2007–08_Port_Vale_F.C._season

2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season

2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season

Port Vale 2007–08 football season

The 2007–08 season was Port Vale's 96th season of football in the English Football League, and fourth-successive season in League One. Vale finished second-from-bottom, and were relegated , some twelve points from safety. Manager Martin Foyle left the club in September, and Lee Sinnott failed to improve results despite making several loan signings. Vale were also knocked out of the FA Cup at the Second Round by Southern Football League side Chasetown, a club five divisions below the Vale. Vale also had no luck in either the League Cup or the Football League Trophy, exiting both competitions at the first stage after a penalty shoot-out. Throughout the season the club saw a large turnover of players, as Sinnott attempted to build a squad of players of his own choosing to prepare for a promotion push the following season.

Manager Martin Foyle left the club in September.
Player of the Year Paul Harsley left at the end of the season.
Danny Whitaker played 45 games, but left at the end of the season.

Quick Facts Owner, Chairman ...

Overview

League One

The pre-season saw Martin Foyle sign Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Keith Lowe on a season-long loan,[1] and both Paul Edwards and Craig Rocastle from Oldham Athletic.[2] He also signed Marc Richards from Barnsley,[3] as well as Shane Tudor and Justin Miller from Leyton Orient. Calum Willock also joined on a short-term deal,[4] as did Southampton loanee David McGoldrick,[5] and Chester City's veteran defender Ashley Westwood.[6] However, an audacious attempt to land Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler failed.[7]

The season started with just five points in the opening six games, with just one goal scored from open play. A few games into the season Akpo Sodje was sold to Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee.[8] With only two disappointing mid-table finishes to his name, and with Vale lying 23rd in the league, Foyle left the club by mutual consent on 26 September.[9] Caretaker manager Dean Glover was disappointed with the players, comparing them to a pub team.[10] In October, Glover signed teenage midfielder Will Atkinson joined on loan from Hull City and left-back Adam Eckersley on loan from Manchester United.[11] On 5 November, Farsley Celtic manager Lee Sinnott was appointed as the new Vale boss.[12] This decision caused Dean Glover to consider his position at the club,[13] though he eventually chose to remain as Sinnott's assistant.[14] Sinnott warned of big changes at the club.[15] Young defender Charlie O'Loughlin was then loaned out to Nantwich Town, and Shane Tudor was sent out on loan to Shrewsbury Town.[16] Arriving at the club were midfielders Mark Salmon (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Marc Laird (Manchester City) on short loan deals.[17][18]

In January, goalkeeper Mark Goodlad was forced to retire due to injury,[19] and young Joe Anyon faced criticism from the fans for his performances.[20] Adam Eckersley then returned to the club after his release from Manchester United, as Sinnott's first non-loan signing.[21] Sinnott then signed Dave Mulligan from Scunthorpe United on a short-term contract. Midfielder David Howland also arrived on loan from Birmingham City,[22] and would join the club permanently at the end of the season.[23] Fellow Birmingham player Krystian Pearce also signed on loan,[24] though would impress enough to win a longer stay with Birmingham. Sinnott then raided another Birmingham club, this time Aston Villa, to bring Australian teenager Chris Herd on a one-month loan,[25] as well as Swedish youngster Tobias Mikaelsson.[26] He also allowed Rocastle to join Gillingham on a two-week loan.[27] Sinnott also completed the signings of Chasetown pair Chris Slater and Kyle Perry, who left their jobs to become full-time professional footballers.[28] In February, O'Loughlin was loaned out to Hinckley United. After the club lost a 2–0 lead at Victoria Park to lose 3–2 against Hartlepool United, club legend Jon McCarthy questioned the team's mental strength.[29] In April, Craig Rocastle's contract was terminated by mutual consent, and he moved to play for Greek club Thrasyvoulos.[30] Teenage goalkeeper Chris Martin made his debut on 19 April, as Vale were on the end of a 6–0 defeat by Swindon Town at The County Ground.[31] Despite just two defeats in the final ten games of the season, Vale had long been relegated.

They finished in 23rd place with 38 points, above Luton Town only because the "Hatters" were hit with a ten-point deduction. Vale were twelve points behind Crewe Alexandra, who finished one place above the relegation zone. Luke Rodgers was the club's top scorer with twelve goals in all competitions. There was a distinct lack of goals in the side, though their goals conceded tally of 81 was the highest in the league.

At the end of the season there was an exodus of players: Robin Hulbert (Darlington);[32] Colin Miles (Woking);[33] Jason Talbot (Livingston);[34] Mark McGregor (Altrincham);[35] Joe Cardle (Airdrie United);[36] Adam Eckersley (Horsens);[37] Dave Mulligan (Wellington Phoenix);[38] Justin Miller (Chelmsford City);[39] Charlie O'Loughlin (Nantwich Town);[40] as well as club captain George Pilkington (Luton Town).[41] Sinnott claimed this cull was necessary to turn the club around.[42] Danny Whitaker rejected Vale's contract offer,[43] and their revised offer,[44][45] to move off to Oldham Athletic.[46] Player of the Year Paul Harsley also turned down a new deal, and instead signed with Chesterfield.[47] Marc Richards discussed a £100,000 move to Cheltenham Town,[48] though chose to stay in Burslem.

