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1965–66 Port Vale F.C. season

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Port Vale
1965–66 season
ChairmanFred Pinfold
ManagerJackie Mudie
StadiumVale Park
Football League Fourth Division19th (39 Points)
FA CupThird Round
(knocked out by Cardiff City)
League CupFirst Round
(knocked out by Reading)
Top goalscorerLeague: John Rowland (21)
All: John Rowland (23)
Highest home attendance11,395 vs. Crewe Alexandra, 4 October 1965
Lowest home attendance3,959 vs. Southport, 27 November 1965
Average home league attendance6,015
Biggest win3–0 (twice), 4–1 and 5–2
Biggest defeat0–5 vs. Luton Town, 14 May 1966

The 1965–66 season was Port Vale's 54th season of football in the English Football League, and their first season (second overall) back in the Fourth Division following their relegation from the Third Division.[1] Managed by Jackie Mudie and chaired by Fred Pinfold, the club once again struggled — finishing 19th in the 24‑team division with 39 points, equating to 87th overall among the 92 League clubs.

Despite expectations of an immediate promotion push, the club's fortunes continued to decline. Stanley Matthews, appointed as general manager, pioneered a youth-focused policy that saw several teenagers make their debuts — on one occasion, five teenagers made up the forward line in match — Alex Donald, Roddy Georgeson, Mick Cullerton, Paul Bannister, and Paul Ogden. Notably, 15‑year‑old Malcolm MacKenzie became the youngest player in club history when he debuted on 12 April 1966.

The league's top scorer was John Rowland, whose 21 goals in league play (23 in all competitions) proved a rare positive in an otherwise grim season. Vale experienced a financial loss of around £30,000, despite rising gate receipts and the continuation of their youth project, with an average attendance of 6,015 and a lowest recorded attendance of just 3,959 for the match against Southport on 27 November 1965. In cup competitions, Vale reached the Third Round of the FA Cup, ultimately eliminated by Cardiff City, and were knocked out of the League Cup in the First Round by Reading after a replay.

Overall, the 1965–66 season was a continuation of the club’s decline, marked by relegation struggles, a youth experiment under Matthews, modest crowds, growing financial concerns, and another unfulfilled hope of promotion.

Overview

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Fourth Division

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On 19 July 1965, Stanley Matthews was appointed general manager to help his friend Jackie Mudie as manager.[1] Matthews announced his policy of 'attracting and nurturing young footballers' and stressed the need for 'patience'.[1] Matthews did not receive and did not request a contract.[1] Though a massive lift for the club at the time, this development transpired to be a negative one for all involved, as Roy Sproson later explained that 'the club had their priorities wrong and the first-team suffered badly, whilst Stan trusted people, who took advantage of him'.[1] Most of the summer signings were youngsters, which also suited the club's directors, who had overseen massive losses over the past two seasons. In came Brian Taylor (£3,000 from Shrewsbury Town); winger Roger Smith (Walsall); Scottish inside-forwards John Cummings and Tommy Morrison (Aberdeen); as well as 16-year-old Scottish trialist winger Alex Donald.[1] Matthews also initiated a series of trials for 700 boys.[1]

The season opened with a 1–0 win over Colchester United in front of 11,212 at Vale Park.[1] Two narrow away defeats followed in what would be a season-long pattern of success at home and defeat away.[1] Tony Richards made his return from injury in the 1–0 loss at Tranmere Rovers on 27 August, though he broke down again with an injury two games later. Terry Miles replaced Terry Lowe in a 2–0 win over Stockport County on 4 September to become Vale's first ever playing substitute.[1] John Nicholson's club record run of 208 consecutive appearances, which began on 2 September 1961, ended on 8 September. Nicholson was unhappy with this and was sold to Doncaster Rovers for £5,000 – much to supporters' distress.[1] Attendances fell away to only 4,605 on 18 September, when Vale 'disgraced themselves' by only beating Lincoln City 3–0, who provided 'abysmal opposition'.[1] Keeper Jimmy O'Neill was 'in vintage form', but 12 forwards were tried up front in the first ten games.[1] Only John Rowland was scoring with any regularity. On 2 October, Jackie Mudie's 'extra craft' helped the Vale to thrash high-flying Chester 5–2, and two days later Vale beat Crewe Alexandra.[1] Chester manager Peter Hauser claimed that Vale were "easily the best team we have come across". However, the club then played a friendly with SC Tasmania 1900 Berlin in Berlin (losing 2–0). Vale proceeded to lose their next six league games.[1] The club then signed Jimmy Hill from Everton for £5,000; however, Hill seemed to be a replica of Mudie, rather than an addition to the firepower.[1]

