2014–15 Port Vale F.C. season explained

Club:Port Vale
Season:2014–15
Chairman:Norman Smurthwaite
Manager:Micky Adams
(until 18 September)
Rob Page
(from 18 September)
Stadium:Vale Park
League:
League Result:18th (54 points)
Cup1:FA Cup
Cup1 Result:First Round
Cup2:League Cup
Cup2 Result:Second Round
(knocked out by Cardiff City)
Cup3:Football League Trophy
Cup3 Result:Second Round
(knocked out by Preston North End)
Cup4 Result:Michael O'Connor
League Topscorer:Tom Pope (8)
Season Topscorer:Tom Pope (12)
Lowest Attendance:2,824 vs. Hartlepool United, 12 August 2014
Average Attendance:5,290
Largest Win:6–2 vs. Hartlepool United, 12 August 2014
Largest Loss:0–3 (twice)
Pattern La1:_goldborder_2
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Prevseason:2013–14
Nextseason:2015–16

The 2014–15 season was Port Vale's 103rd season of football in the English Football League and second-successive season in League One. Before the season began, the bookies listed the club as the third favourite to be relegated.[1]

A run of six defeats resulted in a surprise resignation from manager Micky Adams on 18 September, and his assistant Rob Page took his place in the hot seat. Chairman Norman Smurthwaite then initiated his plan for the club to sign young players to develop and sell for profit later. Vale exited the cups in the early stages after coming up against tough opposition, exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Milton Keynes Dons, losing to Cardiff City in the League Cup and Preston North End in the Football League Trophy. They climbed up the league table under Page, reaching the outskirts of the play-offs by the end of February before a late-season collapse saw them finish in 18th place.

Overview

League One

Manager Micky Adams ended months of speculation surrounded his future when he signed a 12-month rolling contract the following in June 2014.[2] His first signing of the season was versatile left-sided player Colin Daniel.[3] Kaid Mohamed left the club on loan, after he agreed to spend the season playing for Northampton Town.[4] Adams admitted he was finding it difficult to sign new players to take the club forward after losing out on numerous transfer targets to rival clubs.[5] Chairman Norman Smurthwaite was criticised by fans for showing a lack of ambition, but Smurthwaite defended his record by pointing to falling season ticket sales and the high amount of time and money he had invested in the club without financial reward.[6] The second signing of the season was 24-year-old full-back Ryan McGivern, who negotiated a release from relegated Scottish Premier League club Hibernian in order to sign a two-year contract with the Vale.[7] The third arrival was winger Mark Marshall, who had spent the latter half of the previous campaign with Coventry City after serving a two-year ban for taking performance-enhancing drugs.[8] His next signing was winger Byron Moore, who turned down a contract offer at nearby Crewe Alexandra to join the Vale.[9] This capture raised the tensions between Vale and Crewe, particularly after Adams and Crewe boss Steve Davis had a spat over the departure of his son Joe Davis; his father claiming Vale's contract offer to Joe was "derisory".[10] Adams looked at a number of players on trial over the summer, including: Michael O’Connor, Steve Jennings, Javan Vidal, and Sylvestre Guyonet.[11] Adams completed his squad on 18 July with a triple signing, taking on a trio of experienced midfielders: Michael Brown, Steve Jennings, and Michael O'Connor.[12] He took the squad on a pre-season tour of Cornwall, including a stay at HMS Raleigh.[13] Adams added to the squad by taking in versatile right-back Frédéric Veseli on a long-term loan from Ipswich Town.[14] Carl Dickinson was appointed as club captain in August 2014, taking the armband from the departed Doug Loft.[15]

Vale opened the season with a 1–1 draw at home to Walsall, with young goalkeeper Sam Johnson being favoured ahead of Chris Neal.[16] An excellent away win followed as Vale picked up a 3–1 win at newly relegated Doncaster Rovers.[17] Adams said this performance was as good as he had seen in an away game during his time as Vale manager.[18] They remained unbeaten after picking up a 1–1 draw with Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park.[19] Their unbeaten start to the season came to an end with a 2–0 home defeat to Notts County, with the Vale unable to turn round a 1–0 half-time deficit despite a strong attacking performance in the second half.[20] To boost his attacking options, Adams then took in Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Slew on loan until January.[21] However, Adams went on to bemoan defensive errors as Chesterfield left Burslem with a 2–1 win following a bad-tempered encounter upon Daniel Jones's return to Vale Park.[22] [23] After the match opposition player Armand Gnanduillet was racially abused by a Vale supporter.[24] Adams ended the month by signing French striker Achille Campion on loan from Swedish side Norrby IF.[25]

A trip to London Road opened September for Vale, and Adams changed the team following the run of defeats, but league leaders Peterborough United proved too strong as they ran out 3–1 winners.[26] The run of defeats was extended to five games on 13 September when local rivals Crewe Alexandra picked up their first points of the season.[27] Following the defeat Adams told the media that his position would be under threat if results did not turn around quickly.[28] Three days later league leaders Bristol City made it six defeats in a row by inflicting a 3–0 defeat on the Vale.[29] This proved too much for Adams, who announced his resignation on 18 September.[30] Rob Page stepped in as caretaker manager initially "until the end of October".[31] His first game in charge saw the Vale beat Barnsley 2–1, Mark Marshall providing a deserved late winner with a mazy penalty box run.[32] At Bradford City former Valiant Billy Knott gave away a penalty which was converted by Chris Lines, but a Mark Yeates free kick just before half-time levelled the scores.[33] The defence was then bolstered with the signings of two loanee players: Guadeloupe international Stéphane Zubar from Bournemouth, and Reiss Greenidge from West Bromwich Albion.[34]