Finances

The club had to make monthly repayments of around £19,000 for a £2.25 million loan taken out from the local council in 2005.[49] The club's shirt sponsorship came from Sennheiser.

Cup competitions

In the FA Cup, Sinnott's first cup game in charge saw Vale take revenge on Morecambe with a 2–0 win at Vale Park,[50] to give the "Valiants" what seemed to be an easy Second Round tie with Southern League side Chasetown (an eighth tier team 101 league places below them).[51] Vale sacrificed a one-goal lead over the amateurs to limp to a 1–1 draw at Vale Park, after conceding from a 40 yards (37 m) free kick taken by trainee accountant Mark Branch.[52][53] Chasetown then made a giant-killing with a late goal on their home ground, after Luke Rodgers missed two penalties.[54]

In the League Cup, Vale exited at the First Round after losing to League Two side Wrexham 5–3 on penalties, following a 1–1 home draw.[55]

In the Football League Trophy, Vale were beaten on penalties by a League Two side for the second time in the season, this time after a 2–2 draw with Morecambe at Christie Park. Caretaker manager Dean Glover likened his side to a "pub team".[56]

Marc Richards rejected a £100,000 move to Cheltenham Town.
Chris Martin conceded six goals on his debut.

League table

Main article: 2007–08 Football League
More information Pos, Pld ...
Updated to match(es) played on 3 May 2008. Source: The Football League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
(R) Relegated
Notes:
  1. Luton and Bournemouth deducted 10 points each for entering administration.

Results

Port Vale's score comes first

Football League One

Results by matchday

More information Round, Ground ...
Source: Statto[57]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Matches

More information Date, Opponent ...
Chris Slater was signed from Chasetown.
Kyle Perry was signed from Chasetown.

FA Cup

Main article: 2007–08 FA Cup
More information Round, Date ...

League Cup

Main article: 2007–08 Football League Cup
More information Round, Date ...

Football League Trophy

Main article: 2007–08 Football League Trophy
More information Round, Date ...

Player statistics

Appearances

More information Pos., # ...

Top scorers

More information Place, Position ...

Transfers

Transfers in

More information Date from, Position ...

Transfers out

More information Date from, Position ...

Loans in

More information Date from, Position ...

Loans out

More information Date from, Position ...

