by mutual consent http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Ryan-Burge-leaves-Port-Vale-mutual-consent/story-18686124-detail/story.html#axzz2PiaD41PI 12 April 2013 The Sentinel 12 April 2013 Vale could have won promotion the following day, and seemed to have done so after Liam Chilvers made amends for a horrific first half own goal by heading Vale into the lead on 89 minutes; however, an injury-time equaliser left the Vale still just short of their final target. Automatic promotion was effectively secured with a 2–2 draw against Northampton Town on 20 April; the two unlikely goal scorers were Chilvers and former "Valiant" turned "Cobbler" Lee Collins.Baggaley Mike 'Amazing' - Vale heading to Chelsea in the FA Cup https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/amazing-vale-heading-to-chelsea-in 11 March 2026 Valiant's Substack 9 March 2026 Promotion was confirmed with a 1–1 draw with Wycombe at Adams Park on the last day of the season, in what was former favourite Gareth Ainsworth's last game as a player. At the end of the season all out-of-contract players were rewarded with a contract offer, except for Darren Purse, Calvin Andrew, Clayton McDonald, and Kingsley James.Four players released by Valiants http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-players-released-Valiants/story-18866327-detail/story.html#axzz2R69ywP7J https://archive.today/20130505064528/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-players-released-Valiants/story-18866327-detail/story.html%23axzz2R69ywP7J dead 5 May 2013 2 May 2013 The Sentinel 2 May 2013 Ashley Vincent rejected his contract, choosing instead to leave the club.Port Vale: Ashley Vincent to leave after rejecting new contract https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22610493 21 May 2013 BBC Sport 21 May 2013 Despite still being under contract, John McCombe chose to leave the club by mutual consent.Smith Pete Centre-back John McCombe leaves Vale Park http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Centre-John-McCombe-leaves-Vale-Park/story-19146826-detail/story.html#axzz2UOrLB7c1 31 May 2013 The Sentinel 31 May 2013 Sam Morsy was the third to leave the club, after he rejected the two-year contract on offer in order to sign with Chesterfield.Morsy must learn lessons at his new club http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Grew-Morsy-learn-lessons-new-club/story-19202838-detail/story.html#axzz2V5CRQwdF 6 June 2013 The Sentinel 6 June 2013Morsy Agrees Deal http://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/news/article/20130629-morsy-agrees-deal-886475.aspx 29 June 2013 29 June 2013 23 September 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160923200521/http://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/news/article/20130629-morsy-agrees-deal-886475.aspx dead Finances & ownership issues The trauma of administration still afflicted Port Vale during the 2012–13 season, as Micky Adams was unable to sign any players until the club's new owner, Keith Ryder, was granted clearance from the Football League. The takeover deal was delayed for several weeks after Ryder faced difficulties in passing the league's 'fit and proper persons' test.Keith Ryder takeover hit by another delay http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Keith-Ryder-takeover-hit-delay/story-16553987-detail/story.html 18 July 2012 The Sentinel 18 July 2012 The administrators lost patience in Ryder, and publicly stated that if Ryder did not pay the £1.3 million takeover sum before 1 August 2012 then his bid would be rejected, and 'plan B' would be implemented.Administrator warns Keith Ryder he must complete deal today http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Administrator-warns-Keith-Ryder/story-16619102-detail/story.html 31 July 2012 The Sentinel 31 July 2012 The deadline passed without comment from either party.Keith Ryder wants more time to complete deal http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Keith-Ryder-wants-time-complete-deal/story-16625264-detail/story.html 1 August 2012 The Sentinel 1 August 2012 Confusion reigned as the administrators confirmed that they were open to negotiations with other parties and that it was up to Ryder to complete his takeover, as he had the opportunity, the funds and – according to Ryder himself – the inclination to complete his takeover.Port Vale administrators enter talks with new bidders https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18652983 1 August 