2010–11 Port Vale F.C. season

Before the start of the season there was speculation that manager Micky Adams would be approached by his former employers at Championship side Leicester City, having impressed in his position at Port Vale.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Bratt-fazed-Adams-speculation/article-2352181-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Bratt not fazed by Adams speculation|date=28 June 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=28 June 2010}} Adams continued to make his mark at Vale though, releasing nine players, and signing Sean Rigg,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8708486.stm|title=Striker Sean Rigg signs two-year contract at Port Vale|date=27 May 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=27 May 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100530095821/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8708486.stm| archive-date= 30 May 2010| url-status= live}} Stuart Tomlinson,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8720191.stm|title=New Port Vale goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson 'has matured'|date=3 June 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=3 June 2010}} Justin Richards,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8729115.stm|title=Port Vale sign Cheltenham striker Justin Richards|date=11 June 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100615005042/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8729115.stm| archive-date= 15 June 2010| url-status= live}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8782452.stm|title=Manager Micky Adams happy with Port Vale firepower|date=7 July 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 July 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100710192244/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8782452.stm| archive-date= 10 July 2010| url-status= live}} Ritchie Sutton and Gary Roberts.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8831825.stm|title=Port Vale offer short-term deal to Ritchie Sutton|date=18 July 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=18 July 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100721125843/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8831825.stm| archive-date= 21 July 2010| url-status= live}} Lewis Haldane was rushed into hospital after being bitten by an insect during a training session,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8801424.stm|title=Port Vale winger Lewis Haldane rushed into hospital|date=8 July 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=8 July 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100711193941/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8801424.stm| archive-date= 11 July 2010| url-status= live}} forcing him to miss the first half of the season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9187887.stm|title=Lewis Haldane ready to step up Port Vale comeback|date=15 November 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=15 November 2010}} Adams drafted in Reading winger Abdulai Bell-Baggie as a loan replacement for Haldane,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8912208.stm|title=Port Vale sign winger Abulai Bell-Baggie on loan|date=13 August 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=13 August 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100818192554/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8912208.stm| archive-date= 18 August 2010| url-status= live}} and after an initial one-month period then replaced Bell-Baggie with Milton Keynes Dons loanee Jemal Johnson.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-New-boy-Johnson-homing-Macc-debut/article-2655890-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: New boy Jemal Johnson homing in on Macc debut|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=17 September 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=17 September 2010|archive-date=5 May 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505091932/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-New-boy-Johnson-homing-Macc-debut/article-2655890-detail/article.html|url-status=dead}}

After his side won their opening four away league fixtures for the first time in their history,{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Adams-record-breakers-march/article-2662466-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Monday match report – Macclesfield v Vale (PICS)|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=20 September 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=20 September 2010}} talks began to extend Adams' contract beyond 2012 as early as September 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Bratt-wants-extend-phenomenal-Adams-stay/article-2662463-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Bill Bratt wants to extend 'phenomenal' Micky Adams' stay|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=20 September 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=20 September 2010}} Five wins in five for September saw Adam's gifted the League Two Manager of the Month award,{{cite web|url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2177530,00.html |title=Micky Wins Manager of the Month |date=7 October 2010 |work=port-vale.co.uk |access-date=7 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306061235/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2177530%2C00.html |archive-date=6 March 2012 }} his team also boasting five clean sheets.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Adams-hails-players-award-success/article-2735434-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Micky Adams hails players after award success|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=8 October 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=8 October 2010}} In October, Anthony Malbon was loaned out to Newcastle Town,{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Football-Castle-boss-banking-cup-shock/article-2745027-detail/article.html|title=Football: Castle boss banking on another cup shock|author=This is Staffordshire|date=12 October 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=30 November 2014}} and was later released so as to allow him to join Leek Town permanently.{{cite web|url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/leektown/news/malbon-back-at-harrison-park-213647.html|title=Malbon Back at Harrison Park|date=20 November 2010|work=pitchero.com|access-date=21 November 2010}} Taking Malbon's place on the bench was Jake Speight, who joined on a two-month loan from Bradford City.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-s-sub-standard-team-says-Adams/article-2935687-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: There's nothing sub-standard about my team, says Adams|last=Owen|first=Jon|date=25 November 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=25 November 2010}} Micky Adams was also handed the award for November, after his club advanced into the Third Round of the FA Cup and rose to the top of the League Two table on the back of five clean sheets in seven games.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9273086.stm|title=Bristol City boss Millen named manager of the month|date=9 December 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=9 December 2010}} For his strong performances, John McCombe was also nominated for the League Two Player of the Month award.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Manager-award-players-hard-work-says-Adams/article-2991322-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Manager award down to players' hard work, says Adams|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=10 December 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=10 December 2010}} Departing for his boyhood club Sheffield United at the end of December 2010, Micky Adams left Vale in second position in League Two,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_utd/9327422.stm|title=Micky Adams confirmed as Sheffield United manager|date=30 December 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=30 December 2010}} though on a poor run of form.

