1900–01 Burslem Port Vale F.C. season

Overview

Second Division

The pre-season saw the return of Stoke legend Tommy Clare, now aged 35, and inside-left James Peake, following a season with Millwall Athletic. Otherwise local lads filled the void left by the stars that were sold off in the previous season. Only one point was gained in the opening three games, which included a 1–0 defeat to newly-elected Stockport County and a 6–1 thrashing at Grimsby Town. The team achieved a 2–0 victory over Lincoln City on 15 September, though only 2,000 turned out to the Athletic Ground to witness it. Heavy defeats on the road followed, however, as 4–0 losses came at Newton Heath and Middlesbrough. Vale achieved a surprise 1–0 win over league leaders Burnley on 13 October, though only 1,000 spectators were in attendance. A point away at Chesterfield followed despite the team playing with a man down for the first half as Danny Simpson had missed his train.

Five games without victory ended with a 2–0 triumph at Burton Swifts after Vale had signed forward Adrian Capes from them. The victory heralded an upturn in results, and Vale rose to eighth place heading into Christmas. The team were winning at Small Heath on 29 December when Billy Heames had to be carried from the field following a foul; Small Heath used the man advantage to equalise and went on to win the game amid protestation from the Vale players that the hosts were wearing boots with sharp studs, as evidenced by circled cuts in James Peake's knees. The team remain in good form, however, losing just one of their next seven games to leave themselves in sixth position by 9 March. The sole defeat came at league leaders Burnley, who were accused of employing "shady tactics". New player Bert Eardley was described as "one of the best outside-rights Port Vale have ever had" following a 1–1 draw at fourth-placed New Brighton Tower. The side fell to a 2–0 defeat to Middlesbrough on 11 March, however, which was the first home loss in the league since 17 November. The league campaign came to a close with three victories in four games, including a 4–0 home win over Burton Swifts in front of a crowd of just 300.

They ended the season in ninth place, having achieved just one point fewer than the previous season despite a greatly reduced playing budget. Capes finished as the top scorer, with Peake, Eardley, and Price contributing seven goals each. Goalkeeper Alfred Maybury made his debut on 8 September and never missed a match after that, though he was still released at the season's end (later joining Chesterfield). Eight other players managed at least 30 appearances (out of a possible 37), with George Price an ever-present. The defence was described as "consistent and sturdy", and Peake, Eardley, and Capes were praised for the turnaround in results. The policy of local youth continued, having been successful throughout the campaign. James Peake and Alfred Maybury departed, and full-back Frank Stokes was sold to Reading; but otherwise the original team was retained.

Finances

Financially, the club lost £73, which added to their £1,000 debt. Taking note from the previous campaign, the playing budget was reduced by over £750, though gate receipts dropped a further £235. Poor weather was blamed for the miserable support. The Shilling Fund raised only £47.

Cup competitions

In the FA Cup, a 3–1 home defeat was recorded to Second Division rivals New Brighton Tower in the opening round. The club also exited both the Birmingham Senior Cup and the Staffordshire Senior Cup at the first round stage with defeats to Potteries derby rivals Stoke.

Results

Football League Second Division

Main article: 1900–01 Football League

League table

Results by matchday

Matches

FA Cup

Main article: 1900–01 FA Cup

Birmingham Senior Cup

Staffordshire Senior Cup

Player statistics

Appearances and goals

:Key to positions: GK – Goalkeeper; FB – Full back; HB – Half back; FW – Forward

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Top scorers

Transfers

Transfers in

Transfers out

References

;Specific

;General

References

1. Kent, Jeff. (1990). "The Valiants' Years: The Story Of Port Vale". Witan Books.
2. [http://www.statto.com/football/teams/port-vale/1900-1901/results Port Vale 1900–1901 : Results & Fixtures] {{Webarchive. link. (20 April 2010 . Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012.)
3. Kent, Jeff. (1996). "Port Vale Personalities". Witan Books.