2012 BBC Sport 1 August 2012 Administrator Bob Young stated that "We initially gave him a deadline of the end of June, which was then extended to 6 July. If someone comes back to us with the funding first, then we will obviously take that forward."Hogg Chris Administrators to talk with other interested parties as Keith Ryder struggles to complete move http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Administrators-talk-interested-parties/story-16625913-detail/story.html 1 August 2012 The Sentinel 1 August 2012 Ryder responded that "I wake up every morning believing this is the day we will complete the takeover. If the deal does not go through, and someone else buys the club, there will be no-one more disappointed than me." The time-sensitive nature of the situation was emphasized when the club revealed that the two pre-season friendlies at Vale Park would be played behind closed doors "as the club has been unable to carry out usual maintenance work during the closed season owing to the prolonged period in administration."Club Statement http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20120802-bheind-closed-doors-286251.aspx 2 August 2012 port-vale.co.uk 2 August 2012 The 18 players who signed new contracts in the summer did so on the understanding that Ryder would be the club's owner, and so when told that they had to sign revised contracts that offered less security they sought the advice of the Professional Footballers' Association – they technically remained free agents, free to join another club, until either they agreed to the revised contracts or until Ryder completed his takeover.Port Vale: Players seek advice from PFA over legality of contracts https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19187310 9 August 2012 BBC Sport 8 August 2012As contract row rumbles on, Vale have just five senior pros for cup tie http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-contract-row-rumbles-Vale-just-senior/story-16680223-detail/story.html 9 August 2012 The Sentinel 9 August 2012 All but one of the players agreed to sign revised contracts, allowing the club to at least start the season with a full complement of senior players.Johnson Dave ALL players apart from Dave Artell sign contracts http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20120811-good-news-306557.aspx 11 August 2012 port-vale.co.uk 11 August 2012 Ryder disappeared from the scene completely, losing some £170,000 he had spent on a non-refundable deposit and some pre-seasons costs.Administrator stunned by Keith Ryder's about-turn http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Administrator-stunned-Keith-Ryder-s/story-16804669-detail/story.html 1 September 2012 The Sentinel 1 September 2012 The off-field problems even extended to the first-team kit, as they spent the pre-season in only the grey away strip and played the League Cup first round game in a pink strip.Johnson Dave Pink Kits http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20120814-pink-kits-310929.aspx 14 August 2012 port-vale.co.uk 14 August 2012 This was because of a problem supplying the black and white home kit. The new away black and gold kit was released in mid-September, and the new home kit was released the following month. Fans could purchase seasons tickets for between £272 and £356, and could purchase matchday tickets for between £20 and £21.BBC Sport Price of Football survey 2012 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19842397 18 October 2012 BBC News 18 October 2012 At the end of September, Bob Young said that he was hopeful of selling the club by the end of October at the earliest, and that he would "be disappointed if we haven't sold the club by the end of the year".Port Vale hopeful of late October takeover from new bidders https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19728801 26 September 2012 BBC Sport 26 September 2012 The new preferred bidder was revealed to be Wirral-based businessman Paul Wildes.Port Vale takeover: Paul Wildes expected to become new owner https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19947483 15 October 2012 BBC Sport 15 October 2012 On 17 November, the Roy Sproson status was revealed, as was new home shirt sponsor UK Windows Systems Ltd.Window firm to open doors after clinching Port Vale deal http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Window-firm-open-doors-clinching-Port-Vale-deal/story-17348813-detail/story.html 17 November 2012 The Sentinel 17 November 2012 Wildes completed