References

Specific
  1. [1]
    "Port Vale pull off triple swoop". BBC Sport. 8 June 2007. Retrieved 26 May 2009.
  2. [2]
    "Port Vale pull off triple swoop". BBC Sport. 8 June 2007. Retrieved 6 June 2009.
  3. [3]
    "Richards set for Port Vale switch". BBC Sport. 11 May 2007. Retrieved 6 June 2009.
  4. [4]
    "Vale sign ex-Bees striker Willock". BBC Sport. 10 August 2007. Retrieved 3 July 2009.
  5. [5]
    "McGoldrick goes on loan". www.saintsfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 31 August 2007.
  6. [6]
    "Westwood in, Cardle out at Vale". BBC Sport. 30 August 2007. Retrieved 20 July 2009.
  7. [7]
    "Port Vale launch bid for Fowler". BBC Sport. 12 July 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  8. [8]
    "Owls swoop to sign striker Sodje". BBC Sport. 30 August 2007. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
  9. [9]
    "Foyle and Port Vale part company". BBC Sport. 26 September 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  10. [10]
    "Port Vale 'played like pub team'". BBC Sport. 10 October 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  11. [11]
    Pass, Steve (12 October 2007). "Vale bring in duo". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 November 2008.
  12. [12]
    "Sinnott named new Port Vale boss". BBC Sport. 5 November 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  13. [13]
    "Glover ponders his future at Vale". BBC Sport. 4 November 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  14. [14]
    "Glover to sign new deal with Vale". BBC Sport. 19 December 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  15. [15]
    "Sinnott eyes changes at Vale Park". BBC Sport. 29 December 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  16. [16]
    "Shrewsbury sign Vale winger Tudor". BBC Sport. 19 November 2007. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  17. [17]
    "Wolves young duo sent out on loan". BBC Sport. 22 November 2007. Retrieved 4 August 2009.
  18. [18]
    "Sinnott makes first Vale signing". BBC Sport. 8 November 2007. Retrieved 8 June 2009.
  19. [19]
    "Port Vale keeper forced to retire". BBC Sport. 2 January 2008. Archived from the original on 5 January 2008. Retrieved 2 January 2008.
  20. [20]
    "Vale keeper Anyon answers critics". BBC Sport. 8 February 2008. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  21. [21]
    "Port Vale complete Eckersley deal". BBC Sport. 1 January 2008. Retrieved 7 November 2008.
  22. [22]
    "Birmingham youngster joins Vale". BBC Sport. 23 January 2008. Archived from the original on 28 January 2008. Retrieved 23 January 2008.
  23. [23]
    "Howland to stay with the Valiants". BBC Sport. 23 May 2008. Retrieved 23 May 2008.
  24. [24]
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  25. [25]
    "Vale sign Villa youngster on loan". BBC Sport. 9 January 2008. Retrieved 1 June 2009.
  26. [26]
    "Vale sign Villa reserve striker". BBC Sport. 17 January 2008. Retrieved 6 July 2009.
  27. [27]
    "Gillingham sign Vale's Rocastle". BBC Sport. 10 January 2008. Retrieved 2 August 2009.
  28. [28]
    "Port Vale snap up Chasetown duo". BBC Sport. 11 January 2008. Archived from the original on 15 January 2008. Retrieved 26 February 2008.
  29. [29]
    "Vale are mentally weak - McCarthy". BBC Sport. 14 February 2008. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  30. [30]
    "First summer signings for Sinnott". BBC Sport. 29 April 2008. Retrieved 2 August 2009.
  31. [31]
    "Swindon 6-0 Port Vale". BBC Sport. 19 April 2008. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  32. [32]
    "Quakers sign Hulbert and Clarke". BBC Sport. 8 August 2008. Archived from the original on 25 April 2009. Retrieved 3 June 2009.
  33. [33]
    "Miles and Vernazza sign for Cards". BBC Sport. 6 August 2008. Retrieved 4 August 2009.
  34. [34]
    "Livi hand contracts to trialists". BBC Sport. 13 July 2008. Retrieved 2 July 2009.
  35. [35]
    "Facebook helps McGregor find Alty". BBC Sport. 4 August 2008. Retrieved 30 May 2009.
  36. [36]
    "Cardle completes move to Airdrie". BBC Sport. 13 July 2008. Retrieved 11 May 2009.
  37. [37]
    "Eckersley waits on contract talks". BBC Sport. 1 April 2008. Retrieved 7 November 2008.
  38. [38]
    "Phoenix take a Mulligan". Football Federation Australia. 21 July 2008. Archived from the original on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 21 July 2008.
  39. [39]
    "Clarets capture Moore and Miller". BBC Sport. 21 July 2008. Retrieved 26 May 2009.
  40. [40]
    "More defenders to leave Vale Park". BBC Sport. 16 April 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  41. [41]
    "Luton Town bring in 11 new faces". BBC Sport. 8 August 2008. Retrieved 1 December 2009.
  42. [42]
    "Sinnott stands by Port Vale cull". BBC Sport. 10 June 2008. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  43. [43]
    "Whitaker rejects Vale contract". BBC Sport. 7 May 2008. Retrieved 16 July 2009.
  44. [44]
    "Whitaker faces deadline on future". BBC Sport. 11 June 2008. Retrieved 16 July 2009.
  45. [45]
    "Whitaker offered improved deal". BBC Sport. 6 June 2008. Retrieved 16 July 2009.
  46. [46]
    "Whitaker chooses Latics over Vale". BBC Sport. 20 June 2008. Retrieved 20 June 2008.
  47. [47]
    "Spireites agree deal for Harsley". BBC Sport. 19 May 2008. Retrieved 31 May 2009.
  48. [48]
    "Valiants accept bid for Richards". BBC Sport. 30 July 2008. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  49. [49]
    "Port Vale late with repayments of £2.25m council loan". BBC Sport. 8 February 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  50. [50]
    "Morecambe 0-2 Port Vale". BBC Sport. 10 November 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  51. [51]
    "The defeat of Port Vale". BBC Sport. 16 December 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  52. [52]
    "Port Vale 1-1 Chasetown". BBC Sport. 2 December 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  53. [53]
    "The FA CUP e-on Five divisions apart but minnows earn replay as Vale fans turn on their team Port Vale 1 Chasetown 1". The Mirror. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  54. [54]
    "Chasetown 1-0 Port Vale". BBC Sport. 11 December 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  55. [55]
    "Port Vale 1-1 Wrexham (aet)". BBC Sport. 14 August 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  56. [56]
    "Port Vale 'played like pub team'". BBC Sport. 10 October 2007. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  57. [57]
    Port Vale 2007–2008 : Results & Fixtures. Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
  58. [58]
    "Port Vale FC Club Details | Transfers | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
  59. [59]
    Fielding, Rob (19 March 2020). "Five of the best Port Vale signings by Martin Foyle". onevalefan.co.uk. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
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