A trip to Fleetwood Town on 4 October proved fruitless after a late penalty gave Fleetwood a 1–0 win; Vale had played well and seemed to have done enough to earn a point despite playing much of the match with ten men after Slew was sent off for striking an opposition player.[35] In search of a first clean sheet of the season, Page signed 19-year-old centre-back Remie Streete on loan from Newcastle United.[36] Vale came out of the relegation zone on 11 October with a convincing 4–1 win over struggling Yeovil Town.[37] A 2–0 defeat followed at Deepdale, with Zubar receiving a straight red card for lashing out at Preston North End's Joe Garner.[38] After the game Page condemned Garner for play-acting throughout the match to try and get Vale player's sent off.[39] The loan signings continued, as Leicester City's Saint Kitts and Nevis international striker Harry Panayiotou arrived on a one-month loan.[40] The club were also in talks with former Premier League midfielder Isaiah Osbourne, who instead joined fellow relegation battlers Scunthorpe United.[41] Ironically a few days later Scunthorpe then came to Burslem, as did the remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo, and the game ended 2–2 despite the Vale leading 2–1 and facing ten men after former player Jennison Myrie-Williams was sent off.[42] The fifth signing of Page's reign then arrived in the form of French striker Dany N'Guessan, who signed a two-month deal.[43] The signing came in good time as Tom Pope was later ruled out of action for a few weeks with a knee injury.[44] Vale then beat Leyton Orient 3–0, keeping their first clean sheet of the season; Orient were reduced to ten men early in the first half after Darius Henderson was sent off for elbowing Richard Duffy.[45] Having taken the club up seven league places within six weeks, Page was appointed as manager on a permanent basis on 29 October.[46]

Vale opened November with three points at Colchester United; Neal saved a first-half penalty before Marshall and Daniel secured the goals in a 2–1 win.[47] The search for talented young players continued, with Aziz Deen-Conteh and Enoch Andoh both joining the club on a trial basis.[48] [49] The clash with Rochdale on 15 November came amidst a defensive crisis as Streete was recalled from his loan and both Duffy and McGivern were suspended.[50] The positive results kept coming however, as Vale moved into the top half of the table with a 1–0 win.[51] Former Chelsea left-back Aziz Deen-Conteh then signed a deal with the club until 2017.[52] Leaving the club, though only on a 28-day loan, was goalkeeper Sam Johnson, who went to Conference Premier side Alfreton Town.[53] Not long after their FA Cup triumph at Vale Park, Milton Keynes Dons hosted the Vale and ran out 1–0 following a sending off to Chris Lines.[54] Another two long-term prospects were then added in the form of Ghana youth international Enoch Andoh, who signed an 18-month contract, and former Manchester City striker Alex Nimely.[55] [56] The "Valiants" then ended the month with a 2–2 draw at Gillingham, Brown's 94th-minute equaliser securing a deserved point.[57]

After a two-week break Vale hosted Coventry City on 13 December, and went on to lose the game 2–0 after failing to pose much of an attacking threat.[58] They got back to winning ways the following week by beating struggling Crawley Town 2–1.[59] The visitors on Boxing Day were Sheffield United, who were defeated 2–1 after referee Stuart Attwell sent off "Blades" defender Chris Basham and later gave Vale a penalty.[60] Another tricky tie followed at Swindon Town, who went into the automatic promotion places after beating Vale 1–0.[61]

Vale began 2015 with a home tie against Gillingham, and a victory took them to within a point of the play-offs thanks to a stoppage time winner from Colin Daniel.[62] Shortly after Frédéric Veseli's loan signing from Ipswich was made into a permanent deal.[63] Going forward Page managed to adequately cover for the continuing absence of Pope by playing Ben Williamson as a lone striker supported by Louis Dodds in a central attacking midfield role.[64] The next week's opponents, Chesterfield, were one place above Vale, but a 3–0 Chesterfield win put Vale four points and four places outside the play-offs; both chairman and manager described the performance as "embarrassing".[65] This proved to be a temporary setback however, as Vale went on to beat Peterborough 2–1.[66] A win over "A500 derby" rivals Crewe would then take Vale into the play-offs, but a 1–0 win completed a double over Vale for the "Railwaymen"; Neal saved a penalty he himself gave away but could not keep out Nicky Ajose's 39th-minute strike.[67] Next opponents Barnsley tried to buy Tom Pope before Vale's visit to Oakwell.[68] Pope played against Barnsley but it was goalkeeper Neal who opened the scoring after fumbling into his own net just before half-time; Barnsley went on to win the game 2–1.[69] Pope stayed put throughout the remainder of the transfer window, instead it was N'Guessan who departed, whilst Tommy O'Sullivan and Greg Luer arrived on loan.[70]

Vale twice came from behind at home to Bradford on 7 February, Campion scoring the first equalizer before City goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was sent off in stoppage time for bringing down Birchall; O'Connor converted the resulting penalty.[71] A trip to league leaders Bristol City followed, who demonstrated their superiority over the Vale with a 3–1 win.[72] To bolster the defence Page signed teenage centre-back Ryan Inniss on a youth loan from Crystal Palace.[73] The youngster made his debut at Walsall, helping Vale to a rare clean sheet as Tom Pope returned to the score-sheet.[74] A second clean sheet followed in a 3–0 home win over Doncaster Rovers, as both Veseli and Moore opened their accounts with the club to complete the double over "Donny".[75] A 1–0 win over Notts County extended the run of victories and clean sheets and took Vale to within three points of the play-offs.[76]