his £1.25 million takeover of the club on 20 November.Port Vale exit administration as Paul Wildes completes takeover https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20415308 21 November 2012 BBC Sport 20 November 2012 "I have a lot of experience of fixing broken businesses. It's what I'm good at for 30 years. And while this is very different to what I've done before, the model is no different. If you don't have any debt, which we won't have, and you don't have any excessive payrolls for people driven by ego, which we won't have, this business can only go one way and that's up. The only ego issue is ensuring I deliver what I believe this business needs. But everything we do here will be for the benefit of the club, and ultimately for the benefit of the team and the supporters. We'll try to get more people into the ground, increase our turnover, encourage people to spend more within the business and that will enable me to put money directly into the playing budget. There's nothing clever about it. We'll only be custodians of this club, just like everybody else before us, but I'm hoping when people look back they'll see that the club is in a better place than when I arrived... It's a business which needs a lot, but not a lot. That sounds like a contradiction, but there are stupid things which are broken and simply by fixing them we'll make Vale Park a better place. The only way we can influence things on the pitch is by creating the commercial resources to increase our income. We'll filter that down to the squad. It's difficult to list priorities because there are so many things that are broken, damaged or tarnished – from the toilets to the stadium seating to people's perception of the business and the overall match-day experience. But this should not be a one-day-a-week venue. The resources here are massively under-used at the moment and we want to change that... We'll have a board for operational purposes, but there will be just two shareholders – Paul, who will be chairman, and myself, and we'll take no salaries or dividends. We're planning to take nothing out of this club whatsoever. We're bringing in people from within our current group of businesses, but it will be a very flat structure, and even their costs will come from within the group of businesses that we run, so the finance and operational side of things will not be a cost to Port Vale... If you're coming to the game, come earlier, drink our beer and eat our pies because everything we can do to increase turnover will directly go straight into the playing squad, It's that simple." Norman Smurthwaite, Wildes' advisor and the new club CEO, speaking upon the completion of the takeover in November.Port Vale takeover: 'Fans are key to the future prosperity of club' http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-takeover-Fans-key-future-prosperity/story-17380700-detail/story.html 21 November 2012 The Sentinel 21 November 2012 After securing the promotion, Smurthwaite said, "I've never had any hobbies to speak of, but buying Port Vale has given me a passion. The club has reinvigorated me – it has saved me really, given me a new purpose."Smurf won over by the passion of supporters http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Smurf-won-passion-supporters/story-18778722-detail/story.html#axzz2R69ywP7J 23 April 2013 The Sentinel 23 April 2013 On 18 May, Paul Wildes made a shock decision to resign as chairman and sell his 50% stake to Smurthwaite, who became the club's chairman and sole owner; Wildes stated that "From many conversations with Norman, it's clear we have conflicting ideas on how to take Vale forward".Port Vale: Chairman Paul Wildes steps down after six-month reign https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22573893 18 May 2013 BBC Sport 18 May 2013 It was revealed that Smurthwaite had funded the initial takeover, and that the pair had a disagreement following defeat to Bristol Rovers in March, with Smurthwaite insisting on a more public approach to take pressure off the manager and players.Pearson Guy Paul Wildes walks from Port Vale http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Paul-Wildes-walks-Port-Vale/story-19020309-detail/story.html#axzz2Tbyc49mB 18 May 2013 The Sentinel 18 May 2013 Cup competitions The FA Cup draw was not kind on the "Valiants", as they were forced to travel to Conference play-off hopefuls Forest Green Rovers at The New Lawn. Ashley Vincent and Clayton McDonald (scoring his first goal for the