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1937–38 Port Vale F.C. season

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Port Vale
1937–38 season
ChairmanFrank Huntbach
ManagerTom Morgan
(from December)
StadiumOld Recreation Ground
Football League Third Division North15th (38 Points)
FA CupFirst Round
(knocked out by Gainsborough Trinity)
Football League Third Division North CupFirst Round
(knocked out by Tranmere Rovers)
Top goalscorerLeague: Jack Roberts (28)
All: Jack Roberts (30)
Highest home attendance10,984 vs. Hull City, 15 April 1938
Lowest home attendance2,992 vs. Rochdale, 30 April 1938
Average home league attendance6,716
Biggest win4–0 and 5–1
Biggest defeat0–5 and 2–7

The 1937–38 season was Port Vale's 32nd season of football in the English Football League, and their second-successive season (third overall) in the Third Division North.[1] Under manager Tom Morgan, the club began life in the third tier at the Old Recreation Ground amid low expectations and modest attendances. Vale finished 15th in the 22-team division, earning 38 points from 12 wins, 14 draws, and 16 losses, with 65 goals scored and 73 conceded, leaving them six points clear of the re‑election zone and firmly mid‑table.

Early-season form was inconsistent. The campaign began with a 3–0 defeat at Oldham Athletic, but Vale then went on a six-game unbeaten run—highlighted by a 4–0 win over Barrow (with Jack Roberts scoring all four) and a 5–1 victory over Hartlepools United in which Arthur Caldwell notched a hat‑trick. However, heavy defeats—including a 5–0 loss to Bradford City and a 7–2 hammering at Chester—undermined positive runs and kept the side oscillating around the lower half of the table before a more stable second half rescued their league status.

In the FA Cup, Port Vale exited in the First Round after a replay loss to Gainsborough Trinity, ending hopes of a cup run to lift spirits. Their participation in the Third Division North Cup also ended at the first hurdle, with a replay defeat to Tranmere Rovers. These early exits denied Vale any memorable cup moments during a season already focused on league survival.

The standout individual contributions came from Jack Roberts, who led the scoring charts with 28 league goals, making him not just Vale's top scorer but the division's leading marksman. The season's modest financial gains—largely due to a £2,900 transfer credit—offset low matchday income. Despite ongoing boardroom debate about relocation, the club retained its base at the Old Recreation Ground for the time being. The 1937–38 campaign ultimately represented a season of adjustment and consolidation, laying the groundwork for Vale's efforts to rebuild in the lower tier.

Chairman Frank Huntbach

Overview

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Third Division North

[edit]

The pre-season saw the arrival of goalkeepers James Nicholls and George Heppell (Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers); veteran right-back Johnny Rowe (Queen's Park Rangers); left-back Harry Johnson (Newcastle United); winger Charlie Rattray (Mansfield Town); experienced inside-right Arthur Masters (Nottingham Forest); and 'clever' inside-left William Price (Fulham).[1] Pre-season training included bowls, cricket, and practice with rubbers balls and rubber boots to improve ball control.[1] The fans were not optimistic about the campaign, so ticket sales were low despite lowered prices.[1]

The season began with a 3–0 defeat at Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park.[1] Tom Nolan found himself dropped in favour of Jack Roberts, who immediately went on a run of three goals in three games.[1] On 13 September, Vale defeated league leaders New Brighton by three goals to two. This was followed by a 2–1 win at Crewe Alexandra, which proved to be the only win on the road all season. The team went on to go six games unbeaten, including a 4–0 win over Barrow in which Roberts scored all four.[1] Their 5–1 win over Hartlepools United – in which Arthur Caldwell scored a hat-trick – took them into seventh in the table.[1] This run ended with a 5–0 drubbing at Valley Parade.[1] After this defeat to Bradford City the Vale signed forward Ken Fish from Aston Villa for 'a sizeable fee'.[1] In November, William Price was released from his contract.[1] The next month the side were on the end of a 7–2 beating by Chester at Sealand Road.[1] Soon after this Tom Morgan was re-appointed as manager, having been demoted to assistant-secretary in June 1932.[1] Morgan made six changes for his first game in charge, a 1–1 draw at Rochdale on 18 December. Following this, the club went on a run of one defeat in nine games.[1] During this run, Roberts scored a hat-trick past Accrington Stanley in a 4–1 win to make himself the division's joint top-scorer.[1]