March began poorly as managerless Oldham broke Vale's run of results with a 1–0 victory in a dour game.[77] Vale then came from behind to win 3–2 at Coventry, moving themselves to within two points of the play-offs in the process.[78] This proved to be Inniss's last game for the club, and Lines also left the club after the game, joining former club Bristol Rovers on loan.[79] Swindon then dented Vale's promotion hopes with a 1–0 in Burslem, defending an eighth-minute lead from Brazilian defender Raphael Rossi Branco.[80] Dodds twice put Vale ahead of Crawley, but the relegation-threatened visitors came from behind to win the game 3–2 to effectively end Vale's play-off hopes in front of just 3,852 supporters.[81] Page said the performance was "embarrassing".[82] Pope was dropped for the trip to Bramall Lane, though came on at half-time during a 1–0 defeat to Sheffield United.[83] On deadline loan deal day, Page made a triple signing: Portuguese winger Francisco Júnior (Everton), Scottish defender Neill Collins (Sheffield United), and Senegalese attacker Mohamed Coulibaly (Bournemouth).[84] Francisco Júnior and Collins started at Leyton Orient, but a 1–0 lead turned into a 2–1 deficit following Chris Neal's sending off.[85]

Second-from-bottom Colchester opened the Easter weekend with a 2–1 win at Vale Park, leaving Vale just four points above the relegation zone.[86] Five changes were made for the trip to Rochdale, but a stoppage time goal from former Valiant Calvin Andrew condemned Vale to a sixth-successive defeat.[87] The run of defeats was ended with a 0–0 draw at home to third-place Milton Keynes Dons.[88] Richard Duffy then scored the first goal of his Vale career against Scunthorpe and secured a draw that took the club over the 50 point mark; however, a Kyle Wootton goal five minutes into stoppage time denied Vale the victory.[89] Second-place Preston twice took the lead against Vale, but despite Duffy being sent off Vale came back with two Michael O'Connor penalties to claim an important point.[90] Vale secured their League One status with 2–1 win at bottom-club Yeovil, ending a run of nine games without a win.[91] This left the final game against Fleetwood as a formality, as Vale fell to a 2–1 defeat.[92]

The first departure announced at the end of the campaign was from the coaching staff, with Mark Grew standing down after 25 years at Vale Park.[93] Of the playing staff only three players were not offered new contracts: Chris Robertson, Kaid Mohamed and Alex Nimely.[94] Star striker Tom Pope chose to leave the club, rejecting an offer of a 50% pay cut in favour of a move to newly promoted Bury.[95] The next player to depart was strike partner Ben Williamson, who left for Gillingham.[96] Chris Lines had his contract cancelled in order to join Bristol Rovers on a permanent basis and free up the wage budget for Page.[97] Full-back Frédéric Veseli and star winger Mark Marshall also left the club after rejecting new contract offers.[98] [99]

Finances & ownership issues

PVFC Limited, the club's holding company, was hit with a winding-up order by HM Revenue and Customs in July 2014; chairman Norman Smurthwaite insisted this would not affect the club and that a funding error caused the problem and expected the order to be withdrawn.[100] Smurthwaite continued to affect changes at the club, controversially axing the system of door-to-door lottery collectors and banishing the Port Vale Community Trust out of Vale Park; the charity subsequently was offered a rent-free tenancy at the Touch building in Trinity Street, Hanley by Vale supporter Jason Nixon who also stated that he had business contacts interested in buying the club.[101] [102]

Smurthwaite invested £500,000 into the playing budget in order to help Micky Adams strengthen the squad.[103] Despite not wanting him to resign, once Adams left the club Smurthwaite initiated a policy of experimenting with young players in the hope of turning a profit from player sales in the future.[104] Smurthwaite did cause controversy however, by telling a reporter that supporters who only attended away matches (due partly to Vale Park's high ticket costs) "disgusted" him and that they should "go and support another club".[105]

In February, the home game with Doncaster Rovers was put into doubt after Smurthwaite refused to pay extra policing costs that Staffordshire Police had demanded following intelligence that there would be troublemakers instigating violence at the game.[106] Smurthwaite denied Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis's claim that Smurthwaite threatened to close the club down during the dispute, but retracted his threat to bar police officers from entering the ground during the match.[107] Smurthwaite cancelled an expensive arranged loan deal for an unnamed Premier League player in March after being disappointment with low home attendances; he stated "I feel like I am banging my head against a brick wall with it all."[108] An e-mail sent from Smurthwaite's account claimed that he was looking to sell the club and would invest no further money in the club, but he claimed his account had been hacked and that the e-mail was a hoax.[109]

Cup competitions

A tricky draw in the First Round left Vale facing Milton Keynes Dons; the game proved to be an entertaining one, but despite Dany N'Guessan scoring two goals, he ended up on the losing side as the Dons ran out 4–3 winners.[110]

Vale made progress in the League Cup by beating League Two side Hartlepool United 6–2 in the First Round, Ben Williamson scoring a hat-trick within the space of ten minutes.[111] Their Second Round opponents were newly relegated Championship side Cardiff City, who ran out 3–2 victors with former Manchester United striker Federico Macheda marking his debut with a brace; the highlight for Vale was a goal from Michael O'Connor.[112] [113]

After a bye in the First Round of the Football League Trophy, Vale faced a tricky tie with Preston North End at Deepdale. Tom Pope cancelled out Chris Humphrey early strike, but the game was won in the 63rd minute by a deft chipped goal from Joe Garner, with Paul Gallagher and Tom Pope completing the scoring to make it 3–2 to the "Lambs".[114]

Results

League One

League table

See main article: 2014–15 Football League.

Matches

FA Cup

See main article: 2014–15 FA Cup.

League Cup

See main article: 2014–15 Football League Cup.

Football League Trophy

See main article: 2014–15 Football League Trophy.