club) opened the scoring before Rovers levelled shortly after half-time; substitute Ben Williamson then scored a late winner to avoid a replay. The second round was also tough, particularly for Micky Adams, who was tasked with overcoming Sheffield United at Bramall Lane; the League One title chasers had sacked Adams and appointed Danny Wilson in May 2011.Adams to make Sheffield United cup return http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Adams-make-Sheffield-United-cup-return/story-17236579-detail/story.html 5 November 2012 The Sentinel 5 November 2012 Ever ready with a quote, Adams said: "I just thought 'All those balls in that bag and they picked this one out'".Port Vale manager Micky Adams awaits Sheffield United return https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20208487 5 November 2012 BBC Sport 5 November 2012 Vale seemed certain to progress to the third round after Tom Pope put them into the lead before two late goals from Shaun Miller dumped them out of the competition. As per tradition, Vale exited the League Cup at the first-round stage. They were beaten 3–1 by Championship side Burnley.Capital One League Cup match action v Burnley http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Capital-League-Cup-match-action-v/story-16712035-detail/story.html 15 August 2012 The Sentinel 15 August 2012 The Football League Trophy first round draw left Vale facing League One leader Tranmere Rovers for the second successive season. Wishing to advance in the competition, Adams picked a strong side, and Vale won the game 2–0 thanks to a brace from Jennison Myrie-Williams, who scored with a 30 yd free kick and a penalty.Port Vale 2 Tranmere 0: Adams 'right to pick strong team' for Johnstone's Paint Trophy http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-2-Tranmere-0-Adams-right-pick-strong/story-16828592-detail/story.html 5 September 2012 The Sentinel 5 September 2012Port Vale 2, Tranmere Rovers 0 http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Match-report-Port-Vale-2-Tranmere-Rovers-0/story-16828590-detail/story.html 5 September 2012 The Sentinel 5 September 2012 5 May 2013 https://archive.today/20130505065804/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Match-report-Port-Vale-2-Tranmere-Rovers-0/story-16828590-detail/story.html dead For the second round clash with Walsall at the Bescot Stadium, Adams took the unusual move of naming his team a day in advance "to allow Vale fans a fairer chance to decide whether they think it is worth making the short trip down the M6".Port Vale's Doug Loft suffers injury as Lewis Haldane retires https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19874991 8 October 2012 BBC Sport 8 October 2012 19-year-old goalkeeper Sam Johnson made his debut in the game, and was unable to prevent the two "Saddlers" goals in a 2–2 draw.Debut boy Sam Johnson the hero in penalty shoot-out at Walsall http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Debut-boy-Sam-Johnson-hero-penalty/story-17061778-detail/story.html 10 October 2012 The Sentinel 10 October 2012 However, in a remarkable turn of events he went on to score the winning penalty as the 22nd penalty taker of the penalty shoot-out. However, suspensions weakened the team – Tom Pope's presence was especially missed – for the encounter with Bradford City, and Vale exited the competition with a 2–0 home defeat. Results Pre-season 17 July 2012 Friendly 19:30 BST Alsager Town 0–8 Report Port Vale Pope 29 Vincent 43 og. 45 Purcell 49 53 88 Williamson 72 82 The Town Ground Alsager 450 W 18 July 2012 Friendly 19:30 BST Biddulph Town 0–5 Report Port Vale Purcell 3 Williamson 18 Myrie-Williams 30 41 Dodds 89 Tunstall Road Biddulph Chris Jackson W 21 July 2012 Friendly 14:30 BST Newcastle Town 0–2 Report Port Vale Pope 41 Williamson 66 Lyme Valley Stadium Newcastle-under-Lyme 1,464 W 25 July 2012 Friendly 19:30 BST IRL Athlone Town 0–5 Report Port Vale Pope 50 77 79 81 Dodds 52 Athlone Town Stadium Athlone W 29 July 2012 Friendly 19:30 BST IRL Galway United 0–3 Report Port Vale Burge 28 Dodds Williamson 50 Eamonn Deacy Park Galway 405 W 31 July 2012 Friendly 19:30 BST Ilkeston 0–2 Report Port Vale Pearson 35 og. Williamson 69 New Manor Ground Ilkeston 265 W 1 August 2012 Friendly 19:30 BST Stafford Rangers 1–3 Report Port Vale Johnson 58 Dodds 17 Myrie-Williams Pope 63 Marston Road Stafford 398 Craig Taylor W 3 August 2012 Friendly 19:30 BST Nantwich Town 0–1 Report Port Vale Purcell 90 pen. Weaver Stadium Nantwich 352 