1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season

March 2015 March 2015 Port Vale 1988–89 John Rudge Bill Bell Vale Park Football League Third Division 3rd (84 points)play-off winners FA Cup Third Round(eliminated by Norwich City) League Cup Second Round(eliminated by Ipswich Town) Associate Members' Cup Preliminary Round(eliminated by Wolverhampton Wanderers) Player of the Year Mark Grew Darren Beckford (20) Darren Beckford (23) 17,353 vs. Bristol Rovers, 3 June 1989 1,893 vs. Hereford United, 21 November 1988 6,731 5–0 and 6–1 1–5 vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers, 13 December 1988 _vneckblack _color_3_stripes_black ffffff ffffff ffffff 000000 ffffff _blackcollar ffd700 ffd700 ffd700 ffd700 ffd700 ffd700 1987–88 1989–90 The 1988–89 season was Port Vale's 77th season of football in the English Football League, and third-successive (18th overall) season in the Third Division.Kent Jeff The Valiants' Years: The Story Of Port Vale Witan Books 1990 258–290 From Rags to Riches (1979–1990) 0-9508981-4-7 Under manager John Rudge and chairman Bill Bell, Vale achieved promotion to the Second Division after finishing third with 84 points, and clinched their place via a 2–1 aggregate win over Bristol Rovers in the play-off final. Their promotion was hard-fought, as they were narrowly pipped to the second automatic promotion spot by Sheffield United, especially amid a challenging second half of the season disrupted by an injury crisis. Vale's cup runs were modest: they reached the Third Round of the FA Cup, were knocked out in the Second Round of the League Cup, and exited in the Preliminary Round of the Associate Members' Cup. Darren Beckford emerged as a key figure — and top scorer — with 20 league goals and 23 in all competitions. Other standouts included strike partner Ron Futcher, defender Simon Mills, and midfield duo Ray Walker and Robbie Earle, while goalkeeper Mark Grew earned the Player of the Year accolade. The season also saw club stalwarts Andy Porter and Dean Glover make their debuts, while Andy Jones returned on loan but failed to impress during what would be Phil Sproson's final season at Vale Park. In terms of attendance, the highest home crowd was 17,353 for the play-off final second leg against Bristol Rovers on 3 June 1989, while the lowest was just 1,893 in a league match against Hereford United on 21 November 1988, with a season average of 6,731. The club recorded emphatic largest wins of 5–0 and 6–1, though their heaviest defeat was a 5–1 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 13 December 1988. Vale's resilience through mid‑season injuries and a tight promotion race, together with the prolific Beckford and influential performances across the squad, powered their return to the Second Division via the play-offs. Overview Third Division The pre-season saw Vale Park given a £40,000 upgrade to repair the floodlights, whilst a £20,000 electronic scoreboard was installed at the Hamil End. Three executive boxes were also purchased from Newcastle United, whilst facilities were opened to the local community. Manager John Rudge made a £40,000 offer for Bristol City's left-sided midfielder Alan Walsh, which was rejected.Kent 1989 22 He also made inquiries for Nigel Gleghorn and Marc North. Ray Walker put in a transfer request, which was rejected. Rudge's first purchase of the season was Sunderland's left-sided midfielder Paul Atkinson, with a tribunal setting the fee at £20,000; Rudge stated that he "has the ability to produce the sort of crosses that win games".Kent 1989 23 His next target was a striker, though he had a £70,000 bid for Hull City's Andy Saville rejected. Attempts to capture Imre Varadi, Wayne Biggins, Keith Bertschin, Andy Jones, and John Pearson all failed.Kent 1989 24 Ian Moores began training with the club, but was not offered a contract.Kent 1989 25 Despite interest from at least three other clubs (particularly Mansfield Town), Rudge signed Ron Futcher, Bradford City's top-scorer, for a £35,000 fee. The veteran striker said "I could have done better for myself elsewhere, but Vale have a lot more potential." Another new arrival was young Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Trevor Wood on a free transfer. The Vale were unbeaten in their seven pre-season friendlies, beating second tier rivals Stoke City 1–0 in the process. They also recorded wins over Newcastle Town (6–1), Brandon (2–1), Spennymoor (3–0), and