On 29 January, Vale drew 1–1 with Crewe Alexandra, though Arthur Masters had no recollection of the match after twice being knocked unconscious. In February, Tommy Ward was traded to Stoke City in exchange for Harry Davies and a small fee.[1] They suffered a 2–1 defeat at bottom club Hartlepools United on 19 February. On 5 March, Vale inflicted a 4–3 win over Bradford City, soon after which Sam Baum was signed from Bolton Wanderers just two minutes before the transfer deadline closed.[1] On 19 March, Vale beat the league leaders Tranmere Rovers by a goal to nil. The players were rewarded with a trip to the 1938 Grand National. On 15 April, the club saw its first five-figure crowd of the season, as promotion-chasing Hull City took away both the points despite a brace from Roberts.[1] Revenge came at Anlaby Road three days later, when the "Valiants" held a clean sheet to damage the "Tigers" promotion prospects.[1] On the final home game of the season a 17-year-old Alf Bellis scored on his debut as Vale beat Rochdale 4–1.[1]

They finished 15th with 38 points, just six points clear of the re-election zone.[1] Away from the Old Recreation Ground, the side struggled, managing just a single win.[1] Jack Roberts was the club's top goalscorer with 28 league strikes in 37 games – also making him the division's top scorer.[1]

Finances

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On the financial side, a bare profit of some £300 was recorded due to a transfer credit of £2,900.[1] The annual summer clear-out saw the departure of 14 of the twenty-six players, including Sam Baum; Spencer Evans (Northwich Victoria); Roderick Welsh; Charlie Rattray (Accrington Stanley); Harry Johnson (Hartlepools United); Trevor Rhodes; and Fred Obrey (who was sold to Tranmere Rovers).[1] At the season's end the club were delighted to hear they had been transferred to the Third Division South, where gate receipts were higher.[1] On 27 June, another meeting at the Grand Hotel (Hanley) saw the issue of a name change debated, where Stoke United and Stoke North End were again considered.[1] A name change was advocated by every letter written in by supporters; however, once again, there was insufficient time to implement a name change before the upcoming season.[1]

Cup competitions

[edit]

In the FA Cup, a first-round exit came at the hands of Midland League Gainsborough Trinity, after Trinity won the replay 2–1.[1] In the short-lived Football League Third Division North Cup, Vale went out in the first round to Tranmere Rovers – a 1–1 stalemate at home was followed by a 2–0 defeat in the replay at Prenton Park.[1]

League table

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Main article: 1937–38 Football League

Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GAv Pts Promotion
13 New Brighton 42 15 8 19 60 61 0.984 38
14 Bradford City 42 14 10 18 66 69 0.957 38
15 Port Vale 42 12 14 16 65 73 0.890 38 Transferred to the Third Division South
16 Southport 42 12 14 16 53 82 0.646 38
17 Rochdale 42 13 11 18 67 78 0.859 37
Source: rsssf.com

Results

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Port Vale's score comes first

Football League Third Division North

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Results by matchday

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Round123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142
GroundAHHAAHAHAHHAHAHAAAAHHHHAHHAHAAHAHAHAHHAAHA
ResultLDWLLWWWDWDLWLLLLDLWDDWDDDLWLLWDWLDLLDDLWD
Position2017141417131110997991011131615171414131212111213111313121212121214151414161315
Points0133357910121313151515151516161819202223242525272727293032323333333435353738
Source: Statto[2]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Matches

