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1984–85 Port Vale F.C. season

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Port Vale
1984–85 season
ChairmanJim Lloyd
ManagerJohn Rudge
StadiumVale Park
Football League Fourth Division12th (60 Points)
FA CupThird Round
(knocked out by West Ham United)
League CupSecond Round
(knocked out by Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Associate Members' CupSecond Round
(knocked out by Bristol City)
Player of the YearAlan Webb
Top goalscorerLeague: Ally Brown (17)
All: Ally Brown (21)
Highest home attendance6,949 vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers, 24 September 1984
Lowest home attendance1,386 vs. Northampton Town, 29 January 1985
Average home league attendance3,267
Biggest win5–1 vs. Exeter City, 1 January 1985
Biggest defeat0–4 vs. Bury, 26 December 1984

The 1984–85 season was Port Vale's 73rd season of football in the English Football League, and first (12th overall) back in the Fourth Division following their relegation from the Third Division.[1] John Rudge's first full season in charge, the Vale finished in mid-table following a season of rebuilding the squad. Veteran striker Ally Brown was the top-scorer with 21 goals, whilst midfield dynamo Robbie Earle hit 19 goals. Defender Alan Webb was elected Player of the Year, whilst a young Ray Walker also spent a short period on loan at the club. Vale progressed to the Third Round of the FA Cup, and the Second Rounds of the League Cup and Associate Members' Cup.

Overview

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Fourth Division

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The pre-season saw four new arrivals: veteran striker Ally Brown (Walsall); winger Peter Griffiths (Stoke City); and both forward Derek Monaghan and reliable defender Alan Webb (West Bromwich Albion).[1] This came after John Rudge stated that "Vale's reputation has been built on grit and determination and I will be looking to bring in the player who is willing to die for the cause".[1] Attempts to re-sign Brian Horton failed once again, whilst Martin Henderson had his contract cancelled after failing to report for pre-season training – he later signed with Spalding United.[1] Just before the season began Gary Brazil was signed on loan from Sheffield United.[1]

The season opened with a 1–0 defeat to Mansfield Town.[1] Tommy Gore soon announced his retirement due to a neck injury.[1] The Vale then went five games unbeaten, as the club announced a new five-year shirt sponsorship deal with Trentham firm Eagle Delivery Service.[1] Young winger Ray Walker also arrived on loan from Aston Villa.[1] On 22 September, Vale defeated Tranmere Rovers 2–1, due in part to a superb performance from Robbie Earle.[2] However, the fans chanted 'what a load of rubbish' on 1 October, as Vale lost 3–0 at home to struggling side Northampton Town.[1] Rudge stated that 'In truth we were rubbish' and promptly cancelled the player's day off.[1] Another five-game unbeaten run followed, as Brown showed his 'class' and Walker impressed.[1] On 20 October, Vale won 1–0 away at Swindon Town, who were coached by player-manager Lou Macari.[3] On 5 November, Eamonn O'Keefe scored a 'brilliant' hat-trick past Southend United in a 4–1 win.[1] Rudge then signed Stockport County's outside-right Oshor Williams for £7,000.[1] Vale's form then suffered after Walker returned to Villa Park.[1] To remedy this Rudge signed Southend United midfielder Billy Kellock, who made 'a stunning impact' in his debut, playing a key part in the 5–1 victory over Exeter City on New Year's Day.[1] This was the first of a sixteen-game unbeaten run, in which the team equalled a club-record six straight away draws between 19 January and 29 March.

On 2 February, Earle scored a hat-trick past Hereford United.[1] Striker partner Ally Brown claimed "He is my brains and I am his legs".[1] John Rudge received the Manager of the Month award for February.[1] The next month Barry Siddall joined Stoke City on a free transfer, after Chris Pearce had established himself as the Vale's #1.[1] Wayne Cegielski also signed with Blackpool and Eamonn O'Keefe followed him to Bloomfield Road for a £10,000 fee.[1] Five victories in the opening six games of April took Vale sliding down the league, as Brown was out with a knee injury.[1] Vale rallied to go through the final five games unbeaten.[1]

They finished in twelfth place with sixty points, winning and losing fourteen games.[1] Between them, Brown and Earle racked up a combined total of forty goals in all competitions.[1] Yet it was Russell Bromage who was selected for the PFA Fourth Division team.[1]