Kidderminster Harriers (4–0), and drew 2–2 with Walsall and 1–1 with Crewe Alexandra.Kent 1989 26Kent 1989 27–29 Having failed to sign Phil Turner, Rudge felt the squad's one weakness was a lack of depth in defence.Kent 1989 10 The season opened with a 4–2 win over Preston North End on a plastic pitch at Deepdale.Kent 1989 30 David Riley "discussed a transfer" but remained at the club despite being unhappy at starting the season from the bench.Kent 1989 31 A weak defensive performance then cost them at home to Chester City. However, Rudge was happy with the performance of Simon Mills, a midfielder who was learning a new position at right-back.Kent 1989 32 A disciplined performance was enough to win a point away at Bury, with goalkeeper Mark Grew in impressive form. With Atkinson injured and Steve Harper out of form, Rudge tried unsuccessfully to bring in Liverpool's Steve Staunton and Bournemouth's Mark O'Connor on loan.Kent 1989 34 The campaign though kicked into gear with "a stunningly ruthless" 6–1 thrashing of "a by no means inadequate" Cardiff City. They followed this up with a 5–0 mauling of a "dreadful" Chesterfield – Darren Beckford claiming a hat-trick – and moved to the top of the table.Kent 1989 35Baggaley Mike Questions answered by chief exec and manager https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/questions-answered-by-chief-exec 12 September 2024 Valiant's Substack 12 September 2024 They ended September with a 1–0 win over Bristol City, as the Vale defence proved its effectiveness.Kent 1989 36 Vale opened October with a 3–3 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux; it was an exciting encounter, as Vale's short passing game proved the equal of the dangerous long ball game of "Wolves". Two days later they claimed a 2–0 victory over Huddersfield Town, with Trevor Wood keeping a clean sheet on his debut after Grew was sidelined with a thigh strain.Kent 1989 38 A 2–0 win over injury-stricken Wigan Athletic at Springfield Park was the club's fifth clean sheet in six league games.Kent 1989 39 Rudge meanwhile agreed a £175,000 deal to bring Andy Jones back from Charlton Athletic, but the striker refused the deal. Yet an injury-time goal from Ray Walker was enough to continue the team's fine run, as a solid Bolton Wanderers club were beaten 2–1; despite still suffering from injury, Grew made a series of impressive saves.Baggaley Mike Vale punished by classy Bolton https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/vale-punished-by-classy-bolton 4 August 2024 Valiant's Substack 4 August 2024 With goalkeeper Mark Grew out with a thigh strain, Mike Stowell was taken in on loan from Everton. The month ended poorly, as a 3–2 loss to Blackpool at Bloomfield Road was followed by a 3–3 draw with Sheffield United in front of 13,246 fans (the biggest gate for a league game since 1973). The two northern sides exploited Vale's unease at playing with a new goalkeeper, and forced errors from the Vale defence with high-pressure aerial bombardment.Kent 1989 43 On 29 October, Rudge kept the team in the dressing room for 45 minutes at Griffin Park after a poor performance left the distinctly average home side, Brentford, to secure all three points.Kent 1989 44 Vale were 13 minutes from opening November with a 3–1 home win over Aldershot when the match had to be abandoned due to fog.Kent 1989 45 They instead found a much needed win away at Northampton Town. Rudge attempted to sign one of West Ham United's defensive pair Gary Strodder and Paul Hilton, but found that neither were willing to join the club.Kent 1989 46 Unaffected by this rejection, the "Valiants" beat third-place Swansea City 2–1, though were disappointed to lose Futcher as the striker was sent off for arguing with the linesman.Kent 1989 47 They then disposed of Fulham with a 3–0 win, despite having to play without Futcher.Kent 1989 49 Rudge was made Manager of the Month.Kent 1989 54 December began with a 1–1 draw at Southend United. Vale battled to an away point despite playing most of the second half with ten men following Atkinson's dismissal.Kent 1989 51 With Atkinson injured, John Jeffers was taken on loan from Liverpool, though David Riley's form kept Jeffers on the bench. On 17 December, Vale overcame Reading 3–0 to hit second in the table.Kent 1989 53Baggaley Mike Chislett puts Vale back on track in Wigan thriller https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/chislett-puts-vale-back-on-track 