Rob Jones W 7 August 2012 Friendly 19:30 BST Port Vale 0–1 Report Coventry City McSheffrey 42 Vale Park Burslem 0 (Behind closed doors) L 8 August 2012 Friendly 19:30 BST Congleton Town 1–2 Report Port Vale Southern James Marland Booth Street Congleton W 11 August 2012 Friendly 15:00 BST Port Vale 1–1 Report Tranmere Rovers Goodison 17 og. Stockton 75 Vale Park Burslem D Football League Two League table 2012–13 Football League Two PTV Results by matchday table b Round Ground H/A/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/A/A/H/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A Result W/L/W/D/W/W/W/L/W/D/W/W/W/D/L/D/D/D/W/W/L/D/W/W/L/W/W/D/W/W/D/L/W/L/L/D/L/L/W/W/D/W/D/D/D/D Position 2/10/5/7/3/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/1/2/2/1/1/1/1/1/2/2/2/2/2/2/3/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/3 Points 3p/3p/6p/7p/10p/13p/16p/16p/19p/20p/23p/26p/29p/30p/30p/31p/32p/33p/36p/39p/39p/40p/43p/46p/46p/49p/52p/53p/56p/59p/60p/60p/63p/63p/63p/64p/64p/64p/67p/70p/71p/74p/75p/76p/77p/78p Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss 1st 2nd 3rd #D1E231 StattoPort Vale 2012–2013 : Results & Fixtures. Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012. Matches 18 August 2012 1 15:00 BST Port Vale 3–0 Report Barnet Dodds 8 Myrie-Williams 20 pen. Pope 75 Vale Park Burslem 4,608 Scott Duncan W 21 August 2012 2 19:45 BST Accrington Stanley 2–0 Report Port Vale Amond 43 pen. Gray 90+3 Crown Ground Accrington 1,946 David Webb L 25 August 2012 3 15:00 BST Morecambe 1–3 Report Port Vale Ellison 32 Morsy 1 McCombe 89 Pope 90+4 Globe Arena Morecambe 2,164 Mark Brown W 1 September 2012 4 15:00 BST Port Vale 1–1 Report Torquay United Saah 69 og. Morris 39 Vale Park Burslem 4,721 Steve Bratt D 8 September 2012 5 15:00 BST Port Vale 6–2 Report Rotherham United Dodds 5 Pope 16 21 68 78 Vincent 28 O'Connor 31 Nardiello 54 pen. Vale Park Burslem 5,544 Mick Russell W 15 September 2012 6 15:00 BST Plymouth Argyle 1–3 Report Port Vale Williams 18 Myrie-Williams 66 pen. Vincent 74 Williamson 78 Home Park Plymouth 6,080 Darren Sheldrake W 18 September 2012 7 19:45 BST Fleetwood Town 2–5 Report Port Vale Brown 39 Gillespie 84 pen. Pope 29 60 Vincent 34 Dodds 67 78 Highbury Stadium Fleetwood 3,392 Nigel Miller W 22 September 2012 8 15:00 BST Port Vale 0–2 Report Gillingham Burton 11 Whelpdale 25 Vale Park Burslem 6,924 Darren Bond L 29 September 2012 9 15:00 BST Bradford City 0–1 Report Port Vale Pope 37 Valley Parade Bradford 11,030 Paul Tierney W 2 October 2012 10 19:45 BST Port Vale 1–1 Report Dagenham & Redbridge Myrie-Williams 75 Howell 72 Vale Park Burslem 4,355 Tony Harrington D 6 October 2012 11 15:00 BST Exeter City 0–2 Report Port Vale Pope 40 62 St James Park Exeter 3,938 Robert Lewis W 15 October 2012 12 19:45 BST Port Vale 3–0 Report Oxford United Pope 30 Vincent 51 Morsy 61 Vale Park Burslem 4,596 Keith Stroud W 20 October 2012 13 15:00 BST Port Vale 4–1 Report Wycombe Wanderers Williamson 59 Pope 66 87 Vincent 90 Grant 20 pen. Vale Park Burslem 5,303 Carl Boyeson W 23 October 2012 14 19:45 BST Burton Albion 1–1 Report Port Vale Chappell 73 Williamson 75 Pirelli Stadium Burton upon Trent 3,975 Graham Salisbury D 27 October 2012 15 15:00 BST Northampton Town 2–0 Report Port Vale Nicholls 20 Moult 43 Sixfields Stadium Northampton 5,061 Richard Clark L 6 November 2012 16 19:45 GMT Port Vale 2–2 Report Rochdale Pope 27 62 Grant 73 Tutte 87 Vale Park Burslem 4,139 Andy Woolmer D 10 November 2012 17 15:00 GMT Southend United 0–0 Report Port Vale Roots Hall Southend-on-Sea 4,876 Gavin Ward D 17 November 2012 18 15:00 GMT Port Vale 2–2 Report York City Burge 30 Myrie-Williams 44 pen. Rodman 67 Reed 89 Vale Park Burslem 5,380 Jeremy Simpson D 20 November 2012 19 19:45 GMT Port Vale 4–0 Report Bristol Rovers Pope 20 22 67 Williamson 35 Vale Park Burslem 4,177 Andrew Madley W 24 November 2012 20 15:00 GMT Aldershot Town 1–3 Report Port Vale López 29 Williamson 17 Burge 47 Myrie-Williams 76 pen. Recreation Ground Aldershot 1,992 Mick Russell W 8 December 2012 21 15:00 GMT Port Vale 0–2 Report Chesterfield O'Shea 37 Darikwa 64 Vale Park Burslem 5,298 Brendan Malone L 15 December 2012 22 15:00 GMT Cheltenham Town 1–1 Report Port Vale Carter 61 Dodds 67 Whaddon Road Cheltenham 3,670 Mark Heywood D 26 December 2012 23 15:00 GMT Rotherham United 1–2 Report Port Vale Agard 83 Dodds 55 Pope 63 New York Stadium Rotherham 10,502 Trevor Kettle W 29 December 2012 24 15:00 GMT Dagenham & Redbridge 2–3 Report Port Vale