Squad statistics

Appearances and goals

Pos.NameLeague OneFA CupLeague CupFootball League TrophyTotal
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
GK1 Chris Neal400101010430
DF2 Adam Yates251101010281
DF3 Carl Dickinson431002010461
DF4 Chris Robertson240002000260
DF5 Ryan McGivern200102000230
DF6 Richard Duffy271100010291
MF7 Chris Birchall273101010303
FW8 Louis Dodds374102010414
FW9 Ben Williamson436102310479
MF10 Chris Lines272102010312
FW11 Tom Pope3480022123612
GK12 Sam Johnson7000100080
MF14 Colin Daniel284101000304
MF15 Michael O'Connor446102100477
DF16 Neill Collins7000000070
MF17 Michael Brown364002210396
MF18 Tommy O'Sullivan5000000050
MF19 Byron Moore151101010181
MF20 Mark Marshall467101010497
DF21 Frédéric Veseli371001000381
MF22 Ryan Lloyd0000000000
GK23 Ryan Boot0000000000
DF24 Nathan Smith0000000000
MF25 Mohamed Coulibaly4000000040
FW26 Alex Nimely1000000010
MF27 Enoch Andoh0000000000
FW28 Achille Campion121000000121
MF29 Kaid Mohamed0000000000
MF33 Francisco Júnior1000000010
DF38 Aziz Deen-Conteh0000000000
Players that left the club mid-season:
DF16 Reiss Greenidge0000000000
FW16 Greg Luer2000000020
MF18 Steve Jennings4000200060
FW25 Jordan Slew8200000082
DF26 Remie Streete2010000030
FW27 Harry Panayiotou0000000000
DF32 Stéphane Zubar2000001030
FW33 Dany N'Guessan112120000124
DF33 Ryan Inniss5000000050

Top scorers

width=60Placewidth=60Positionwidth=140Nationwidth=60Numberwidth=150Namewidth=80League Onewidth=80FA Cupwidth=80League Cupwidth=80Football League Trophywidth=80Total
1FW11Tom Pope802212
2FW9Ben Williamson60309
3MF20Mark Marshall70007
MF15Michael O'Connor60107
5MF17Michael Brown40206
6MF14Colin Daniel40004
FW8Louis Dodds40004
FW33Dany N'Guessan22004
9MF7Chris Birchall30003
10MF10Chris Lines20002
FW25Jordan Slew20002
12FW28Achille Campion10001
DF3Carl Dickinson10001
DF6Richard Duffy10001
MF19Byron Moore10001
DF21Frédéric Veseli10001
DF2Adam Yates10001
Own goals11002
TOTALS5538268

Disciplinary record

NumberNationPositionNameLeague OneFA CupLeague CupLeague TrophyTotal
width=60 style="background: #FFEE99"width=60 style="background: #FF8888"width=60 style="background: #FFEE99"width=60 style="background: #FF8888"width=60 style="background: #FFEE99"width=60 style="background: #FF8888"width=60 style="background: #FFEE99"width=60 style="background: #FF8888"width=60 style="background: #FFEE99"width=60 style="background: #FF8888"
6DFRichard Duffy8110000091
17MFMichael Brown6100001071
1GKChris Neal5100000051
10MFChris Lines2100000021
32DFStéphane Zubar0100001011
25FWJordan Slew0100000001
3DFCarl Dickinson8000001090
15MFMichael O'Connor8000000080
8FWLouis Dodds5000100060
5DFRyan McGivern5010000060
11FWTom Pope6000000060
21DFFrédéric Veseli6000000060
33DFRyan Inniss5000000050
20MFMark Marshall5000000050
4DFChris Robertson3000000030
7MFChris Birchall2000000020
16DFNeill Collins1000000010
14MFColin Daniel1000000010
33MFFrancisco Júnior1000000010
18MFSteve Jennings1000000010
9FWBen Williamson1000000010
TOTALS796201030856
Sourced from Soccerway.[115]

Awards

End of Season AwardsWinner[116]
Player of the Year Michael O'Connor
Away Travel Player of the Year Mark Marshall
Supporters' Club's Trophy Michael O'Connor
Players' Player of the Year Michael O'Connor
Youth Player of the Year Jonny Kapend
Goal of the Season Michael O'Connor (vs Cardiff City, 26 August 2014)

Transfers

Transfers in

Date fromPositionNationalityNameFromFeeRef.
2 June 2014MFColin DanielMansfield TownFree
30 June 2014DFRyan McGivern HibernianUndisclosed
2 July 2014MFMark MarshallCoventry CityFree
3 July 2014MFByron MooreCrewe AlexandraFree
18 July 2014MFMichael BrownLeeds UnitedFree
18 July 2014MFSteve JenningsTranmere RoversFree
18 July 2014MFMichael O'ConnorRotherham UnitedFree
23 October 2014MFDany N'GuessanSwindon TownFree
17 November 2014DFAziz Deen-Conteh ErgotelisFree
25 November 2014MFEnoch Andoh AEL LimassolFree
27 November 2014FWAlex NimelyManchester CityFree
2 January 2015FWAchille Campion Norrby IFUndisclosed[117]
7 January 2015DFFrédéric VeseliIpswich TownFree

Transfers out

Date fromPositionNationalityNameToFeeRef.
6 January 2015FWSteve JenningsTranmere RoversFree[118] [119]
2 February 2015MFDany N'Guessan AELFree
9 May 2015DFChris Robertson Ross CountyReleased[120]
9 May 2015MFKaid Mohamed Port Talbot TownReleased[121]
9 May 2015FWAlex Nimely Poli TimișoaraReleased[122]
9 June 2015FWTom PopeBuryRejected contract
15 June 2015FWBen WilliamsonGillinghamRejected contract
30 June 2015MFChris LinesBristol RoversReleased
30 June 2015DFFrédéric Veseli FC LuganoRejected contract
30 June 2015MFMark MarshallBradford CityRejected contract[123]