17 December 2023 Valiant's Substack 17 December 2023 On Boxing day, Vale recorded a 1–0 win at Mansfield Town despite having Ray Walker sent off. They then missed the chance to end the calendar year on top of the table after falling to a 1–0 loss at relegation fodder Gillingham.Kent 1989 55 Before the year was out, Paul Millar was signed from Irish club Portadown for £20,000, but severely damaged his knee ligaments in one of his early training sessions. Gary Ford also picked up an Achilles injury, and Vale's form suffered. By January Wolves were clear at the top, and Vale were comfortably placed in second. Vale narrowly beat Notts County and Chester City to give themselves some breathing space.Kent 1989 56Baggaley Mike Port Vale archives: Look out Stoke City, Vale were on the rise http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-archives-look-out-stoke-vale-were-on-the-rise/story-30058143-detail/story.html 15 January 2017 Stoke Sentinel 15 January 2017 15 January 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170115205431/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-archives-look-out-stoke-vale-were-on-the-rise/story-30058143-detail/story.html dead On 18 January, Rudge agreed to sign a new two-year contract.Kent 1989 60 However, Vale began to struggle, as Bury and Cardiff City inflicted two straight losses.Kent 1989 61 Yet a back injury forced Bob Hazell into retirement, whilst Ray Walker had trouble with his foot. More bad news came when loyal servant Phil Sproson retired on medical advice after sustaining a bad knee injury. Rudge responded by trying to bolster his defence but was unable to secure Steve Sims, Peter Swan, Simon Morgan, Chris Hemming, or Peter Skipper.Kent 1989 63 Rudge then decided to sign classy defender Dean Glover from Middlesbrough for £200,000 as a replacement for Sproson. This more than quadrupled the club's previous transfer record. Andy Jones also agreed to join the club on loan to boost the club's promotion chances. On 4 February, a crowd of 16,362 witnessed a goalless home draw with leaders Wolves; débutante Dean Glover was impressive. Rudge then spent £70,000 on Gillingham defender Gary West, as it became clear that Bob Hazell would be out injured for a long time.Kent 1989 65 On 11 February, Vale won their first-ever point in an away match at Huddersfield. Two days later they battled against the elements to record a 3–0 victory over Aldershot in the re-arranged fixture.Kent 1989 66 Rudge tried to re-sign another former Vale favourite on loan, Mark Chamberlain, but was turned down.Kent 1989 67 The good results continued, though, as Vale rounded out the month with a win over Wigan Athletic and a draw with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.Kent 1989 68 A Futcher penalty opened March with a win over Blackpool, though Vale also had two goals disallowed.Kent 1989 70 Preston then purchased young reserve team winger Steve Harper, who wanted to "prove himself", for £35,000. Vale played a five-man defence against relegation candidates Aldershot, and came away from the Recreation Ground with a 2–2 draw as Rudge bemoaned "two points thrown away".Kent 1989 72 They returned to winning ways against Brentford, but could only manage a draw at home to Preston.Kent 1989 73 Rudge refused Reading's offer of £250,000 for Dean Glover, but placed Hazell on the transfer list. He did though sign Jeffers permanently for £30,000 after giving up hope of Atkinson returning to fitness.Kent 1989 74 He also re-signed Ronnie Jepson from Nantwich Town, though attempts to loan in Jim Melrose from Shrewsbury Town were unsuccessful. On 25 March, Beckford hit a hat-trick as Vale claimed a 4–1 victory at Notts County to go ten games unbeaten.Kent 1989 75 Two days later though, they fell to defeat at home to Mansfield.Kent 1989 76 April began with a 3–0 defeat at Reading after the team put in a "woefully inadequate display".Kent 1989 77 They then claimed a draw at promotion rivals Bristol Rovers, though Rudge said that "we deserved to win".Kent 1989 78 They were then fortunate to hang on to second place after making tough work of what should have been a routine home win over Gillingham.Kent 1989 79 Gary Ford was ruled out for the rest of the season as injuries began to take their toll on the squad, though they still managed to return from Chesterfield with another three points.Kent 1989 81 However, they dropped down to third after losing at home to