Williams 18 pen. Doe 84 Pope 4 Myrie-Williams 9 Dodds 39 Victoria Road Dagenham 1,697 David Phillips W 1 January 2013 25 19:45 GMT Port Vale 0–2 Report Fleetwood Town Ball 26 Goodall 39 Vale Park Burslem 6,092 Paul Tierney L 5 January 2013 26 15:00 GMT Port Vale 4–0 Report Plymouth Argyle Myrie-Williams 32 Pope 55 83 Williamson 77 Vale Park Burslem 5,168 Scott Mathieson W 12 January 2013 27 15:00 GMT Gillingham 1–2 Report Port Vale Kedwell 21 Pope 4 Hughes 20 Priestfield Stadium Gillingham, Kent 8,392 Darren Sheldrake W 24 January 2013 28 19:45 GMT AFC Wimbledon 2–2 Report Port Vale Midson 8 42 pen. Jones 44 Pope 58 Kingsmeadow Kingston upon Thames 3,395 Graham Scott D 2 February 2013 29 15:00 GMT Port Vale 3–0 Report Accrington Stanley Hughes 50 66 Purse 54 Vale Park Burslem 5,172 Andy Davies W 5 February 2013 30 19:45 GMT Port Vale 3–0 Report AFC Wimbledon Hughes 13 Vincent 35 75 Vale Park Burslem 5,567 Mark Brown W 9 February 2013 31 15:00 GMT Barnet 0–0 Report Port Vale Underhill Stadium Chipping Barnet, London 2,398 Graham Salisbury D 16 February 2013 32 15:00 GMT Port Vale 0–1 Report Morecambe Alessandra 63 Vale Park Burslem 5,513 David Phillips L 23 February 2013 33 15:00 GMT Torquay United 0–1 Report Port Vale Andrew 28 Plainmoor Torquay 2,679 Keith Hill W 26 February 2013 34 19:45 GMT Port Vale 0–2 Report Exeter City Cureton 11 Coles 33 Vale Park Burslem 4,480 Gary Sutton L 2 March 2013 35 15:00 GMT Oxford United 2–1 Report Port Vale Potter 10 Smalley 76 Loft 16 Kassam Stadium Oxford 6,322 Eddie Ilderton L 5 March 2013 36 15:00 GMT Port Vale 0–0 Report Bradford City Vale Park Burslem 4,281 James Adcock D 9 March 2013 37 15:00 GMT Port Vale 1–2 Report Southend United Hughes 64 Clohessy 19 pen. Assombalonga 31 Vale Park Burslem 4,858 Darren Sheldrake L 12 March 2013 38 19:45 GMT Bristol Rovers 2–0 Report Port Vale Brunt 7 38 Memorial Stadium Bristol 5,111 Fred Graham L 16 March 2013 39 15:00 GMT York City 0–2 Report Port Vale Myrie-Williams 7 Hughes 48 Bootham Crescent York 3,945 Andy Haines W 29 March 2013 40 15:00 GMT Port Vale 3–2 Report Cheltenham Town Pope 19 58 74 Mohamed 47 Benson 54 Vale Park Burslem 5,867 Scott Mathieson W 1 April 2013 41 19:45 BST Chesterfield 2–2 Report Port Vale Richards 14 19 Purse 5 Pope 85 Proact Stadium Chesterfield, Derbyshire 6,669 Simon Hooper D 5 April 2013 42 19:45 BST Port Vale 7–1 Report Burton Albion Hughes 12 22 pen. 51 pen. Birchall 25 Pope 56 Williamson 73 90 Paterson 70 Vale Park Burslem 10,978 Gavin Ward W 9 April 2013 43 19:45 BST Port Vale 1–1 Report Aldershot Town Myrie-Williams 45 McCallum 74 Vale Park Burslem 6,197 Lee Collins D 13 April 2013 44 15:00 BST Rochdale 2–2 Report Port Vale Chilvers 31 og. Kennedy 90+3 Pope 34 Chilvers 89 Spotland Stadium Rochdale 5,042 Richard Clark D 20 April 2013 45 15:00 BST Port Vale 2–2 Report Northampton Town Chilvers 38 Collins 86 og. Carlisle 2 O'Donovan 69 Vale Park Burslem 12,496 Keith Hill D 27 April 2013 46 15:00 BST Wycombe Wanderers 1–1 Report Port Vale Morgan 31 pen. Hughes 79 Adams Park High Wycombe 7,120 Mark Haywood D FA Cup 2012–13 FA Cup 3 November 2012 R1 15:00 GMT Forest Green Rovers 2–3 Report Port Vale Norwood 34 Oshodi 49 Vincent 7 McDonald 12 Williamson 80 The New Lawn Nailsworth 1,753 Philip Gibbs W 1 December 2012 R2 15:00 GMT Sheffield United 2–1 Report Port Vale Miller 90 90+5 Pope 33 Bramall Lane Sheffield 10,215 Kevin Wright L League Cup 2012–13 Football League Cup 14 August 2012 R1 19:45 BST Port Vale 1–3 Report Burnley Shuker 9 McCann 11 Austin 29 Marney 42 Vale Park Burslem 4,055 Andy Haines L Football League Trophy 2012–13 Football League Trophy 4 September 2012 R1 19:15 BST Port Vale 2–0 Report Tranmere Rovers Myrie-Williams 57 75 pen. Vale Park Burslem 2,702 Steve Martin W 9 October 2012 R2 19:45 BST Walsall 2–2 5–6 Report Port Vale Cuvelier 26 pen. Grigg 47 Bowerman Paterson Taylor Cuvelier Featherstone Taundry Brandy Butler Downing Jones Darlow Burge 49 Pope 61 Myrie-Williams Shuker Burge Pope Davis Taylor Dodds Lloyd Yates McCombe Johnson Bescot Stadium Walsall 2,845 Darren Deadman D 4 December 2012 R3 19:15 GMT Port Vale 0–2 Report Bradford City Jones 46 Forsyth 55 Vale Park Burslem 2,786 Darren Drysdale L Squad statistics Appearances and goals Key to positions: GK – Goalkeeper; DF – Defender; MF – Midfielder; FW – Forward thumb|Louis Dodds contributed seven goals. thumb|Richard Duffy played almost 40 games. League Two FA Cup League Cup Football League Trophy 1 GK ENG Chris Neal 46 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 