Loans in

Start datePositionNationalityNameFromEnd dateRef.
29 July 2014DFFrédéric VeseliIpswich Town4 January 2015
29 August 2014FWJordan SlewBlackburn Rovers3 January 2015
1 September 2014FWAchille Campion Norrby IF1 January 2015
29 September 2014DFStéphane ZubarBournemouth27 October 2014
29 September 2014DFReiss GreenidgeWest Bromwich Albion31 December 2014
9 October 2014DFRemie StreeteNewcastle United12 November 2014
20 October 2014FWHarry PanayiotouLeicester City16 November 2014
2 February 2015MFTommy O'Sullivan Cardiff City2 March 2015
2 February 2015FWGreg LuerHull City2 March 2015
12 February 2015DFRyan InnissCrystal Palace14 March 2015
12 March 2015MFTommy O'Sullivan Cardiff City30 June 2015[124]
26 March 2015MFFrancisco JúniorEverton30 June 2015
26 March 2015DFNeill CollinsSheffield United30 June 2015
26 March 2015MFMohamed CoulibalyBournemouth30 June 2015

Loans out

Start datePositionNationalityNameToEnd dateRef.
12 June 2014MFKaid MohamedNorthampton Town31 May 2015
13 August 2014GKRyan BootNorton United13 September 2014[125]
26 September 2014GKRyan BootNewcastle Town20 November 2014[126]
24 October 2014DFNathan SmithStafford Rangers31 May 2015[127]
27 October 2014MFSteve JenningsTranmere Rovers5 January 2015[128]
20 November 2014GKSam JohnsonAlfreton Town8 December 2014[129]
13 February 2015GKRyan BootWorcester City31 March 2015[130]
9 March 2015MFChris LinesBristol Rovers31 May 2015