Bristol City.Kent 1989 82 Vale then returned from Bolton with only a point and were forced to contend with another injury as Riley suffered a broken leg.Kent 1989 83 More points were dropped after a goalless draw at home to Swansea, the lack of goals being blamed on poor service from the flanks.Kent 1989 84 On 1 May, Vale lost at home to Northampton Town after wasting chances to score and making mistakes in defence.Kent 1989 85 A young Andy Porter helped to ensure three victories in the final three games, but it was too late to gain automatic promotion. The regular season concluded with a 2–1 win at Fulham as they came from being a goal down to former loanee striker Michael Cole to win the game with a Kevin Finney strike and Gary West header.Baggaley Mike Trying to keep season-ticket holders in a huge summer https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/trying-to-keep-season-ticket-holders 14 May 2024 Valiant's Substack 13 May 2024 Going into the play-offs Rudge said that "We have almost climbed Everest, but there is one small hill to go and the players must be in a positive mood."Kent 1989 89 They finished in third place with 84 points, missing out on automatic promotion due to Sheffield United's superior goal difference. The team were unfortunate not to win automatic promotion, as the old system of two points for a win would have seen them finish second, and their tally of 84 points would have won them promotion in the Second Division and would have been enough to clinch the Fourth Division title. No team in the division conceded fewer than Vale's 48 goals, and Vale also had the best away record. However, relegated Southend lost fewer home games than the Vale.Kent 1989 99 Ray Walker was selected for the PFA's Third Division Team of the Year for the second season running. However, it was goalkeeper Mark Grew who was voted Port Vale F.C. Player of the Year. Facing Preston North End in the play-off semi-finals at Deepdale, there was a pitch invasion by fans after a fire erupted under the wooden slats of the stands. Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley called for an enquiry at Parliament, but no enquiry was made. Vale drew 1–1 at Preston but won 3–1 at home with a Beckford hat-trick in front of 13,416 supporters.Baggaley Mike Investment paying off https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/investment-paying-off 26 May 2025 Valiant's Substack 25 May 2025 In the final, an equalizing goal by Robbie Earle earned Vale a 1–1 draw at Twerton Park, before Earle scored the only goal of the return leg at Vale Park in front of 17,353 fans. Beckford was the season's top-scorer with 23 goals, whilst Futcher and Earle bagged 19 goals. "In a divided city, Vale supporters are no longer second class citizens and, hopefully, what we have achieved may just be the start. I am very proud to be manager of Port Vale, but it was the players that did the stuff." John Rudge put the club on a par with Stoke City for the first time since 1956–57.Kent 1989 4 Finances On the financial side, a loss of £88,142 was made due to a £333,084 debt on player transfers. Match receipts had risen by £258,000 thanks to an average home crowd of 6,731. Home attendances had risen by 78%, and were the highest since 1969–70. The open market rents raised £122,000 and the Developments Fund donations raised £92,000. The wage bill had risen by 30% to £481,859 and the police bill had quadrupled to £55,202 – described by Bill Bell as an 'absolutely crippling' cost. There was no bank overdraft, but debts had risen to £201,434. The club's shirt sponsors were ABC Minolta Copiers. Cup competitions In the FA Cup, Vale progressed past Northern Premier League Southport with a 2–0 victory at Haig Avenue.Fielding Rob A collection of Port Vale press clippings from the 1980s and 90s https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/2021/04/a-collection-of-port-vale-press-clippings-from-the-1980s-and-90s/ 7 April 2021 onevalefan.co.uk 7 April 2021 The television cameras were disappointed not to find a giant-killing, as the non-League side failed to cause the Vale much trouble.Kent 1989 48 They then overcame Bolton Wanderers 2–1 at Burnden Park, after "Trotters" goalkeeper David Felgate proved unable to deal with crosses into the box.Kent 1989 52Baggaley Mike Port Vale earn battling Exeter win to ease the pressure https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/port-vale-earn-battling-exeter-win 