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Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Scorers
28 August 1937 Oldham Athletic A 0–3 5,781
30 August 1937 Gateshead H 2–2 6,699 Caldwell, Roberts
4 September 1937 Darlington H 1–0 7,233 Roberts
8 September 1937 Gateshead A 1–2 9,641 Roberts
11 September 1937 Doncaster Rovers A 2–3 11,538 Price, Caldwell
13 September 1937 New Brighton H 3–2 4,257 Caldwell, Roberts, Masters
18 September 1937 Crewe Alexandra A 2–1 5,888 Price, Roberts
25 September 1937 Barrow H 4–0 7,416 Roberts (4)
2 October 1937 Wrexham A 0–0 5,364
9 October 1937 Hartlepools United H 5–1 7,951 Caldwell (3), Ward (2)
16 October 1937 Southport H 1–1 8,151 Masters
23 October 1937 Bradford City A 0–5 3,176
30 October 1937 York City H 3–2 5,139 Masters (2), Caldwell
6 November 1937 Tranmere Rovers A 1–2 7,597 Masters
13 November 1937 Halifax Town H 0–2 6,579
20 November 1937 Carlisle United A 1–3 4,959 Fish
4 December 1937 Chester A 2–7 3,849 Roberts (2 [1 pen])
18 December 1937 Rochdale A 1–1 3,560 Roberts (pen)
27 December 1937 Lincoln City A 0–1 13,354
28 December 1937 Lincoln City H 1–0 5,740 Roberts (pen)
1 January 1938 Oldham Athletic H 2–2 6,878 Roberts, Ward
3 January 1938 Rotherham United H 0–0 3,604
8 January 1938 Accrington Stanley H 4–1 5,443 Roberts (3), Masters
15 January 1938 Darlington A 2–2 2,330 Roberts, Ward
22 January 1938 Doncaster Rovers H 1–1 7,153 Caldwell
29 January 1938 Crewe Alexandra H 1–1 5,851 Caldwell
5 February 1938 Barrow A 0–3 5,759
12 February 1938 Wrexham H 2–0 7,861 Davies, Caldwell
19 February 1938 Hartlepools United A 1–2 4,483 Roberts
26 February 1938 Southport A 0–1 3,797
5 March 1938 Bradford City H 4–3 8,022 Nolan (2), Davies, Roberts
12 March 1938 York City A 2–2 7,319 Roberts (2)
19 March 1938 Tranmere Rovers H 1–0 9,916 Nolan
26 March 1938 Halifax Town A 1–2 4,363 Roberts
2 April 1938 Carlisle United H 2–2 6,463 Rattray, Roberts
9 April 1938 Accrington Stanley A 1–2 2,990 Nolan
15 April 1938 Hull City H 2–4 10,984 Roberts (2)
16 April 1938 Chester H 2–2 6,695 Nolan (2)
18 April 1938 Hull City A 0–0 13,564
23 April 1938 Rotherham United A 2–3 5,346 Roberts, Nolan
30 April 1938 Rochdale H 4–1 2,992 Masters (2), Roberts, Bellis
7 May 1938 New Brighton A 1–1 3,259 Griffiths

FA Cup

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Main article: 1937–38 FA Cup
Round Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Goalscorers
R1 27 November 1937 Gainsborough Trinity H 1–1 6,772 Roberts
R1 Replay 1 December 1937 Gainsborough Trinity A 1–2 4,220 Roberts

Third Division North Cup

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Round Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Goalscorers
1 11 October 1937 Tranmere Rovers H 1–1 900 Rattray
Replay 10 November 1937 Tranmere Rovers A 0–2 500

Player statistics

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Appearances and goals

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Pos. Name Football League FA Cup Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
GK England George Heppell 25 0 1 0 27 0
GK England James Nicholls 17 0 1 0 19 0
DF England Trevor Rhodes 13 0 0 0 14 0
DF England Roderick Welsh 27 0 2 0 31 0
DF England Harry Griffiths 27 1 1 0 28 1
DF England Johnny Rowe 37 0 2 0 40 0
DF England Harry Johnson 19 0 0 0 21 0
MF England Arthur Caldwell 35 10 1 0 37 10
MF England Tommy Ward 11 4 1 0 14 4
MF England Billy Tunnicliffe 1 0 1 0 2 0
MF England Wilf Smith 21 0 0 0 22 0
MF England Fred Obrey 16 0 2 0 18 0
MF Wales Spencer Evans 34 0 2 0 37 0
MF England Arthur Cumberlidge 23 0 1 0 26 0
MF England Arthur Whittaker 0 0 0 0 1 0
MF England Charlie Rattray 22 1 1 0 24 2
MF England William Price 13 2 0 0 14 2
MF England Stanley Dimbleby 1 0 0 0 2 0
MF England Sam Baum 3 0 0 0 3 0
MF England Alf Bellis 1 1 0 0 1 1
MF England Frank Briggs 8 0 0 0 8 0
MF England Harry Sellars 0 0 0 0 0 0
FW England Jack Roberts 37 28 2 2 40 30
FW England Tom Nolan 18 7 1 0 20 7
FW England Arthur Masters 33 8 2 0 35 8
FW South Africa Ken Fish 5 1 1 0 6 1
FW England Harry Davies 15 2 0 0 15 2