References

Specific
General

Notes and References

  1. News: Defenders, loans and defying the bookies – what's on Micky Adams's agenda at Port Vale. 7 June 2014. The Sentinel. 7 June 2014.
  2. News: Micky Adams: Port Vale manager signs new rolling contract. 9 June 2014. BBC Sport. 9 June 2014.
  3. News: Port Vale sign Colin Daniel from League Two Mansfield. 3 June 2014. BBC Sport. 3 June 2014.
  4. News: Kaid Mohamed joins Northampton Town on season-long loan. 13 June 2014. BBC Sport. 12 June 2014.
  5. News: Micky Adams says players still want to come to Port Vale. 28 June 2014. The Sentinel. 27 June 2014.
  6. News: Port Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite hits back at critics. 28 June 2014. The Sentinel. 26 June 2014.
  7. News: Ryan McGivern: Port Vale sign Hibernian defender. 30 June 2014. BBC Sport. 30 June 2014.
  8. News: Mark Marshall: Port Vale sign Coventry City winger. 2 July 2014. BBC Sport. 2 July 2014.
  9. News: Byron Moore: Port Vale bring in winger from rivals Crewe. 3 July 2014. BBC Sport. 3 July 2014.
  10. News: Micky Adams tells Crewe boss Steve Davis to keep nose out of Valiants' business. 5 July 2014. The Sentinel. 4 July 2014. 8 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140708024819/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Micky-Adams-tells-Crewe-boss-Steve-Davis-nose/story-21326872-detail/story.html. dead.
  11. News: Baggaley. Mike. Micky Adams hopes to sign Michael O'Connor and Steven Jennings. 13 July 2014. The Sentinel. 12 July 2014. 14 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140714123209/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Micky-Adams-hopes-sign-Michael-O-Connor/story-21455505-detail/story.html. dead.
  12. News: Michael Brown, Steve Jennings & Michael O'Connor join Port Vale. 19 July 2014. BBC Sport. 18 July 2014.
  13. News: Micky Adams takes cover as players hit rifle range. 23 July 2014. The Sentinel. 23 July 2014.
  14. News: Ipswich defender Frederic Veseli signs on loan. 2 August 2014. BBC Sport. 29 July 2014.
  15. News: Carl Dickinson so proud to be named Port Vale captain. 7 August 2014. The Sentinel. 7 August 2014. 14 August 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140814175014/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Carl-Dickinson-proud-named-Port-Vale-captain/story-22211574-detail/story.html. dead.
  16. News: Baggaley. Michael. Port Vale 1-1 Walsall. 9 August 2014. The Sentinel. 9 August 2014.
  17. News: Baggaley. Michael. Match Report: Doncaster Rovers 1 Port Vale 3. 16 August 2014. The Sentinel. 16 August 2014.
  18. News: Baggaley. Mike. First half of the season has provided memorable moments for Valiants. 3 January 2015. The Sentinel. 2 January 2015. 24 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133759/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-half-season-provided-memorable-moments/story-25797661-detail/story.html. dead.
  19. News: Baggaley. Mike. Oldham 1-1 Port Vale. 20 August 2014. The Sentinel. 19 August 2014.
  20. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale boss Micky Adams blames sloppy start for Notts Co defeat. 23 August 2014. The Sentinel. 23 August 2014.
  21. News: Blackburn Rovers loan striker to Port Vale. 29 August 2014. BBC Sport. 29 August 2014.
  22. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 1-2 Chesterfield. 30 August 2014. The Sentinel. 31 August 2014.
  23. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale boss Micky Adams blasts defending after another home defeat. 31 August 2014. The Sentinel. 30 August 2014.
  24. News: Police probe 'racist abuse' against Chesterfield player. 1 September 2014. BBC News. 1 September 2014.
  25. News: Port Vale sign Frenchman Achille Campion. 1 September 2014. BBC Sport. 1 September 2014.
  26. News: Baggaley. Michael. Peterborough 3-1 Port Vale. 6 September 2014. The Sentinel. 6 September 2014.
  27. News: Baggaley. Mike. Match Report: Crewe 2 Port Vale 1. 13 September 2014. The Sentinel. 13 September 2014.
  28. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale boss Micky Adams says he is fighting to save his job. 14 September 2014. The Sentinel. 13 September 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140914031801/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-boss-Micky-Adams-says-fighting-save-job/story-22921127-detail/story.html. 14 September 2014. dead. dmy-all.
  29. News: Match report: Port Vale 0, Bristol City 3. 18 September 2014. The Sentinel. 17 September 2014.
  30. News: Micky Adams: Port Vale manager steps down for a second time. 18 September 2014. BBC Sport. 18 September 2014.
  31. News: Robert Page: Port Vale to give caretaker boss six-week chance. 19 September 2014. BBC Sport. 19 September 2014.
  32. News: Baggaley. Mike. Match report: Port Vale 2-1 Barnsley. 20 September 2014. The Sentinel. 20 September 2014.
  33. News: Baggaley. Mike. Bradford City 1-1 Port Vale. 27 September 2014. The Sentinel. 27 September 2014.
  34. News: Stephane Zubar and Reiss Greenidge arrive on loan. 30 September 2014. BBC Sport. 29 September 2014.
  35. News: Baggaley. Mike. Fleetwood 1-0 Port Vale. 4 October 2014. The Sentinel. 4 October 2014. 6 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141006175908/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Match-Report-Fleetwood-Port-Vale/story-23043971-detail/story.html. dead.
  36. News: Newcastle United defender joins Port Vale on loan. 9 October 2014. BBC Sport. 9 October 2014.
  37. News: Baggaley. Mike. Match Report: Port Vale 4-1 Yeovil. 11 October 2014. The Sentinel. 11 October 2014.
  38. News: Baggaley. Mike. Preston 2-0 Port Vale. 20 October 2014. The Sentinel. 18 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141019133720/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Match-Report-Preston-Port-Vale/story-23257064-detail/story.html. 19 October 2014. dead. dmy-all.
  39. News: Baggaley. Mike. Mike Baggaley's Monday review as Preston's Joe Garner strikes again. 20 October 2014. The Sentinel. 20 October 2014.
  40. News: Port Vale sign Leicester City striker on loan. 21 October 2014. BBC Sport. 21 October 2014.
  41. News: Port Vale on brink of signing striker. 23 October 2014. The Sentinel. 23 October 2014.
  42. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 2, Scunthorpe 2: Valiants pegged back by 10-man Irons as fans stay away. 22 October 2014. The Sentinel. 21 October 2014.
  43. News: Dany N'Guessan: Port Vale sign striker on two-month contract. 23 October 2014. BBC Sport. 23 October 2014.
  44. News: Baggaley. Mike. Tom Pope sidelined for weeks with knee injury. 25 October 2014. t. 25 October 2014.
  45. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 3-0 Leyton Orient. 25 October 2014. The Sentinel. 25 October 2014.
  46. News: Port Vale appoint interim boss as manager. 29 October 2014. BBC Sport. 29 October 2014.
  47. News: Baggaley. Mike. Colchester 1-2 Port Vale: Match Report. 2 November 2014. The Sentinel. 1 November 2014.
  48. News: Baggaley. Mike. Valiants weigh up deal for former Porto winger Enoch Andoh. 11 November 2014. t. 11 November 2014. 23 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141123024705/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Valiants-weigh-deal-Porto-winger-Enoch/story-24514506-detail/story.html. dead.
  49. News: Baggaley. Mike. Ex-Chelsea defender Aziz Deen-Conteh plays for Vale. 11 November 2014. The Sentinel. 11 November 2014.
