1960–61 Port Vale F.C. season

The 1960–61 season was Port Vale's 49th season of football in the English Football League, and their second season in the Third Division.[1] Aiming for promotion, the club were disappointed with their eventual seventh-place finish. The first season of the League Cup ended for Vale at the Second Round, whilst they exited the FA Cup at the Third Round. They did however taste success in the second and last ever Supporters' Clubs' Trophy series, beating rivals Stoke City 1–0 in a replay.

Port Vale
1960–61 season
ChairmanJake Bloom
ManagerNorman Low
StadiumVale Park
Football League Third Division7th (49 Points)
FA CupThird Round
(knocked out by Swansea Town)
League CupSecond Round
(knocked out by Tranmere Rovers)
Supporters' Clubs' TrophyWinners
Top goalscorerLeague: Cliff Portwood (24)
All: Cliff Portwood (26)
Highest home attendance15,504 vs. Walsall, 20 August 1960
Lowest home attendance4,068 vs. Bristol City, 22 April 1961
Average home league attendance9,702
Biggest win7–1 vs. Chesterfield, 3 September 1960
Biggest defeat0–6 vs. Swindon Town, 1 October 1960

Overview

Third Division

The pre-season saw the club's management attempt to build a squad capable of promotion, this meant recruiting former Wales international inside-right Noel Kinsey from Birmingham City as a player-coach, and 21-year-old outside-left Dennis Fidler from the Manchester City Reserves.[1] It also meant a concerted effort to sign a star forward, a £10,000 offer for Aston Villa's Gerry Hitchens was rejected, and the club's interest in Ronnie Allen also went nowhere.[1] Instead 'bustling' Ted Calland was signed on a free transfer from Exeter City.[1] Fred Donaldson was sold to Exeter for £2,000.[1] Vale Park was also improved, with yet more new drains installed to help ease the winter mud spots.[1]

The season opened with a Harry Poole goal fifty seconds into an eventual 1–1 draw with Walsall in front of a season-best attendance of 15,504 on 20 August.[1] Vale's campaign really got going nine days later however, with a sequence of three consecutive victories.[1] This included a 7–1 'annihilation' of Chesterfield.[1] Seven games without a win followed, ending with a collapse to an impressive Swindon Town side at The County Ground on 1 October.[1] Vale were much improved after this, recording six wins from eight games. The following month Norman Low signed Bert Llewellyn from Crewe Alexandra for £7,000.[1] Llewellyn scored past Barnsley in his debut game on 12 November, and scored a hat-trick past Hull City the next month.[1] This win over the "Tigers" came a week after a 5–0 win over high-flying Grimsby Town at Blundell Park, in what Roy Sproson later described as his 'greatest memory' and 'one of their finest hours'.[1] The performance was so impressive they received 'a standing ovation' from the home crowd, as the "Valiants" finished the game 'rolling the ball about like a game of chess'.[1]

In sixth place, a 6–2 hammering from Walsall at Fellows Park on 17 December set them back.[1] The goals continued, this time in Vale's favour, with a 5–0 win and 3–3 draw with Tranmere Rovers, and a 4–1 victory over Bury.[1] In January, Albert Leake was transferred to Macclesfield Town, leaving Sproson as the only survivor of the legendary 1953–54 outfit.[1] Vale continued to entertain and win games, as The Sentinel's Jon Abberley described Harry Poole as 'one of the best wing-halves ever produced in the Potteries.[1] By 11 February, Vale were four points from second place, as Vale battled to a 1–1 draw with Torquay United in 'a sea of mud' at Plainmoor.[1] A week later Llewellyn scored a hat-trick past Swindon Town.[1] However, on 4 March QPR ended their promotion hopes with a 1–0 win at Loftus Road, the second of a streak of five games without a win for Vale.[1] The next week Notts County easily beat Vale 3–1, in a game for which Stan Steele was rested after 195 consecutive appearances.[1] Steele immediately handed in a transfer request, and got picked up by West Bromwich Albion for a £10,000 fee.[1] Vale's season then petered out, ending with an attendance of only 4,088 for a 1–1 draw with Bristol City at Vale Park, followed by two away draws.[1]

They finished in seventh place with 49 points, with their tally of 96 goals bettered only by the two promoted clubs.[1] The season was a disappointment however, and their away record of two wins in twelve games was put to blame for killing their promotion hopes.[1] Cliff Portwood scored an impressive 26 goals, followed closely by Bert Llewellyn on 20 (who had also scored 10 for Crewe).[1]