11 December 2023 Valiant's Substack 10 December 2023Match Preview Bolton Wanderers vs Port Vale [Vertu Trophy] https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/match-preview-bolton-wanderers-vs-port-vale-vertu-trophy 13 January 2026 Port Vale FC 13 January 2026 en Drawn against second-place First Division side Norwich City at Burslem in the third round, they were beaten 3–1 by the "Canaries" in front of 15,697 fans, despite holding the lead for most of the match. The introduction of second-half substitute Robert Fleck changed the match, and he and Andy Townsend got the goals for Norwich.Kent 1989 58 In the League Cup, a 3–2 home win over Chesterfield and a 1–1 draw at Saltergate were enough to send Vale into the second round against Second Division Ipswich Town. Progress came at a price, though, as new signing Paul Atkinson was sidelined after chipping a bone in his ankle.Kent 1989 33 Vale won the home leg against Ipswich 1–0, as they proved the equal of their Second Division opponents.Kent 1989 37 However, they were knocked out of the competition with a 3–0 defeat at Portman Road, Ipswich's speedy-attacking play proving too much for the Vale to handle in rainy conditions.Kent 1989 40 In the Associate Members' Cup, a 1–1 home draw with Fourth Division Hereford United and a 5–1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux meant the Vale did not progress past the group stage. Vale had dominated Hereford but failed to make the game safe before the "Bulls" found an equaliser with 13 minutes left to play. Steve Bull had proven the Vale's undoing at "Wolves", as he found the net four times. Results Football League Third Division 1988–89 Football League League table Third Division y PTV Results by matchday table b Round Ground A/H/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/H/H/A Result W/L/D/W/W/W/D/W/W/W/L/D/L/W/W/W/D/W/W/L/W/W/L/L/D/D/W/W/D/W/D/W/D/W/L/L/D/W/W/L/D/D/L/W/W/W Position 1/10/12/5/1/2/2/1/1/1/2/2/3/4/3/3/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/3/3/3/3/3/3/3 Points 3p/3p/4p/7p/10p/13p/14p/17p/20p/23p/23p/24p/24p/27p/30p/33p/34p/37p/40p/40p/43p/46p/46p/46p/47p/48p/51p/54p/55p/58p/59p/62p/63p/66p/66p/66p/67p/70p/73p/73p/74p/75p/75p/78p/81p/84p Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss green1 red1 StattoPort Vale 1988–1989 : Results & Fixtures https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053217/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/port-vale/1988-1989/results 4 March 2016 . Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012. Matches 1 27 August 1988 Preston North End 1–3 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/preston-north-end-v-port-vale-27-august-1988-141888/ Port Vale Atkinson pen. Beckford Deepdale Preston, Lancashire 6,745 2 3 September 1988 Port Vale 1–2 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-chester-city-03-september-1988-141898/ Chester City Futcher Woodthorpe Johnson Vale Park Burslem 4,213 3 10 September 1988 Bury 0–0 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/bury-v-port-vale-10-september-1988-141906/ Port Vale Gigg Lane Bury, Greater Manchester 2,978 4 17 September 1988 Port Vale 6–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-cardiff-city-17-september-1988-141922/ Cardiff City Futcher Beckford Riley Earle Walker Gilligan Vale Park Burslem 4,280 5 19 September 1988 Port Vale 5–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-chesterfield-19-september-1988-141927/ Chesterfield Beckford Ford Vale Park Burslem 4,469 6 24 September 1988 Bristol City 0–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/bristol-city-v-port-vale-24-september-1988-141940/ Port Vale Walker Ashton Gate Ashton Gate, Bristol 7,235 7 1 October 1988 Wolverhampton Wanderers 3–3 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/wolverhampton-wanderers-v-port-vale-01-october-1988-141960/ Port Vale Earle Futcher Sproson Molineux Stadium Wolverhampton 14,018 8 3 October 1988 Port Vale 2–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-huddersfield-town-03-october-1988-141961/ Huddersfield Town Ford Futcher Vale Park Burslem 5,938 9 8 October 1988 Wigan Athletic 0–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/wigan-athletic-v-port-vale-08-october-1988-141980/ Port Vale Earle Beckford Springfield Park Wigan 3,976 10 15 October 1988 Port Vale 2–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-bolton-wanderers-15-october-1988-141991/ Bolton