  50. News: Newcastle United recall Remi Streete from Port Vale loan. 12 November 2014. BBC Sport. 12 November 2014.
  51. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 1-0 Rochdale: Match Report. 15 November 2014. The Sentinel. 15 November 2014.
  52. News: Port Vale sign former Chelsea defender. 18 November 2014. BBC Sport. 17 November 2014.
  53. News: Baggaley. Mike. Goalkeeper Sam Johnson joins Alfreton on loan. 20 November 2014. The Sentinel. 20 November 2014.
  54. News: Baggaley. Mike. MK Dons 1-0 Port Vale: Match Report. 22 November 2014. The Sentinel. 22 November 2014.
  55. News: Enoch Andoh: Port Vale sign young former Porto winger. BBC Sport. 25 November 2014. 25 November 2014.
  56. News: Smith. Pete. Alex Nimely signing confirmed. 27 November 2014. t. 27 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141220042601/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Alex-Nimely-signing-confirmed/story-24787219-detail/story.html. 20 December 2014. dead. dmy-all.
  57. News: Baggaley. Mike. Gillingham 2-2 Port Vale: Match Report. 30 November 2014. The Sentinel. 29 November 2014.
  58. News: Baggaley. Mike. Rob Page says Vale weren't good enough. 13 December 2014. The Sentinel. 13 December 2014.
  59. News: Baggaley. Mike. Crawley 1-2 Port Vale: Match Report. 20 December 2014. The Sentinel. 20 December 2014.
  60. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 2, Sheffield United 1: Dany N'Guessan spot on to fire Valiants to victory. 26 December 2014. The Sentinel. 26 December 2014.
  61. News: Baggaley. Mike. Swindon 1-0 Port Vale. 28 December 2014. The Sentinel. 28 December 2014.
  62. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 2-1 Gillingham: Match Report. 3 January 2015. The Sentinel. 3 January 2015.
  63. News: Smith. Pete. Freddie Veseli signing confirmed. 7 January 2015. The Sentinel. 7 January 2015. 27 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150927052416/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Freddie-Veseli-signing-confirmed/story-25818401-detail/story.html. dead.
  64. News: Baggaley. Mike. Why Louis Dodds gets Rob Page's vote for Number 10. 9 January 2015. The Sentinel. 9 January 2015.
  65. News: Baggaley. Mike. Chesterfield 3-0 Port Vale: Mike Baggaley's match analysis. 11 January 2015. The Sentinel. 11 January 2015.
  66. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 2-1 Peterborough match report: Ben Williamson's ice-cool finish clinches win. 17 January 2015. The Sentinel. 17 January 2015.
  67. News: Sharpe. Rich. Port Vale 0 Crewe Alexandra 1: Match report. 25 January 2015. The Sentinel. 24 January 2015.
  68. News: Tom Pope: Barnsley target Port Vale striker as Reece Brown exits. 30 January 2015. BBC Sport. 30 January 2015.
  69. News: Baggaley. Mike. Barnsley 2-1 Port Vale match report: Furious Vale slip to controversial defeat. 31 January 2015. The Sentinel. 31 January 2015.
  70. News: Transfer Deadline Day: Port Vale sign O'Sullivan and Luer. 3 February 2015. BBC Sport. 2 February 2015.
  71. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 2-2 Bradford Match Report: Late drama as Vale snatch a point. 7 February 2015. The Sentinel. 7 February 2015.
  72. News: Baggaley. Mike. Bristol City 3, Port Vale 1. 11 February 2015. The Sentinel. 10 February 2015.
  73. News: Ryan Inniss: Port Vale sign Crystal Palace defender on loan. 13 February 2015. BBC Sport. 12 February 2015.
  74. News: Baggaley. Mike. Walsall 0-1 Port Vale match report: Superb Vale stun Saddlers. 14 February 2015. The Sentinel. 14 February 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150214205949/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Walsall-Port-Vale-match-report/story-26026555-detail/story.html. 14 February 2015. dead. dmy-all.
  75. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 3-0 Doncaster Rovers match report: Classy Byron Moore wraps up super Vale win. 21 February 2015. The Sentinel. 21 February 2015.
  76. News: Baggaley. Mike. Notts County 0-1 Port Vale Match Report: Mark Marshall sends super Vale on the march. 28 February 2015. The Sentinel. 28 February 2015.
  77. News: Port Vale 0-1 Oldham Athletic Match Report: Vale's play-off chances dented. 4 March 2015. The Sentinel. 3 March 2015.
  78. News: Baggaley. Mike. Coventry City 2-3 Port Vale match report: Michael O'Connor special clinches superb win. 7 March 2015. The Sentinel. 7 March 2015.
  79. News: Chris Lines: Bristol Rovers re-sign Port Vale midfielder on loan. 9 March 2015. BBC Sport. 9 March 2015.
  80. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 0, Swindon Town 1 match report: Frustration for Vale as they pay for poor start. 14 March 2015. The Sentinel. 14 March 2015.
  81. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 2, Crawley Town 3 match report: Awful Valiants leave fans stunned. 18 March 2015. The Sentinel. 18 March 2015.
  82. News: Baggaley. Mike. The manager is right, we were embarrassing says Veseli. 20 March 2015. The Sentinel. 19 March 2015.
  83. News: Baggaley. Michael. Sheffield United 1, Port Vale 0: Michael Brown sent off on frustrating afternoon for Valiants. 21 March 2015. The Sentinel. 21 March 2015.
  84. News: Collins, Junior and Coulibaly make move to Port Vale on loan. 27 March 2015. BBC Sport. 26 March 2015.
  85. News: Baggaley. Mike. Leyton Orient 3, Port Vale 1: Chris Neal sent off as Vale slump to defeat. 28 March 2015. The Sentinel. 28 March 2015.
  86. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 1, Colchester 2 match report: Relegation fears for Vale after fifth straight defeat. 3 April 2015. The Sentinel. 3 April 2015.
  87. News: Baggaley. Mike. Rochdale 1, Port Vale 0: Vale's relegation fears grow after ex-Valiant Calvin Andrew's late winner. 6 April 2015. The Sentinel. 6 April 2015.
  88. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 0, MK Dons 0 match report: Gutsy Vale edge towards survival. 13 April 2015. t. 11 April 2015.
  89. News: Baggaley. Mike. Scunthorpe 1, Port Vale 1 match report: Late drama keeps Vale in relegation scrap. 15 April 2015. The Sentinel. 14 April 2015.
  90. News: Baggaley. Michael. Port Vale 2, Preston North End 2: Michael Baggaley's match report. 18 April 2015. The Sentinel. 17 April 2015.
  91. News: Baggaley. Mike. Yeovil 1-2 Port Vale match report: Vale secure safety in late drama. 27 April 2015. The Sentinel. 25 April 2015.
  92. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 1-2 Fleetwood Town report: Vale's final game falls flat. 3 May 2015. The Sentinel. 3 May 2015.
  93. News: Smith. Pete. Mark Grew to leave Vale Park after 25 years. 7 May 2015. The Sentinel. 6 May 2015.
  94. News: Baggaley. Mike. Robertson the high-profile casualty of Valiants’ cull. 9 May 2015. The Sentinel. 9 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518232653/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-s-retained-list-revealed/story-26469897-detail/story.html. 18 May 2015. dead. dmy-all.
  95. News: Tom Pope: Bury sign Port Vale striker on free transfer. 9 June 2015. BBC Sport. 9 June 2015.
  96. News: Bradley Garmston and Ben Williamson join Gillingham. 16 June 2015. BBC Sport. 15 June 2015.
  97. News: Chris Lines: Bristol Rovers re-sign midfielder from Port Vale. 30 June 2015. BBC Sport. 30 June 2015.
  98. News: Norman Smurthwaite says 'silly' Mark Marshall was offered great deal at Vale. 12 July 2015. The Sentinel. 12 July 2015.
