The 1958–59 season was Port Vale's 47th season of football in the English Football League and their first season in the newly created Fourth Division following their relegation from the Third Division South. Under manager Norman Low, Vale stormed to the Fourth Division championship, amassing 64 points, finishing four clear of Coventry City, and scoring a club-record 110 league goals across 46 matches.

A potent forward line — with Stan Steele, Jack Wilkinson, Graham Barnett, Harry Poole, and John Cunliffe all reaching double figures — drove the attack and provided consistent goal returns. In the FA Cup, Vale were surprisingly eliminated in the First Round, with a narrow defeat at Torquay United denying further progress. At home, Vale Park saw an average attendance of 12,757, dropping to a low of 8,851 against Chester on 21 February 1959 and a high of 20,916 against Coventry City on 4 April 1959 — reflecting solid support for a dominant campaign despite an early cup exit.

Several landmark achievements defined the season; notably, Vale endured a rough start with just two points from their first five home games, before turning Vale Park into a fortress. A mid‑season unbeaten run of twelve league games, capped by an emphatic 8–0 Boxing Day victory over Gateshead, underlined their attacking might. Manager Norman Low reinforced the squad with astute signings such as Brian Jackson, Roy Pritchard, Peter Hall, and debutants Ken Hancock and Graham Barnett, whose contributions proved decisive. Veteran stalwart Roy Sproson also returned to defensive duties, anchoring a side filled with goals and cohesion.

For Port vale, the overall campaign, represented goalscoring, a division title, record, forward performances, which made them back into the league pyramid.

Overview

Fourth Division The pre-season saw the arrival of the 'speedy and direct' winger Brian Jackson (signed from Liverpool for £2,000), experienced left-back Roy Pritchard (Notts County), and Peter Hall (Stoke City). There was also a change of chairman, as Jake Bloom took charge. He initiated a change of kit, as Vale played in black and amber striped jerseys with black shorts.

The season opened with a 4–1 home defeat by Northampton Town, Andy Woan scoring the first goal of the new division. Roy Sproson was then dropped from the first XI, and Vale failed to find a win in Burslem until 29 September. Their away form proved to be outstanding though, as the team recorded seven wins in their first nine away fixtures. On 8 September, Vale won 5–1 at Hartlepools United, with John Cunliffe missing a penalty which would have given him a hat-trick. Another four-goal margin of victory came at Aldershot 12 days later. On 24 September, Vale Park saw its first match under the new £17,000 floodlights, as the club beat West Bromwich Albion (who included Ronnie Allen in their line-up) by five goals to three in front of a crowd of 13,000, with Jack Wilkinson claiming a hat-trick. With a 4–1 win over Southport five days later, The Sentinel's 'T.G.F.' remarked that "the spell is broken". Vale remained unbeaten at home for the rest of the season. Strong in attack, the club took until 11 October before failing to score, in a goalless draw with Oldham Athletic witnessed by Shirley Bassey (as a guest of Norman Low). A fortnight later Vale failed to beat Carlisle United, as referee J.G.Williams blew the full-time whistle just as a Wilkinson header was floating into the opposition's net. On 8 November, Vale beat Exeter City 5–3 in a top-of-the-table clash. Two consecutive away defeats followed soon after, as Vale fell to third. The 4–2 loss in an 'appalling mud bath' at The Den saw the débuts of keeper Ken Hancock and striker Graham Barnett.

A twelve-match unbeaten run followed, taking Vale four points clear at the top. This included a triumphant 8–0 Boxing day win over Gateshead, a Vale Park record and their biggest win since 24 September 1932, with their opponents "humiliated and reduced to the point of despair". It was followed by a 4–0 win at Redheugh Park on New Year's Day. Roy Sproson was then brought back into the defensive line, whilst up front Stan Steele 'did the work of two men', Harry Poole brought 'flexibility and fluidity', and Barnett scored from half-chances. Just as Vale seemed to be running away with the title, defeat came on 16 March at Highfield Road to second-placed Coventry City. Another defeat came against Crewe Alexandra on 27 March. The following month, the Valiants beat the Sky Blues 3–0, taking them six points ahead of the chasing pack. Promotion was secured on 18 April with a 1–1 draw at home to Darlington, and the title was secured on the final day with victory over Millwall. The 5–2 win over Millwall had been superfluous as second-placed Coventry City had lost their final game away at Hartlepools United by half-time in Vale's game; the Vale game had kicked off later in the evening as Vale Park had new floodlights.

They finished as champions with 64 points, four points clear of second, and seven points clear of fifth spot. They had secured twelve victories on the road, as despite nobody recording a hat-trick all season, a club-record 110 goals were scored – with five players reaching double-figures. The defence was also strong, only Coventry and York City conceded fewer. Praise came in for manager Norman Low, who in turn praised Barnett as 'the supreme goal poacher', Hancock as 'the find of the season', whilst Steele was 'the model of consistency'.

Finances On the financial side, gate receipts rose by 20% to £39,934, whilst there was a transfer credit of £6,075. Wages had risen to £26,535; however, the club's Sportsmen's Association donated £9,069 to give the club a profit of £8,595. Pleased with his players, Low only released Alan Martin (Northwich Victoria) and reserve Ken Higgs (who went on to enjoy a successful cricket career). The stadium received an upgrade, as the Bycars End was terraced, increased capacity by 6,500 to 50,000, extended the car park, and installed additional drains.

FA Cup In the FA Cup, Vale were eliminated in the first round after being defeated 1–0 by Torquay United at Plainmoor.

Results

Football League Fourth Division

League table

Results by matchday

Matches

FA Cup

Squad statistics

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

Top scorers PlacePositionNationNameFourth DivisionFA CupTotal1FWStan Steele220222FWJack Wilkinson210213FWGraham Barnett200204FWHarry Poole160165FWJohn Cunliffe150156FWBrian Jackson8087FWNoel Kinsey3038FWPeter Hall2029HBRoy Sproson101–––Own goals202TOTALS1100110

Transfers

Transfers in Date from Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref. Summer 1958 FB Roy Pritchard Notts County Free transfer May 1958 FW Peter Hall Stoke City Free transfer July 1958 FW Brian Jackson Liverpool £1,700 August 1958 FW Dennis Bailey Bolton Wanderers Free transfer November 1958 GK Ken Hancock Stoke City Free transfer

Transfers out Date from Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref. April 1959 GK Keith Jones Crewe Alexandra Free transfer Summer 1959 HB Alan Martin Northwich Victoria Released

References Specific

General