History of Port Vale F.C. - 1929–1939: Pre–war Ups and Downs

1929–1939: Pre–war Ups and Downs

In 1929–30, only the two champions of the Third Divisions (North and South) would be promoted. The sale of Kirkham allowed for the strengthening of the team in other areas, though their talisman would still be missed. On 29 September 1929, manager Joe Schofield died, with Vale top of the league. Reserve team coach Tom Morgan was put in charge of first team affairs. The club's terrific form continued, and they finished the season as champions on 67 points. Their total of 37 goals conceded was the strongest defensive record in all four divisions.

The 1930–31 was one of the strongest in the club's history. A fifth–place finish in the second tier was achieved mostly thanks to a solid defence. At the end of the season the club profited from a mini–tour of the Netherlands, where they recorded two victories over the Dutch Southern XI and a team of international reserves. However a loss of £800 was made on the season.

Top scorer for two seasons running, Sam Jennings was transferred to Stockport County; age was quickly catching up with the veteran striker. Jennings was one of many moved on or sold; Phil Griffiths was also moved on, sold to Everton for £6,000. The new team fared poorly and were skirting the bottom of the division by Christmas time. A major boost came therefore, with the re–signing of Wilf Kirkham from Stoke City in January. They finished the season in 20th position, escaping relegation only on goal average.

In order to fare better in 1932–33, the team was reshuffled. The club said goodbye to long serving custodian Bob Connelly and former England international and Villa legend Richard York. Manager Tom Morgan was also replaced, with former manager Tom Holford reinstated. However the club again narrowly avoided relegation and had little cause for celebration, though a profit was made financially.

Once more the club had a clear out. Under–performers were let go, as was Kirkham, who chose to pursue a career in education rather than football. The club had a strong 1933–34 on the pitch, finishing in eight place. Billy Tabram held strong at the back while Tom Nolan was scoring consistently. However the season was a financial disaster. As a result fifteen players were let go, including Bill Cope, Jimmy McGrath and Len Armitage, Tabram was sold to Hull City for a good profit, as was Fred Mills and George Poyser to Leeds United and Brentford respectively.

The 1934–35 season was largely forgettable on the pitch, apart from a close FA Cup game with eventual runners–up West Bromwich Albion. However in the middle of the season there were calls for a change of name; supporters were barely in favour, with names such as 'Stoke Central' and 'Stoke United' suggested. A meeting of shareholders discussed the name of 'Stoke North End', though the eventually settled on 'Hanley Port Vale'. This new name was not favoured by the fans and talk of a name change lingered for a few years before eventually falling away.

Vale suffered relegation in 1935–36. The pre–season consisted of selling top striker Tom Nolan to Bradford Park Avenue and manager Holford talking of a 'young players policy'. The season finished in a second–from–bottom finish and another plea for donations in order to survive financially.

Warney Cresswell was appointed as manager for the club's 1936–37 campaign, with the aim of promotion. Tom Nolan was also brought back from Bradford. After a mid–table finish Creswell left the club. A young Eric Hayward was transferred to Blackpool, Ken Gunn moved onto Northampton Town and Allan Todd went to Nottingham Forest. Roger Jones also ended his fourteen year association with the club.

In December 1937 Tom Morgan was reinstated as manager. He was unable to prevent the 1937–38 season being another story of mid–table mediocrity. Jack Roberts impressive tally of 28 goals was the only ray of hope for escaping the division. At the end of the season roughly half the team were transferred or let go.

Notable new faces for the 1938–39 campaign were goalkeeper Arthur Jepson, defender George Collin and right–half George Hannah. The club was also transferred to the Third Division South, good news as the league saw higher gate receipts. The club failed to have any impact on the division though, and were fighting to avoid a re–election battle rather than achieve promotion, as injuries hit the squad.