Finances

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On the financial side, a loss was made of £7,793 due to a 20% drop in attendance figures.[1] The wage bill stood at £389,341, whilst gate receipts took in £128,954 and the lottery raised £191,000.[1] The club's shirt sponsors were EDS. Five players left on free transfers, most significant were the departures of: Terry Armstrong and Derek Monaghan (retired); Colin Tartt (Shepshed Charterhouse); and Ian Griffiths (Wigan Athletic).[1] Billy Kellock also refused terms, and so joined Halifax Town, whilst John Ridley joined Stafford Rangers as a player-coach.[1] Vale received £700 following a tribunal claim, becoming the first Football League club to take a non-League club to a tribunal.[1]

Cup competitions

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In the FA Cup, Vale beat Northern Premier League side Macclesfield Town 2–1 at Moss Rose.[1] This game was overshadowed by a fence collapse that left thirteen injured and led to 21 arrests.[1] Town Chairman Alan Brocklehurst blamed 'the hooligan element of the Vale support'; however, Vale Chairman Jim Lloyd laid the blame at the feet of the police.[1] The next round saw Vale conquer Scunthorpe United with a 4–1 home victory.[1] In the Third Round they travelled to West Ham United's Upton Park, where the First Division club beat the "Valiants" 4–1.

In the League Cup, Vale went past Bury on away goals, having scored one of their two goals at Gigg Lane.[1] In the Second Round they lost 2–1 at home to Second Division Wolverhampton Wanderers, though they did earn a goalless draw at Molineux.

In the Associate Members' Cup, Vale eliminated Northampton Town in a 2–1 replay victory at Sixfields. The original match saw an attendance of just 1,386 at Vale Park.[1] At the replay Ian Griffiths required a skin graft after getting his hand trapped in a toilet door.[1] Vale were knocked out in the next round by Bristol City, losing 2–1 to the Third Division side at Ashton Gate.

League table

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Main article: 1984–85 Football League

Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
10 Crewe Alexandra 46 18 12 16 65 69 −4 66
11 Peterborough United 46 16 14 16 54 53 +1 62
12 Port Vale 46 14 18 14 61 59 +2 60
13 Aldershot 46 17 8 21 56 63 −7 59
14 Mansfield Town 46 13 18 15 41 38 +3 57
Source: [citation needed]

Results

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Port Vale's score comes first

Football League Fourth Division

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Results by matchday

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Round12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546
GroundHAHAAHAHHAAHHAHAHAHHAAHAHHHAAHAHAHAAHAHAAHHAHA
ResultLDDWDWLLWWWDWLWLDLLDLLWDDWWDDWDWDDDLDLLLLDWDWD
Position18181913139101211866711698911121414131313111312121212121212121212121212131313121212
Source: Statto[4]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Matches