Finances

On the financial side, a disappointing home attendance average of 9,702 was a concern, though a profit of £4,253 was recorded.[1] This was down to a £9,501 donation from the Sportsmen's Association and a slashing of the wage bill by around £4,000 to £29,915.[1] The management decided to cut the playing staff but to increase the wage budget.[1] Eleven players were let go, crucially: Harry Oscroft (Brantham Athletic), Ted Calland (Lincoln City), John Poole (Macclesfield Town), and Peter Hall (Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic).[1]

Cup competitions

In the FA Cup, Vale were superior to non-league Chelmsford City, winning 3–2 in the First Round clash.[1] Fourth Division Carlisle United were Vale's Second Round opponents, who Vale dispatched 2–1. Struggling Second Division side Swansea Town bettered Vale on a mud-filled and hole-ridden Vetch Field.[1]

In the League Cup, they bettered Queens Park Rangers in a replay following a 2–2 draw at Loftus Road. They next round held Tranmere Rovers, who eliminated Vale with a 2–0 win.

In the Supporters' Clubs' Trophy, the two leg game with rivals Stoke City came to a 1–1 draw, and so a replay was held at the Victoria Ground on 24 April, which Vale won 1–0 thanks to an own goal.[1]

League table
Main article: 1960–61 Football League
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GR Pts
5 Notts County 46 21 9 16 82 77 1.065 51
6 Grimsby Town 46 20 10 16 77 69 1.116 50
7 Port Vale 46 17 15 14 96 79 1.215 49
8 Barnsley 46 21 7 18 83 80 1.038 49
9 Halifax Town 46 16 17 13 71 78 0.910 49
Source:

Results

Port Vale's score comes first

Football League Third Division

Results by matchday
Round12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546
GroundHAAHHHAAHHHAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAAHAHHAAHAHAA
ResultDDLWWWLDDLLDLWWLDWWWWLWDWDLWDLWWDLLDLWLDWLDDD
Position11919961567712121513131413119978988878777666566666647657
Source: Statto[2]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Matches
DateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceScorers
20 August 1960WalsallH1–115,504Poole
24 August 1960Shrewsbury TownA1–19,022Steele
27 August 1960BuryA1–36,593Fidler
29 August 1960Shrewsbury TownH4–19,212Steele (2), Fidler, Portwood
3 September 1960ChesterfieldH7–110,104Calland (2), Jackson, Steele, Portwood, Miles, Fidler
5 September 1960WatfordH3–015,175Portwood (2), o.g.
10 September 1960Southend UnitedA1–28,758Portwood
13 September 1960WatfordA0–016,719
17 September 1960ReadingH1–111,521Portwood
19 September 1960Halifax TownH2–310,251Steele, Fidler
24 September 1960Torquay UnitedH0–310,502
26 September 1960Halifax TownA3–35,967Portwood, Oscroft, Steele
1 October 1960Swindon TownA0–611,960
3 October 1960BrentfordH3–26,843Whalley (2), Portwood
8 October 1960Bristol CityA4–38,803Portwood (2), Jackson (pen), Whalley
15 October 1960Queens Park RangersH0–18,802
22 October 1960Notts CountyA2–210,725Portwood, Miles
29 October 1960Bournemouth & Boscombe AthleticH3–07,752Steele, Calland, Fidler
12 November 1960BarnsleyH2–010,760Llewellyn, Fidler
3 December 1960Grimsby TownA5–08,843Portwood (2), o.g., Jackson, Fidler
10 December 1960Hull CityH4–19,006Llewellyn (3), Jackson
17 December 1960WalsallA2–68,381Poole, Steele
26 December 1960Tranmere RoversH5–014,029Portwood (3), Llewellyn, Fidler
27 December 1960Tranmere RoversA3–37,838Llewellyn, Jackson (pen), Portwood
31 December 1960BuryH4–314,453Poole, Llewellyn, Jackson, Portwood
14 January 1961ChesterfieldA0–05,816
21 January 1961Southend UnitedH4–09,517Llewellyn, Portwood, Jackson (pen), Oscroft
4 February 1961ReadingA1–26,394Portwood
6 February 1961Colchester UnitedH3–06,504Poole (2), Portwood
11 February 1961Torquay UnitedA1–15,606Oscroft
13 February 1961Newport CountyA1–25,107Portwood
18 February 1961Swindon TownH4–19,673Llewellyn (3), Oscroft
25 February 1961Grimsby TownH3–29,367Llewellyn, Portwood, Steele
28 February 1961Bradford CityA3–36,883Llewellyn (2), Steele
4 March 1961Queens Park RangersA0–112,711
11 March 1961Notts CountyH1–310,931Miles
18 March 1961Bournemouth & Boscombe AthleticA1–18,735Portwood
25 March 1961Bradford CityH2–46,278Poole, Llewellyn
31 March 1961Coventry CityH3–16,528Llewellyn (2), Fidler
1 April 1961BarnsleyA1–55,680Poole
4 April 1961Coventry CityA1–18,285Jackson (pen)
8 April 1961Newport CountyH3–16,302Fidler, Oscroft, Llewellyn
15 April 1961Colchester UnitedA0–23,437
22 April 1961Bristol CityH1–14,068Llewellyn
25 April 1961BrentfordA0–03,503
29 April 1961Hull CityA2–24,439Llewellyn, Fidler