As Vale slipped down the table, they were denied permission by the Ministry of Labour to sign USA international forward Willy Roy as he did not meet the two-year residential requirement.[1] On 27 November, Vale recorded a 4–1 victory over Southport during a blizzard at Vale Park. More trouble came when Bo'ness United reported the club to the Scottish Junior Football Association for an alleged breach of the rules in the transfer of 17-year-old Roddy Georgeson.[1] On the pitch results continued to go against the Vale, as they found themselves in a re-election struggle by January.[1] Vale then went on a club-record six consecutive away games without scoring a goal in a run lasting from 8 January to 9 March. In came left-back John Ritchie from Whitley Bay, though free agent Graham Barnett did not return to the club, despite protestations from supporters – the management stated that Barnett's wage demands were too great.[1] On 8 January, Vale were beaten 2–0 at second-from-bottom club Hartlepools United. For the clash with bottom-placed Bradford City on 12 January, Vale assembled the youngest ever Football League forward line: Alex Donald (17), Roddy Georgeson (17), Mick Cullerton (17), Paul Bannister (18), and Paul Ogden (19).[1] Of the five forwards, only Bannister had played competitively before.[1] Bradford won 2–0. A 2–1 win over Rochdale was then followed by four straight defeats.[1] Cummings and Morrison were judged not to have made the grade and so were released from their contracts, signing with Ayr United and Sligo Rovers respectively.[1]

Stanley Matthews encouraged supporters not to raise their expectations, claiming that "we are rebuilding and miracles don't happen overnight".[1] On 12 February, the team slipped to a 3–0 defeat at bottom club Aldershot. Starting with a 2–1 win over Darlington, Vale picked up seven points out of a possible eight.[1] Their defence was bolstered by the signing of goalkeeper Stuart Sharratt from Oswestry Town for £2,000.[1] A 1–0 victory at Lincoln City was the first away win fo the season. However, they were back in the re-election zone by April.[1] On 12 April, Malcolm MacKenzie became the youngest ever first-team player for the club when, at 15 years 347 days old, he was selected for the game against Newport County.[1] To act a nursery club, Broxburn Athletic of Edinburgh was adopted to save having to bring youngsters to Burslem for trials.[1] They finished the season in indifferent form and received a final-day thrashing 5–0 from Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.[1] Matthews was absent for this game as he embarked on a tour of South Africa.[1]

They finished in 19th spot with 39 points, leaving them two points away from having to apply for re-election.[1] They were ahead of Chesterfield on goal average, and two points ahead of Rochdale, Lincoln City, and Bradford City, and four points ahead of Wrexham. Their 48 goals scored were atrocious and easily the weakest in the division. However, the defence only conceded 59.[1] The one saviour was John Rowland, whose 23 goals in all competitions were almost quadruple that of his nearest rival.[1]

Finances

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On the financial side, another big loss of £29,696 was announced despite another large donation from the Sportsmen's Association, the Development Fund and the social club.[1] Wages had risen by 25% to £54,552, and there was a £5,000 credit in player transfers, though an improved home crowd average saw gate receipts rise by 25% to £30,994.[1] The management was determined to stick with the club's youth policy.[1]

Six players were released, most significantly Tony Richards departed, who had never really recovered from a knee injury, he joined Nuneaton Borough.[1] Also leaving were Mel Machin to Gillingham, Roger Smith to Walsall, whilst Selwyn Whalley retired with a foot injury.[1] This left 23 professionals at the club.[1]

Cup competitions

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In the FA Cup, Jimmy Hill 'masterminded the Vale attack' in a 'thrilling' 2–2 draw at Third Division side Oxford United.[1] The referee had threatened to abandon the match, however, after Jimmy O'Neil became entangled in toilet paper that had been thrown onto the Manor Ground pitch. Vale would have won the tie if not for a hotly disputed penalty decision in which the visitors claimed Oxford striker Bill Calder had handled the ball. Vale won the replay 3–2 to meet Dartford of the Southern League in the second round.[1] Vale won 1–0 despite the best efforts of what The Sentinel described as 'man-eating sharks' that left the "Valiants" nursing several injuries.[1] In the third round, they were defeated 2–1 by Second Division Cardiff City at Ninian Park despite a surprisingly resilient defensive display.[1]

In the League Cup, Vale drew 2–2 at home to Reading before exiting the competition with a 1–0 defeat at Elm Park.[1]

League table

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Main article: 1965–66 Football League

Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GAv Pts Promotion or relegation
17 Aldershot 46 15 10 21 75 84 0.893 40
18 Hartlepools United 46 16 8 22 63 75 0.840 40
19 Port Vale 46 15 9 22 48 59 0.814 39
20 Chesterfield 46 13 13 20 62 78 0.795 39
21 Rochdale 46 16 5 25 71 87 0.816 37 Re-elected
Source: rsssf.com