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Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Scorers
25 August 1984 Mansfield Town H 0–1 3,552
1 September 1984 Wrexham A 1–1 1,849 Brazil
8 September 1984 Hartlepool United H 1–1 3,232 Sproson
15 September 1984 Torquay United A 3–1 1,692 Walker, Earle, Brown
18 September 1984 Blackpool A 1–1 4,902 Brazil
22 September 1984 Tranmere Rovers H 2–1 3,301 Brazil, Earle
29 September 1984 Hereford United A 0–1 4,093
1 October 1984 Northampton Town H 0–3 3,235
6 October 1984 Crewe Alexandra H 2–0 4,145 Brown, P.Griffiths
13 October 1984 Rochdale A 2–1 1,722 O'Keefe, Brown
20 October 1984 Swindon Town A 1–0 3,056 O'Keefe
22 October 1984 Chesterfield H 0–0 4,988
27 October 1984 Peterborough United H 3–1 3,943 Brown (2), O'Keefe
3 November 1984 Stockport County A 1–3 2,698 O'Keefe
5 November 1984 Southend United H 4–1 2,989 O'Keefe (3), Earle
10 November 1984 Aldershot A 0–1 2,188
23 November 1984 Chester City H 0–0 3,391
30 November 1984 Halifax Town A 1–2 1,689 Hunter
15 December 1984 Darlington H 0–1 3,645
22 December 1984 Scunthorpe United H 1–1 2,521 P.Griffiths
26 December 1984 Bury A 0–4 4,664
28 December 1984 Colchester United A 2–3 2,014 Brown, Smith
1 January 1985 Exeter City H 5–1 3,306 Kellock (2 [1 pen]), Brown (2), Earle
19 January 1985 Hartlepool United A 2–2 2,285 Brown, Williams
26 January 1985 Torquay United H 2–2 2,839 Hunter, Earle
2 February 1985 Hereford United H 3–1 3,453 Earle (3)
23 February 1985 Stockport County H 3–2 3,154 Brown (2), Bromage
2 March 1985 Peterborough United A 0–0 2,817
5 March 1985 Chesterfield A 0–0 3,480
9 March 1985 Swindon Town H 2–0 3,300 Sproson, Brown
13 March 1985 Mansfield Town H 1–1 2,161 Sproson
16 March 1985 Rochdale H 3–1 2,788 P.Griffiths, Kellock (pen), Brown
22 March 1985 Crewe Alexandra A 0–0 4,763
25 March 1985 Wrexham H 0–0 2,964
29 March 1985 Southend United A 1–1 2,407 Earle
1 April 1985 Tranmere Rovers A 1–4 1,450 Earle
6 April 1985 Bury H 0–0 3,544
8 April 1985 Exeter City A 1–2 2,427 Earle
13 April 1985 Aldershot H 1–2 2,562 Earle
17 April 1985 Northampton Town A 0–1 1,311
20 April 1985 Chester City A 0–2 1,575
22 April 1985 Blackpool H 1–1 3,725 Brown
27 April 1985 Halifax Town H 3–1 2,029 Brown, Earle, Williams
4 May 1985 Darlington A 1–1 3,565 Earle
6 May 1985 Colchester United H 3–2 2,526 Brown, Kellock, Earle (pen)
10 May 1985 Scunthorpe United A 3–3 1,867 Brown, Tartt, Williams

FA Cup

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Main article: 1984–85 FA Cup
Round Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Goalscorers
R1 19 November 1984 Macclesfield Town A 2–1 4,672 Brown, Earle
R2 7 December 1984 Scunthorpe United H 4–1 4,268 Brown, O'Keefe (pen), Bromage, I.Griffiths
R3 5 January 1985 West Ham United A 1–4 11,452 P.Griffiths

League Cup

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Main article: 1984–85 Football League Cup
Round Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Goalscorers
R1 1st Leg 28 August 1984 Bury H 1–0 2,498 Earle
R1 2nd Leg 4 September 1984 Bury A 1–2 2,257 Tartt
R2 1st Leg 24 September 1984 Wolverhampton Wanderers H 1–2 6,949 Brown
R2 2nd Leg 9 October 1984 Wolverhampton Wanderers A 0–0 5,964

Associate Members' Cup

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Main article: 1984–85 Associate Members' Cup
Round Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Goalscorers
R1 29 January 1985 Northampton Town H 1–1 1,386 Williams
R1 Replay 5 February 1985 Northampton Town A 2–1 1,405 Earle (2)
R2 18 March 1985 Bristol City A 1–2 3,635 Brown

Player statistics

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Appearances and goals

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Pos. Name Football League FA Cup League Cup Associate Members' Cup Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
GK England Barry Siddall 9 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 12 0
GK Wales Chris Pearce 36 0 2 0 3 0 2 0 43 0
GK England Karl Austin 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
DF England Phil Sproson 44 3 3 0 4 0 3 0 54 3
DF Wales Wayne Cegielski 8 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 10 0
DF England Alan Webb 46 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 56 0
DF England Wayne Ebanks 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0
DF England Chris Banks 7 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 10 0
DF England Russell Bromage 37 1 3 1 4 0 2 0 46 2
MF England Terry Armstrong 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 6 0
MF England Colin Tartt 12 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 15 2
MF England Geoff Hunter 42 2 3 0 3 0 3 0 51 2
MF England John Ridley 43 0 2 0 4 0 2 0 51 0
MF Jamaica Robbie Earle 46 15 3 1 4 1 3 2 56 19
MF England Tommy Gore 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
MF England Ray Walker 15 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 1
MF England Martyn Smith 13 1 0 0 3 0 1 0 17 1
MF England Adrian Reeves-Jones 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
MF Scotland Billy Kellock 11 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 13 4
MF England Wayne Kerrins 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0
MF England Paul Lodge 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
MF England Ian Griffiths 12 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 15 1
MF England Peter Griffiths 31 3 2 1 4 0 2 0 39 4
FW Republic of Ireland Eamonn O'Keefe 22 7 3 1 1 0 1 0 27 8
FW England Oshor Williams 17 3 3 0 0 0 2 1 22 4
FW England Derek Monaghan 7 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 9 0
FW Scotland Ally Brown 40 17 3 2 4 1 2 1 49 21
FW England Gary Brazil 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 3