Wanderers Riley Walker Brookman Vale Park Burslem 7,985 11 22 October 1988 Blackpool 3–2 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/blackpool-v-port-vale-22-october-1988-141997/ Port Vale Futcher Bloomfield Road Blackpool 7,045 12 24 October 1988 Port Vale 3–3 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-sheffield-united-24-october-1988-142008/ Sheffield United Ford Futcher pen. Vale Park Burslem 13,246 13 29 October 1988 Brentford 2–1 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/brentford-v-port-vale-29-october-1988-142023/ Port Vale Jones Holdsworth Earle Griffin Park Brentford, West London 5,212 14 8 November 1988 19:30 GMT Northampton Town 1–3 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/northampton-town-v-port-vale-08-november-1988-142051/ Port Vale Culpin Beckford Earle Futcher County Cricket Ground Northampton Jim Borritt 3,796 15 12 November 1988 Port Vale 2–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-swansea-city-12-november-1988-142062/ Swansea City Futcher Beckford Vale Park Burslem 6,248 16 26 November 1988 Port Vale 3–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-fulham-26-november-1988-142074/ Fulham Beckford Atkinson pen. Vale Park Burslem 5,097 17 2 December 1988 Southend United 1–1 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/southend-united-v-port-vale-02-december-1988-142079/ Port Vale Sproson Roots Hall Southend-on-Sea 3,245 18 17 December 1988 Port Vale 3–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-reading-17-december-1988-142097/ Reading og. Beckford Riley Vale Park Burslem 4,779 19 26 December 1988 Mansfield Town 0–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/mansfield-town-v-port-vale-26-december-1988-142111/ Port Vale Earle Field Mill Mansfield 5,224 20 30 December 1988 Gillingham 1–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/gillingham-v-port-vale-30-december-1988-142117/ Port Vale Cooper Priestfield Stadium Gillingham, Kent 4,593 21 2 January 1989 Port Vale 1–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-notts-county-02-january-1989-142135/ Notts County Beckford Vale Park Burslem 7,084 22 14 January 1989 Chester City 1–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/chester-city-v-port-vale-14-january-1989-142152/ Port Vale Dale Earle Beckford Sealand Road Chester 4,899 23 21 January 1989 Port Vale 1–3 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-bury-21-january-1989-142166/ Bury Futcher Vale Park Burslem 5,783 24 28 January 1989 15:00 GMT Cardiff City 3–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/cardiff-city-v-port-vale-28-january-1989-142173/ Port Vale Jimmy Gilligan 45 49Bartlett 47 Ninian Park Cardiff Roger Wiseman 4,507 25 4 February 1989 Port Vale 0–0 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-wolverhampton-wanderers-04-february-1989-142190/ Wolverhampton Wanderers Vale Park Burslem 16,362 26 11 February 1989 Huddersfield Town 0–0 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/huddersfield-town-v-port-vale-11-february-1989-142197/ Port Vale Leeds Road Huddersfield 8,004 27 13 February 1989 Port Vale 3–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-aldershot-13-february-1989-142204/ Aldershot Beckford Jones Vale Park Burslem 5,033 28 18 February 1989 Port Vale 2–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-wigan-athletic-18-february-1989-142213/ Wigan Athletic Earle Futcher Griffiths Vale Park Burslem 6,100 29 28 February 1989 Sheffield United 0–0 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/sheffield-united-v-port-vale-28-february-1989-142229/ Port Vale Bramall Lane Sheffield 18,787 30 4 March 1989 Port Vale 1–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-blackpool-04-march-1989-142239/ Blackpool Futcher pen. Vale Park Burslem 6,306 31 11 March 1989 Aldershot 2–2 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/aldershot-v-port-vale-11-march-1989-142246/ Port Vale Futcher pen. Earle Recreation Ground Aldershot 2,397 32 13 March 1989 Port Vale 3–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-brentford-13-march-1989-142257/ Brentford Futcher Ford Jones Godfrey Millen Vale Park Burslem 5,577 33 18 March 1989 Port Vale 1–1 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-preston-north-end-18-march-1989-142272/ Preston North End Ford Vale Park Burslem 8,584 34 25 March 1989 Notts County 1–4 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/notts-county-v-port-vale-25-march-1989-142287/ Port Vale Beckford pen. Walker Meadow Lane Nottingham 7,328 35 27 March 1989 Port Vale 1–2 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-mansfield-town-27-march-1989-142298/ Mansfield Town Earle Owen Coleman Vale Park Burslem 8,198 36 1 April 1989 Reading 3–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/reading-v-port-vale-01-april-1989-142314/ Port Vale Elm Park Reading, Berkshire 4,501 37 5 April 1989 Bristol Rovers 2–2 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/bristol-rovers-v-port-vale-05-april-1989-142324/ Port Vale Jones Earle Twerton Park Bath, Somerset 6,869 38 8 April 1989 Port Vale 2–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-gillingham-08-april-1989-142335/ Gillingham og. Walker Lovell Vale Park Burslem 5,358 39 15 April 1989 Chesterfield 1–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/chesterfield-v-port-vale-15-april-1989-142346/ Port Vale Beckford Saltergate Chesterfield, Derbyshire 5,953 40 21 April 1989 Port Vale 0–1 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-bristol-city-21-april-1989-142358/ Bristol City Vale Park Burslem 6,923 41 25 April 1989 Bolton Wanderers 1–1 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/bolton-wanderers-v-port-vale-25-april-1989-142371/ Port Vale Chandler Earle Burnden Park Bolton 5,296 42 29 April 1989 Swansea City 0–0 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/swansea-city-v-port-vale-29-april-1989-142385/ Port Vale Vetch Field Swansea 4,229 43 1 May 1989 15:00 BST Port Vale 1–2 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-northampton-town-01-may-1989-142392/ Northampton Town Futcher Culpin Thomas Vale Park Burslem 6,604 44 6 May 1989 Port Vale 2–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-southend-united-06-may-1989-142407/ Southend United Futcher Porter Vale Park Burslem 4,516 45 9 May 1989 Port Vale 1–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-bristol-rovers-09-may-1989-142415/ Bristol Rovers Earle Vale Park Burslem 6,136 46 13 May 1989 Fulham 1–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/fulham-v-port-vale-13-may-1989-142422/ Port Vale Finney West Craven Cottage Fulham, West London 6,257 Third Division play-offs 1989 Football League Third Division play-off final Semi-final 1st Leg 22 May 1989 Preston North End 1–1 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/preston-north-end-v-port-vale-22-may-1989-306781/ Port Vale Earle Deepdale Preston, Lancashire 14,280 Semi-final 2nd Leg 25 May 1989 Port Vale 3–1 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-preston-north-end-25-may-1989-306782/ Preston North End Beckford Vale Park Burslem 13,416 Final 1st Leg 31 May 1989 19:45 BST Bristol Rovers 1–1 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/bristol-rovers-v-port-vale-31-may-1989-306783/ Port Vale Penrice 31 Earle 73 Twerton Park Bath, Somerset Allan Gunn 9,042 Final 2nd Leg 3 June 1989 15:00 BST Port Vale 1–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-bristol-rovers-03-june-1989-306784/ Bristol Rovers Earle 52 Vale Park Burslem Keith Hackett 17,353 FA Cup 1988–89 FA Cup R1 19 November 1988 Southport 0–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/southport-v-port-vale-19-november-1988-215972/ Port Vale Sproson Riley Haig Avenue Southport 3,434 R2 10 December 1988 Bolton Wanderers 1–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/bolton-wanderers-v-port-vale-10-december-1988-215999/ Port Vale Futcher Earle Burnden Park Bolton 7,499 R3 8 January 1989 Port Vale 1–3 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-norwich-city-08-january-1989-216051/ Norwich City Webb Townsend Fleck Vale Park Burslem 15,697 League Cup 1988–89 Football League Cup R1 1st Leg 30 August 1988 Port Vale 3–2 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-chesterfield-30-august-1988-31816/ Chesterfield Futcher pen. Sproson Earle Vale Park Burslem 3,492 R1 2nd Leg 6 September 1988 Chesterfield 1–1 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/chesterfield-v-port-vale-06-september-1988-31839/ Port Vale Earle Saltergate Chesterfield, Derbyshire 2,709 3–4 R2 1st Leg 26 September 1988 Port Vale 1–0 W https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-ipswich-town-26-september-1988-31849/ Ipswich Town Sproson Vale Park Burslem 6,545 R2 2nd Leg 11 October 1988 Ipswich Town 3–0 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/ipswich-town-v-port-vale-11-october-1988-31887/ Port