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
GroundHAAHAHHAHHAHAHAAHHAHAAHAHAAHHAAHHAHAHHAHHHAAAA
ResultWLLWLDWLWWLDLLDLWDLDLLWLLLLWWDWLDLDWWLLWWDLWLL
Position19161115131116118121213151617161718181818162020202121201816191919202118192120161616151519
Points22244577911111212121313151616171717191919191921232426262727283032323234363737393939
Source: Statto[2]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Matches

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Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Scorers
21 August 1965 Colchester United H 1–0 11,212 Bannister
24 August 1965 Barnsley A 0–1 3,016
27 August 1965 Tranmere Rovers A 0–1 10,419
4 September 1965 Stockport County H 2–0 6,780 Rowland, Smith
11 September 1965 Darlington A 1–2 3,379 Rowland
13 September 1965 Barnsley H 1–1 6,573 Rowland
18 September 1965 Lincoln City H 3–0 4,605 Rowland (2 [1 pen]), Mitchell
25 September 1965 Notts County A 1–3 6,066 Rowland (pen)
2 October 1965 Chester H 5–2 8,108 Smith (2), Rowland, Richards, Mudie
4 October 1965 Crewe Alexandra H 2–0 11,395 Rowland, Richards
9 October 1965 Torquay United A 0–1 5,112
16 October 1965 Chesterfield H 1–1 7,644 Rowland
22 October 1965 Rochdale A 0–1 4,195
30 October 1965 Luton Town H 1–2 6,058 Smith
6 November 1965 Barrow A 2–2 5,076 Morrison, Johnson
19 November 1965 Doncaster Rovers A 0–1 6,065
27 November 1965 Southport H 4–1 3,959 Hill, Richards, o.g., Smith
11 December 1965 Bradford Park Avenue H 3–3 4,419 Richards (2), Smith
18 December 1965 Chesterfield A 1–3 2,903 Taylor
1 January 1966 Torquay United H 0–0 7,048
8 January 1966 Hartlepools United A 0–2 4,284
12 January 1966 Bradford City A 0–2 3,051
15 January 1966 Rochdale H 2–1 4,262 Georgeson, Rowland
29 January 1966 Colchester United A 0–3 4,481
5 February 1966 Tranmere Rovers H 2–3 5,331 Rowland, Poole
12 February 1966 Aldershot A 0–3 2,444
18 February 1966 Stockport County A 0–3 7,400
26 February 1966 Darlington H 3–1 4,594 Machin, Ritchie, Rowland
5 March 1966 Aldershot H 2–1 5,443 Rowland, Machin
9 March 1966 Crewe Alexandra A 0–0 6,160
12 March 1966 Lincoln City A 1–0 2,238 Rowland
19 March 1966 Notts County H 0–1 5,619
21 March 1966 Hartlepools United H 0–0 4,908
26 March 1966 Chester A 0–2 6,520
4 April 1966 Bradford City H 0–0 3,972
11 April 1966 Newport County A 1–0 2,528 Rowland
12 April 1966 Newport County H 3–0 4,496 Rowland (2), Poole
16 April 1966 Doncaster Rovers H 0–1 6,669
23 April 1966 Southport A 1–2 3,433 o.g.
27 April 1966 Halifax Town H 2–0 4,824 Sproson, Rowland
30 April 1966 Wrexham H 1–0 5,110 Rowland
2 May 1966 Barrow H 0–0 5,306
4 May 1966 Wrexham A 0–1 2,679
7 May 1966 Bradford Park Avenue A 2–1 4,978 Rowland (2)
10 May 1966 Halifax Town A 0–2 2,494
14 May 1966 Luton Town A 0–5 12,054

FA Cup

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Main article: 1965–66 FA Cup
Round Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Goalscorers
R1 13 November 1965 Oxford United A 2–2 10,355 Sproson, Cummings
R1 Replay 15 November 1965 Oxford United H 3–2 7,510 Taylor, Mudie, Hill
R2 4 December 1965 Dartford H 1–0 6,090 Hill
R3 26 January 1966 Cardiff City A 1–2 17,126 Rowland

League Cup

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Main article: 1965–66 Football League Cup
Round Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Goalscorers
R1 1 September 1965 Reading H 2–2 5,321 Rowland (pen), Taylor
R1 Replay 8 September 1965 Reading A 0–1 5,664