Top scorers

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Place Position Nation Name Fourth Division FA Cup League Cup Associate Members' Cup Total
1 FW  Scotland Ally Brown 17 2 1 1 21
2 MF  Jamaica Robbie Earle 15 1 1 2 19
3 FW  Ireland Eamonn O'Keefe 7 1 0 0 8
4 MF  Scotland Billy Kellock 4 0 0 0 4
– FW  England Oshor Williams 3 0 1 0 4
– MF  England Peter Griffiths 3 1 0 0 4
7 FW  England Gary Brazil 3 0 0 0 3
– DF  England Phil Sproson 3 0 0 0 3
9 MF  England Geoff Hunter 2 0 0 0 2
– MF  England Colin Tartt 1 0 1 0 2
– DF  England Russell Bromage 1 1 0 0 2
12 MF  England Ray Walker 1 0 0 0 1
– MF  England Martyn Smith 1 0 0 0 1
– FW  England Ian Griffiths 0 1 0 0 1
TOTALS 61 7 3 4 75

Transfers

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Transfers in

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Date from Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref.
1984 MF England Oshor Williams Stockport County Free transfer [5]
July 1984 FW Scotland Alistair Brown Walsall Free transfer [5]
July 1984 MF England Peter Griffiths Stoke City Free transfer [5]
July 1984 FW England Derek Monaghan West Bromwich Albion Free transfer [5]
July 1984 DF England Alan Webb West Bromwich Albion Free transfer [5]
August 1984 MF England Martyn Smith Leek Town Free transfer [5]
October 1984 MF England Ian Griffiths Rochdale Free transfer [5]
December 1984 MF Scotland Billy Kellock Southend United Free transfer [5]
February 1985 GK England Karl Austin Stafford Rangers Non-contract [5]

Transfers out

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Date from Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref.
October 1984 MF England Tommy Gore Retired [5]
March 1985 DF Wales Wayne Cegielski Blackpool Free transfer [5]
March 1985 MF Republic of Ireland Eamonn O'Keefe Blackpool £17,500 [5]
March 1985 GK England Barry Siddall Stoke City Free transfer [5]
May 1985 MF England Terry Armstrong Nuneaton Borough Free transfer [5]
May 1985 FW England Derek Monaghan Redditch United Free transfer [5]
May 1985 MF England Adrian Reeves-Jones Leek Town Free transfer [5]
May 1985 MF England Martyn Smith Macclesfield Town Free transfer [5]
May 1985 MF England Colin Tartt Shepshed Charterhouse Free transfer [5]
June 1985 MF Scotland Billy Kellock Halifax Town Free transfer [5]
Summer 1985 GK England Karl Austin Gresley Rovers Free transfer [5]
Summer 1985 MF England Ian Griffiths Wigan Athletic Free transfer [5]
Summer 1985 MF England John Ridley Stafford Rangers £700 [5]

Loans in

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Date from Position Nationality Name From Date to Ref.
August 1984 FW England Gary Brazil Aston Villa August 1984 [5]
August 1984 MF England Ray Walker Aston Villa End of season [5]
November 1984 MF England Paul Lodge Bolton Wanderers January 1985 [5]
March 1985 DF England Wayne Ebanks West Bromwich Albion End of season [5]
March 1985 MF England Wayne Kerrins Fulham End of season [5]

Loans out

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Date from Position Nationality Name To Date to Ref.
January 1985 GK England Barry Siddall Stoke City March 1985 [5]

References

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Specific
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al Kent, Jeff (1990). "From Rags to Riches (1979–1990)". The Valiants' Years: The Story Of Port Vale. Witan Books. pp. 258–290. ISBN 0-9508981-4-7.
  2. ^ Baggaley, Mike (22 September 2024). "Vale's late drama". Valiant's Substack. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  3. ^ Baggaley, Mike (20 October 2024). "Vale flying high". Valiant's Substack. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  4. ^ Port Vale 1984–1985 : Results & Fixtures Archived 6 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab Kent, Jeff (1996). Port Vale Personalities. Witan Books. ISBN 0-9529152-0-0.
General
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