2 DF ENG Adam Yates 26 0 2 0 1 0 3 0 3 MF ENG Rob Taylor 28 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 4 MF Montserrat Anthony Griffith 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 DF ENG John McCombe 32 1 1 0 1 0 3 0 6 DF ENG Darren Purse 17 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 MF ENG Doug Loft 32 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 8 FW ENG Louis Dodds 30 7 2 0 1 0 3 0 9 MF ENG Jennison Myrie-Williams 44 9 2 0 1 0 3 2 10 MF ENG Ashley Vincent 34 7 2 1 1 0 3 0 11 FW ENG Tom Pope 46 31 2 1 1 0 2 1 12 GK ENG Sam Johnson 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 14 DF ENG Clayton McDonald 22 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 15 MF ENG Chris Shuker 29 0 1 0 1 1 3 0 16 FW ENG Calvin Andrew 22 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 17 DF ENG Joe Davis 7 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 18 MF EGY Sam Morsy 28 2 1 0 1 0 2 0 19 FW ENG Ben Williamson 33 8 2 1 1 0 3 0 21 DF ENG Kingsley James 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 22 MF ENG Ryan Lloyd 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 24 DF WAL Richard Duffy 36 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 25 DF ENG Liam Chilvers 20 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 26 MF TRI Chris Birchall 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 FW ENG Lee Hughes 18 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 GK ENG Ryan Boot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 MF ENG Dominic Thorley 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 DF ENG Daniel Jones 16 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 |- |colspan="14"|Players who featured but departed the club during the season: 4 MF IRL Darren Murphy 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 DF WAL Gareth Owen 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 MF WAL Lewis Haldane 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 DF GIB David Artell 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 MF ENG Sean McAllister 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 23 MF ENG Ryan Burge 30 2 2 0 1 0 2 1 |} Top scorers PlacePositionNationNumberNameLeague TwoFA CupLeague CupFootball League TrophyTotal1FWEngland11Tom Pope31101332MFEngland9Jennison Myrie-Williams9002113FWEngland29Lee Hughes10000104FWEngland19Ben Williamson810095MFEngland10Ashley Vincent710086FWEngland8Louis Dodds700077MFEngland23Ryan Burge200138DFEngland25Liam Chilvers20002=MFEgypt18Sam Morsy20002=DFEngland6Darren Purse20002=–––Own goals2000212DFEngland16Calvin Andrew10001=MFTrinidad7Chris Birchall10001=DFEngland36Daniel Jones10001=DFEngland7Doug Loft10001=DFEngland5John McCombe10001=DFEngland14Clayton McDonald01001=MFEngland15Chris Shuker00101TOTALS8741496 Disciplinary record NumberNationPositionNameLeague TwoFA CupLeague CupLeague TrophyTotal18EgyptMFSam Morsy71001010917EnglandDFDoug Loft71000000715EnglandDFJohn McCombe410000004124WalesDFRichard Duffy8010001010023EnglandMFRyan Burge601000108014EnglandDFClayton McDonald70000000709EnglandMFJennison Myrie-Williams500000207011EnglandFWTom Pope601000007029EnglandFWLee Hughes600000006010EnglandMFAshley Vincent400000105036EnglandDFDaniel Jones400000004025EnglandDFLiam Chilvers30000000308EnglandFWLouis Dodds30000000301EnglandGKChris Neal30000000306EnglandDFDarren Purse30000000304MontserratMFAnthony Griffith20000000203EnglandMFRob Taylor101000002026TrinidadMFChris Birchall100000001017EnglandDFJoe Davis00100000106WalesDFGareth Owen100000001015EnglandMFChris Shuker1000000010TOTALS823501060943 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 National AwardsWinner Football League Two Player of the Month Tom Pope (September 2012)Ashley Vincent (October 2012) Football League Two Player of the Year Tom Pope PFA Team of the Year Jennison Myrie-WilliamsTom PopeEnd of Season AwardsWinnerTom Pope wins player-of-the-year award http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Tom-Pope-wins-player-year-award/story-18830131-detail/story.html#axzz2R69ywP7J 29 April 2013 The Sentinel 29 April 2013 Player of the Year Tom Pope Away Travel Player of the Year Chris Neal Players' Player of the Year Chris Neal Young Player of the Year Sam Johnson Youth Player of the Year Dougie Price Goal of the Season Louis Dodds (vs Fleetwood Town, 18 September 2012) Transfers Transfers in Date from Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref.2 July 2012MFENGJennison Myrie-WilliamsStevenageFree