  99. News: Baggaley. Michael. Freddie Veseli joins FC Lugano. 11 July 2015. The Sentinel. 10 July 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150713065333/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-diary-Freddie-Veseli-joins-FC-Lugano/story-26878066-detail/story.html. 13 July 2015. dead. dmy-all.
  100. News: Winding-up petition will not harm club, says chairman. 19 July 2014. BBC Sport. 18 July 2014.
  101. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale axe season tickets for lottery agents. 6 August 2014. The Sentinel. 6 August 2014. 8 August 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140808235735/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-axe-season-tickets-lottery-agents/story-22085889-detail/story.html. dead.
  102. News: Port Vale community scheme moves to Hanley after row with football club. 6 August 2014. The Sentinel. 6 August 2014. 10 August 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140810114701/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-community-scheme-moves-Hanley-row/story-22082417-detail/story.html. dead.
  103. News: Manager Micky Adams in the market for two more players. 14 August 2014. The Sentinel. 14 August 2014. 7 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141007020249/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Manager-Micky-Adams-market-players/story-22724940-detail/story.html. dead.
  104. News: Port Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite plans to bring in more Premier League youngsters. 30 September 2014. The Sentinel. 30 September 2014. 30 September 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140930181352/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-chairman-Norman-Smurthwaite-plans-bring/story-23017454-detail/story.html. dead.
  105. News: Baggaley. Mike. Chairman says away-only Vale fans might as well support Stoke City. 25 October 2014. The Sentinel. 25 October 2014. 27 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141027054914/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Chairman-says-Stoke-City/story-23515240-detail/story.html. dead.
  106. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale: Claims that Norman Smurthwaite 'threatened to close club' over police row. 20 February 2015. The Sentinel. 20 February 2015. 20 February 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150220174616/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Claims-Norman-Smurthwaite-threatened/story-26057847-detail/story.html. dead.
  107. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite stands by decision to refuse police bill. 20 February 2015. The Sentinel. 20 February 2015. 20 February 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150220174057/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-chairman-Norman-Smurthwaite-stands/story-26057967-detail/story.html. dead.
  108. News: Baggaley. Mike. Norman Smurthwaite cancels deal for top-flight striker because of Swindon crowd. 16 March 2015. The Sentinel. 16 March 2015.
  109. News: Baggaley. Mike. Email scam warning for clubs as Vale are among those targeted. 28 March 2015. The Sentinel. 27 March 2015.
  110. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 3-4 MK Dons: FA Cup match report. 8 November 2014. The Sentinel. 8 November 2014.
  111. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale 6-2 Hartlepool. 13 August 2014. The Sentinel. 12 August 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140815012249/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Match-Report-Port-Valer-6-2-Hartlepool/story-22704930-detail/story.html. 15 August 2014. dead. dmy-all.
  112. News: Port Vale 2, Cardiff City 3. 26 August 2014. The Sentinel. 26 August 2014.
  113. News: 'That wun were motoring' – Where does Michael O'Connor's belter stand in Vale history?. 31 August 2014. The Sentinel. 30 August 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20150103171013/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-wun-motoring-does-Michael-O-Connor-s/story-22850914-detail/story.html. 3 January 2015. dead. dmy-all.
  114. News: Baggaley. Mike. Preston North End 3, Port Vale 2: Michael Baggaley's match report from Deepdale. 8 October 2014. The Sentinel. 8 October 2014.
  115. Web site: England – Port Vale FC – Results, fixtures, squad, statistics, photos, videos and news – Soccerway. us.soccerway.com. 9 October 2016.
  116. News: Baggaley. Mike. Michael O'Connor dominates Vale's awards night. 5 May 2015. The Sentinel. 3 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150504211531/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Michael-O-Connor-dominates-Vale-s/story-26436146-detail/story.html. 4 May 2015. dead. dmy-all.
  117. News: Achille Campion signs 18-month contract. 31 December 2014. BBC Sport. 31 December 2014.
  118. News: Midfielder Steven Jennings released . . 6 January 2015.
  119. News: Jennings signs for Tranmere . Football 365 . 8 January 2015 .
  120. News: Ross County sign Foster, Davies and Robertson. 30 June 2015. BBC Sport. 30 June 2015.
  121. News: Kaid Mohamed: Winger signs for Port Talbot Town. 8 October 2015. BBC Sport. 18 August 2015.
  122. News: EXCLUSIV De la Manchester City la Poli Timișoara! Alex Nimely a semnat un contract cu formația de pe Bega. 20 February 2016. dolce-sport.ro. 18 February 2016. ro. 20 February 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160220001415/http://www.dolce-sport.ro/fotbal/fotbal-intern/exclusiv-manchester-city-poli-timi.html. dead.
  123. News: Sharpe. Rich. Mark Marshall signs for Bradford City after turning down Valiants. 13 July 2015. The Sentinel. 13 July 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150714062649/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Mark-Marshall-signs-Bradford-City/story-26892783-detail/story.html. 14 July 2015. dead. dmy-all.
  124. News: Baggaley. Mike. Port Vale agree new deal for Cardiff City midfielder Tommy O'Sullivan. 16 April 2015. The Sentinel. 16 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150419131016/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-agree-new-deal-Cardiff-City-midfielder/story-26343688-detail/story.html. 19 April 2015. dead. dmy-all.
  125. News: Baggaley. Michael. Match Report: Port Vale 6-2 Hartlepool. 13 August 2014. The Sentinel. 12 August 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140815012249/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Match-Report-Port-Valer-6-2-Hartlepool/story-22704930-detail/story.html. 15 August 2014. dead. dmy-all.
  126. Web site: Boot signs on loan. newcastletown.co.uk. 30 September 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141006093634/http://www.newcastletown.co.uk/news/details.php?news_id=10970#news. 6 October 2014. dead.
  127. News: Baggaley. Mike. Defender extends loan at Stafford Rangers. 26 January 2015. The Sentinel. 26 January 2015.
  128. News: Tranmere Rovers: Steve Jennings returns for third spell. 28 October 2014. BBC Sport. 27 October 2014.
  129. News: Baggaley. Mike. Sam Johnson suffers shoulder injury. 9 December 2014. The Sentinel. 8 December 2014.
  130. News: Sharpe. Rich. Goalkeeper Ryan Boot joins Worcester City on loan. 13 February 2015. The Sentinel. 13 February 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150214000653/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Goalkeeper-Ryan-Boots-joins-Worcester/story-26023008-detail/story.html. 14 February 2015. dead. dmy-all.