Top scorers

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Place Position Nation Name Third Division North FA Cup Northern Cup Total
1 FW  England Jack Roberts 28 2 0 30
2 MF  England Arthur Caldwell 10 0 0 10
3 FW  England Arthur Masters 8 0 0 8
4 FW  England Tom Nolan 7 0 0 7
5 MF  England Tommy Ward 4 0 0 4
6 MF  England Charlie Rattray 1 0 1 2
– MF  England William Price 2 0 0 2
– FW  England Harry Davies 2 0 0 2
9 FW  South Africa Ken Fish 1 0 0 1
– DF  England Harry Griffiths 1 0 0 1
– MF  England Alf Bellis 1 0 0 1
– – – Own goals 0 0 0 0
TOTALS 65 2 1 68

Transfers

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Transfers in

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Date from Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref.
May 1937 GK England George Heppell Wolverhampton Wanderers Free transfer [3]
May 1937 MF England William Price Fulham Free transfer [3]
May 1937 MF England Charlie Rattray Mansfield Town Free transfer [3]
May 1937 DF England Johnny Rowe Queen's Park Rangers Free transfer [3]
June 1937 MF England Stanley Dimbleby Hull City Free transfer [3]
June 1937 DF England Harry Johnson Newcastle United Free transfer [3]
June 1937 FW England Arthur Masters Nottingham Forest Exchange [3]
June 1937 GK England James Nicholls Brentford Free transfer [3]
November 1937 FW South Africa Ken Fish Aston Villa 'Sizeable' [3]
February 1938 FW England Harry Davies Stoke City Exchange [3]
March 1938 MF England Sam Baum Bolton Wanderers Free transfer [3]
March 1938 MF England Alf Bellis Burnell's Ironworks Free transfer [3]
March 1938 FW England Joe Wheatley Ellesmere Port Town Free transfer [3]

Transfers out

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Date from Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref.
September 1937 FW England Arthur Ford Wolverhampton Wanderers Free transfer [3]
November 1937 MF England William Price Mutual consent [3]
February 1938 MF England Tommy Ward Stoke City 'Small' [3]
May 1938 MF England Sam Baum Released [3]
May 1938 MF England Frank Briggs Aston Villa Released [3]
May 1938 MF England Stanley Dimbleby Released [3]
May 1938 DF Wales Spencer Evans Northwich Victoria Free transfer [3]
May 1938 MF England Charlie Rattray Accrington Stanley Free transfer [3]
May 1938 FW England Billy Tunnicliffe Bournemouth Free transfer [3]
May 1938 DF England Roderick Welsh Released [3]
June 1938 MF England Fred Obrey Tranmere Rovers Free transfer [3]
Summer 1938 DF England Harry Johnson Hartlepools United Free transfer [3]
Summer 1938 GK England James Nicholls Released [3]
Summer 1938 MF England Trevor Rhodes Released [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 Kent, Jeff (1990). "From Glory to Despair (1929–1939)". The Valiants' Years: The Story Of Port Vale. Witan Books. pp. 124–150. ISBN 0-9508981-4-7.
  2. ^ Port Vale 1937–1938 : Results & Fixtures Archived 19 September 2015 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 v w x y z aa Kent, Jeff (1996). Port Vale Personalities. Witan Books. ISBN 0-9529152-0-0.
General
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