Vale Portman Road Ipswich 9,065 3–1 Associate Members' Cup 1988–89 Associate Members' Cup Preliminary 21 November 1988 Port Vale 1–1 D https://www.11v11.com/matches/port-vale-v-hereford-united-21-november-1988-291864/ Hereford United Walker Vale Park Burslem 1,893 Preliminary 13 December 1988 Wolverhampton Wanderers 5–1 L https://www.11v11.com/matches/wolves-v-port-vale-13-december-1988-291866/ Port Vale Ford Molineux Stadium Wolverhampton 9,734 6–2 Squad statistics Appearances and goals Key to positions: GK – Goalkeeper; DF – Defender; MF – Midfielder; FW – Forward Third Division FA Cup League Cup Associate Members' Cup GK ENG Mark Grew 37 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 GK NIR Trevor Wood 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 DF ENG Dean Glover 22 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 DF ENG Bob Hazell 17 0 3 0 2 0 2 0 DF ENG Darren Hughes 44 0 3 0 3 0 6 0 DF ENG Joe McIntyre 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 DF ENG Simon Mills 43 0 3 0 3 0 6 0 DF ENG Wayne Simpson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 DF ENG Alan Webb 37 0 3 1 4 0 3 0 DF ENG Gary West 14 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 MF ENG Paul Atkinson 4 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 MF ENG Steve Davies 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MF JAM Robbie Earle 44 13 3 1 4 2 6 3 MF ENG Kevin Finney 14 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 MF ENG Gary Ford 22 7 1 0 4 0 1 1 MF ENG John Jeffers 15 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 MF ENG Andy Porter 14 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 MF ENG Ray Walker 43 5 3 0 4 0 6 1 FW ENG Darren Beckford 42 20 3 0 4 0 6 3 FW ENG Ron Futcher 41 17 3 1 4 1 6 0 FW ENG Ronnie Jepson 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 FW WAL Andy Jones 17 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 FW ENG Simon Lomax 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 FW NIR Paul Millar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 FW ENG David Riley 40 3 3 1 3 0 2 0 |- |colspan="14"|Players who featured but departed the club during the season: GK ENG Mike Stowell 7 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 DF ENG Phil Sproson 20 2 3 1 4 2 2 0 MF ENG Steve Harper 7 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 |} Top scorers PlacePositionNationNameThird DivisionPlay-offsFA CupLeague CupAssociate Members' CupTotal1FWEnglandDarren Beckford203000232FWEnglandRon Futcher17011019–MFJamaicaRobbie Earle133120194MFEnglandGary Ford7000185MFEnglandRay Walker5000166DFEnglandPhil Sproson2012057FWEnglandDavid Riley3010048FWEnglandAndy Jones300003–MFEnglandPaul Atkinson30000310DFEnglandGary West100001–MFEnglandAndy Porter100001–MFEnglandKevin Finney100001–DFEnglandAlan Webb001001––Own goals200002TOTALS78655296 Transfers Transfers in Date from Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref. May 1988 GK NIR Trevor Wood Brighton & Hove Albion Free transfer Kent Jeff Port Vale Personalities Witan Books 1996 0-9529152-0-0 21 June 1988 MF ENG Paul Atkinson Sunderland £20,000 5 August 1988 FW ENG Ron Futcher Bradford City £35,000 29 December 1988 FW NIR Paul Millar NIR Portadown £20,000 3 February 1989 DF ENG Dean Glover Middlesbrough £200,000 13 February 1989 DF ENG Gary West Gillingham £70,000 23 March 1989 MF ENG John Jeffers Liverpool £30,000 March 1989 FW ENG Ronnie Jepson Nantwich Town Free transfer Transfers out Date from Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref. February 1989 DF ENG Phil Sproson Birmingham City Retired 23 March 1989 MF ENG Steve Harper Preston North End £35,000 June 1989 DF ENG Bob Hazell Released July 1989 MF ENG Steve Davies Altrincham Free transfer Loans in Date from Position Nationality Name From Date to Ref. October 1988 GK ENG Mike Stowell Everton 14 December 1988 11 December 1988 MF ENG John Jeffers Liverpool 3 February 1989 2 February 1989 FW WAL Andy Jones Charlton Athletic End of season Loans out Date from Position Nationality Name To Date to Ref. January 1989 MF ENG Paul Atkinson Stafford Rangers January 1989 February 1989 MF ENG Steve Davies Northwich Victoria April 1989 References Specific General Kent Jeff Port Vale Promotion Chronicle 1988-1989: Back to Where We Once Belonged! Witan Books 1989 0-9508981-3-9 Kent Jeff The Port Vale Record 1879-1993 Witan Books 1993 0-9508981-9-8 Category:Port Vale F.C. seasons Port Vale