Player statistics

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Appearances and goals

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Key to positions: GK – Goalkeeper; DF – Defender; MF – Midfielder; FW – Forward
Pos. Name Football League FA Cup League Cup Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
GK Republic of Ireland Jimmy O'Neill 29 0 4 0 2 0 35 0
GK England Stuart Sharratt 15 0 0 0 0 0 15 0
GK England David Ikin 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
DF England Roy Sproson 30 1 4 1 0 0 34 2
DF England Selwyn Whalley 7 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
DF England Terry Lowe 9 0 3 0 1 0 13 0
DF England Terry Alcock 41 0 4 0 1 0 46 0
DF England Clint Boulton 18 0 0 0 2 0 20 0
DF Scotland Ron Wilson 36 0 4 0 2 0 42 0
DF England John Ritchie 22 1 0 0 0 0 22 1
DF England John Nicholson 4 0 0 0 2 0 6 0
MF England Terry Miles 28 0 1 0 1 0 30 0
MF England Roger Smith 30 6 1 0 2 0 33 6
MF England Mel Machin 18 2 1 0 0 0 19 2
MF England Alan Johnson 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 1
MF Scotland Malcolm MacKenzie 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
MF England Paul Ogden 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
MF Northern Ireland Jimmy Hill 20 1 4 2 0 0 24 3
MF Scotland Alex Donald 11 0 0 0 0 0 11 0
MF England Bobby McAlinden 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FW England Harry Poole 46 2 4 0 1 0 51 2
FW England John Rowland 42 21 2 1 2 1 46 23
FW England Tony Richards 18 5 1 0 1 0 20 5
FW Scotland Jackie Mudie 13 1 3 1 1 0 17 2
FW England David Mitchell 4 1 0 0 1 0 5 1
FW England Paul Bannister 7 1 0 0 0 0 7 1
FW England Brian Taylor 36 1 4 1 2 1 42 3
FW England John James 10 0 0 0 0 0 10 0
FW Scotland Tommy Morrison 5 1 0 0 1 0 6 1
FW Egypt Roddy Georgeson 5 1 1 0 0 0 6 1
FW Scotland Mick Cullerton 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
FW Scotland John Cummings 3 0 2 1 1 0 6 1

Top scorers

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Place Position Nation Name Fourth Division FA Cup League Cup Total
1 FW  England John Rowland 21 1 1 23
2 MF  England Roger Smith 6 0 0 6
3 FW  England Tony Richards 5 0 0 5
4 MF  Northern Ireland Jimmy Hill 1 2 0 3
– FW  England Brian Taylor 1 1 1 3
6 FW  England Harry Poole 2 0 0 2
– MF  Scotland Mel Machin 2 0 0 2
– FW  Scotland Jackie Mudie 1 1 0 2
– DF  England Roy Sproson 1 1 0 2
10 FW  Scotland Tommy Morrison 1 0 0 1
– DF  England John Ritchie 1 0 0 1
– FW  Egypt Roddy Georgeson 1 0 0 1
– MF  England Alan Johnson 1 0 0 1
– FW  England David Mitchell 1 0 0 1
– FW  England Paul Bannister 1 0 0 1
– FW  Scotland John Cummings 0 1 0 1
– – – Own goals 2 0 0 2
TOTALS 48 7 2 57

Transfers

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Transfers in

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Date from Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref.
May 1966 MF England Mick Mahon Loughborough United Free transfer [3]
July 1965 FW Scotland John Cummings Scotland Aberdeen Free transfer [3]
July 1965 FW Scotland Tommy Morrison Scotland Aberdeen Free transfer [3]
July 1965 MF England Roger Smith Walsall Free transfer [3]
July 1965 MF England Brian Taylor Shrewsbury Town £3,000 [3]
October 1965 MF Northern Ireland Jimmy Hill Everton £5,000 [3]
November 1965 MF England Paul Ogden Leek Castle Free transfer [3]
December 1965 DF England John Ritchie Whitley Bay Free transfer [3]
January 1966 MF Egypt Roddy Georgeson Scotland Bo'ness United Free transfer [3]
March 1966 GK England Stuart Sharratt Wales Oswestry Town £2,000 [3]

Transfers out

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Date from Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref.
September 1965 DF England John Nicholson Doncaster Rovers £5,000 [3]
January 1966 FW Scotland Tommy Morrison Republic of Ireland Sligo Rovers Free transfer [3]
March 1966 FW Scotland John Cummings Scotland Ayr United Released [3]
May 1966 GK England David Ikin Winsford United Free transfer [3]
May 1966 DF England Terry Lowe Released [3]
May 1966 FW England David Mitchell Ipswich Town Free transfer [3]
May 1966 FW England Tony Richards Nuneaton Borough Free transfer [3]
May 1966 DF England Selwyn Whalley Retired [3]
July 1966 MF England Mel Machin Gillingham Free transfer [3]
July 1966 MF England Roger Smith Walsall Free transfer [3]
Spring 1966 MF England Paul Ogden Altrincham Free transfer [3]

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 am an ao ap aq ar as at Kent, Jeff (1990). "Flattering Only to Deceive (1960–1969)". The Valiants' Years: The Story Of Port Vale. Witan Books. pp. 196–226. ISBN 0-9508981-4-7.
  2. ^ Port Vale 1965–1966 : Results & Fixtures Archived 5 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Kent, Jeff (1996). Port Vale Personalities. Witan Books. ISBN 0-9529152-0-0.
General
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