FA Cup
Main article: 1960–61 FA Cup
RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorers
R15 November 1960Chelmsford CityA3–29,000Portwood (2)
R226 November 1960Carlisle UnitedH2–112,113Jackson, Fidler
R37 January 1961Swansea TownA0–310,601

League Cup
Main article: 1960–61 Football League Cup
RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorers
R117 October 1960Queens Park RangersA2–26,564Steele (2)
R1 Replay19 October 1960Queens Park RangersH3–16,829Steele, Kinsey, Fidler
R224 October 1960Tranmere RoversH0–28,206

Supporters' Clubs' Trophy
RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorers
Final 1st Leg10 October 1960Stoke CityH1–07,267Steele
Final 2nd Leg7 March 1961Stoke CityA0–19,605
Replay24 April 1961Stoke CityA1–04,000Own goal

Player statistics

Appearances
Pos. Name Football League FA Cup League Cup Supporters' Club's Trophy Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
GK Ken Hancock 390303020470
GK John Poole 3000001040
GK John Cooke 4000000040
DF Roy Sproson 430303030520
DF David Raine 380303010460
DF Selwyn Whalley 133000010143
DF Terry Lowe 0000001010
MF Terry Miles 463303030553
MF Peter Hall 3000001040
MF Brian Jackson 4383210204910
MF Harry Oscroft 215000010225
MF Cliff Portwood 41243230204926
MF Peter Ford 410303030500
MF Colin Davies 3000000030
MF Dennis Fidler 34113121204113
MF Roy Gater 2000001030
MF Colin Corbishley 3000300060
FW Harry Poole 457303020547
FW Stan Steele 35103033214314
FW Noel Kinsey 3000310061
FW John Archer 4000000040
FW Bert Llewellyn 28202000003220
FW Barry Hancock 2000001030
FW Ted Calland 123100000133

Top scorers
Place Position Nation Name Third Division FA Cup League Cup Other Total
1MF EnglandCliff Portwood2420026
2FW EnglandBert Llewellyn2000020
3FW EnglandStan Steele1003114
4MF EnglandDennis Fidler1111013
5MF EnglandBrian Jackson820010
6FW EnglandHarry Poole70007
7MF EnglandHarry Oscroft50005
8FW EnglandTed Calland30003
–MF EnglandTerry Miles30003
–DF EnglandSelwyn Whalley30003
11FW WalesNoel Kinsey00101
–––Own goals20013
TOTALS 98 4 5 2 109

Transfers

Transfers in
Date from Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref.
1960FWDerek EdgeStoke CityFree transfer[3]
May 1960MFDennis FidlerManchester CityFree transfer[3]
June 1960DFTerry LoweStoke CityFree transfer[3]
August 1960FWTed CallandExeter CityFree transfer[3]
November 1960FWBert LlewellynEverton£7,000[3]

Transfers out
Date from Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref.
January 1961MFAlbert LeakeMacclesfield TownFree transfer[3]
March 1961FWStan SteeleWest Bromwich Albion£10,000[3]
May 1961FWJohn ArcherBournemouth & Boscombe AthleticFree transfer[3]
May 1961FWDennis BaileyReleased[3]
May 1961DFColin DaviesStourbridgeFree transfer[3]
May 1961MFPeter HallBournemouth & Boscombe AthleticFree transfer[3]
May 1961MFHarry OscroftBrantham AthleticFree transfer[3]
May 1961GKJohn PooleMacclesfield TownFree transfer[3]
July 1961FWTed CallandLincoln CityFree transfer[3]
July 1961MFCliff PortwoodGrimsby Town£6,000[3]

References
Specific
  1. Kent, Jeff (1990). "Fame and Fortune (1950–1959)". The Valiants' Years: The Story Of Port Vale. Witan Books. pp. 171–196. ISBN 0-9508981-4-7.
  2. Port Vale 1960–1961 : Results & Fixtures Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
  3. Kent, Jeff (1996). Port Vale Personalities. Witan Books. ISBN 0-9529152-0-0.
General
  • Kent, Jeff (1993). The Port Vale Record 1879-1993. Witan Books. ISBN 0-9508981-9-8.
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