transfer2 July 2012MFIRLDarren MurphyStevenageFree transfer2 July 2012MFENGAshley VincentColchester UnitedFree transfer6 July 2012DFGIBDavid ArtellCrewe AlexandraFree transfer6 July 2012DFWALRichard DuffyExeter CityFree transfer6 July 2012GKENGChris NealShrewsbury TownFree transfer9 November 2012MFENGSean McAllisterShrewsbury TownFree transfer26 November 2012FWENGCalvin AndrewCrystal PalaceFree transfer3 January 2013MFTRIChris BirchallUSA Columbus CrewFree transfer5 January 2013DFENGDarren PursePlymouth ArgyleFree transfer8 January 2013FWENGLee HughesNotts CountyFree transfer10 January 2013DFENGLiam ChilversAFC Telford UnitedFree transfer17 January 2013DFENGDaniel JonesSheffield WednesdayFree transfer Transfers out Date from Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref.11 August 2012DFGIBDavid ArtellNorthampton TownRejected contractDavid Artell joins Northampton Town after Port Vale exit https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19241831 13 August 2012 BBC Sport 13 August 20127 October 2012MFWALLewis Haldane Retired8 January 2013MFENGSean McAllisterSCO CowdenbeathContract expiredAdams takes a fresh look at January sales http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Adams-takes-fresh-look-January-sales/story-17739103-detail/story.html 2 January 2013 The Sentinel 2 January 2013Smith Craig Cowdenbeath v Airdrie United: Cameron looking for space http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/div-1/cowdenbeath-v-airdrie-united-cameron-looking-for-space-1.76905 3 May 2013 The Courier 16 March 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130318131315/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/div-1/cowdenbeath-v-airdrie-united-cameron-looking-for-space-1.76905 18 March 2013 8 January 2013MFIRLDarren MurphyMacclesfield TownReleased8 January 2013DFWALGareth Owen RetiredGareth Owen makes return to Britannia Stadium http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Gareth-Owen-makes-return-Britannia/story-18606424-detail/story.html#axzz2PCW4ITBH 4 April 2013 The Sentinel 4 April 201312 April 2013MFENGRyan BurgeNewport CountyReleasedPenman Andrew County snap up midfielder Ryan Burge http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/10644960.County_snap_up_midfielder_Ryan_Burge/ 30 August 2013 South Wales Argus 30 August 20132 May 2013DFENGDarren PurseFIN IFK MariehamnReleasedPurse och Foster till IFK http://nyan.ax/nyheter/?news_id=78377 10 August 2013 Nya Åland 8 August 2013 sv2 May 2013FWENGCalvin AndrewMansfield TownReleasedMansfield Town sign ex-Palace striker https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23618578 8 August 2013 BBC Sport 8 August 20132 May 2013DFENGClayton McDonaldGrimsby TownReleasedClayton McDonald signs one-year deal https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23452284 25 July 2013 BBC Sport 25 July 20132 May 2013MFENGKingsley JamesHereford UnitedReleasedhttp://www.herefordunited.co.uk/news/article/trio-sign-deals-956120.aspx Trialist trio sign for Bulls Hereford United 2013-07-31 2013-07-31 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130805220238/http://www.herefordunited.co.uk/news/article/trio-sign-deals-956120.aspx 5 August 2013 21 May 2013MFENGAshley VincentCheltenham TownRejected contractAshley Vincent returns to Cheltenham from Port Vale https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23345813 17 July 2013 BBC Sport 17 July 201331 May 2013DFENGJohn McCombeMansfield TownMutual consentStags sign experienced defender http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/stags-sign-experienced-defender-851728.aspx Mansfield Town Official Website 1 June 20135 June 2013MFEGYSam MorsyChesterfieldRejected contract Loans in Start date Position Nationality Name From End date Ref.22 November 2012DFENGLiam ChilversAFC Telford United5 January 20134 March 2013MFMontserratAnthony GriffithLeyton OrientEnd of season Loans out Start date Position Nationality Name To End date Ref.21 January 2013DFENGClayton McDonaldBristol Rovers22 April 201328 January 2013DFENGKingsley JamesHereford United22 April 2013Hereford United sign Kingsley James and Rodney MacDonald https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21233238 28 January 2013 BBC Sport 28 January 2013 References Specific General Soccerbase Fielding Rob No ordinary season Lulu.com 2013 978-1291426892 Sherwin Phil Dave Johnson Port Vale This Side Up: 2012-2013 Promotion Celebration BGL 2013 978-0-9926579-0-1 Category:Port Vale F.C. seasons Port Vale