Jim Gannon was confirmed as manager on 6 January, signing a contract that lasted until summer 2012.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9343059.stm|title=Port Vale appoint Jim Gannon as new manager|date=6 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110106075639/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9343059.stm| archive-date= 6 January 2011| url-status= live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Gannon-offered-Vale-job/article-3069963-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Jim Gannon signs 18-month deal to become Port Vale manager|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=6 January 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=6 January 2011}} Saying that finishing outside of the top seven would be a failure, the Cheshire-based manager's first task after 'burying the hatchet' with Gareth Owen was to look for a new striker,{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-New-boss-determined-promotion-challenge/article-3074668-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: New boss determined to see though promotion challenge|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=7 January 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=7 January 2011}} as injuries struck down both Marc Richards and Doug Loft. Two weeks into his reign club captain Tommy Fraser left the club by mutual consent,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9366695.stm|title=Midfielder Tommy Fraser leaves Port Vale|date=19 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=19 January 2011}} and signed with Barnet.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/barnet/9366695.stm|title=Barnet snap up ex-Port Vale midfielder Tommy Fraser|date=20 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=20 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110125052113/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/barnet/9366695.stm| archive-date= 25 January 2011| url-status= live}} Marc Richards was handed the captaincy.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Richards-vows-leadership-qualities/article-3179411-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Marc Richards vows to show leadership qualities|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=3 February 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=3 February 2011}} Gannon brought in Romaine Sawyers and Kayleden Brown on loan from West Bromwich Albion,{{cite web|url=http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~2271498,00.html |title=Duo join Vale on loan |date=21 January 2011 |work=wba.co.uk |access-date=21 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124025125/http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0%2C%2C10366~2271498%2C00.html |archive-date=24 January 2011 }} Jay O'Shea on loan from Birmingham City,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9365121.stm |title=Port Vale sign Birmingham City midfielder Jay O'Shea |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 January 2011|access-date=20 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110125052111/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9365121.stm| archive-date= 25 January 2011| url-status= live}} Exodus Geohaghon on loan from Peterborough United,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9371690.stm|title=Peterborough's Exodus Geohaghon joins Port Vale on loan|date=24 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110124231357/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9371690.stm| archive-date= 24 January 2011| url-status= live}} and striker Tom Pope on loan from Rotherham United.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9377693.stm|title=Port Vale sign Rotherham striker Tom Pope on loan|date=28 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=28 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110201033305/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9377693.stm| archive-date= 1 February 2011| url-status= live}} Losing four of his first five games in charge, Gannon was forced to respond to criticism over his team selections and substitutions,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9370986.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon explains Rob Taylor change|date=23 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=30 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110201033312/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9370986.stm| archive-date= 1 February 2011| url-status= live}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9381292.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon defends team selection|date=30 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=30 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110201033303/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9381292.stm| archive-date= 1 February 2011| url-status= live}} and announced plans to expand the club's non-playing staff.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9378665.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon plans to reshuffle staff|date=28 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=30 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110201033307/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9378665.stm| archive-date= 1 February 2011| url-status= live}} On 1 February the players met with the chairman and rumours spread that Gannon had 'lost the dressing room', as comparisons were made with the tenure of Brian Clough in The Damned United.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Players-fans-renewed-hope/article-3172510-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Players give fans renewed hope|last=Tideswell|first=Martin|date=2 February 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=2 February 2011}} Yet the next day an O'Shea volley gave Vale a 1–0 win over promotion rivals Rotherham United to give Gannon his first win in charge at the club.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9384633.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon thrilled with first win|date=2 February 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2 February 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110208025218/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9384633.stm| archive-date= 8 February 2011| url-status= live}}

However, tension remained, as proven at the end of the month when it was reported that Gannon left the team bus on a pre-match journey after rowing with assistant manager Geoff Horsfield (who had been appointed by Adams).{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9407897.stm|title=Port Vale boss Jim Gannon gets off team coach after row |date=25 February 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=25 February 2011}} Gannon had previously told the press his staff were 'underqualified', though insisted any changes would be 'implemented at a later stage' and that Horsfield was a 'great assistant'.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9378665.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon plans to reshuffle staff |date=28 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=25 February 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110201033307/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9378665.stm| archive-date= 1 February 2011| url-status= live}} This came on the same day that local paper The Sentinel ran an editorial that questioned his loan signings, his decision to drop Gary Roberts and branded his tactics and team selections as baffling.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sport/Port-Vale-Sentinel-Gannon-plenty-prove-worrying-start/article-3266831-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale Sentinel: Gannon has plenty to prove after worrying start|last=Sentinel|first=Vale|date=25 February 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=25 February 2011|archive-date=5 May 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505075407/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sport/Port-Vale-Sentinel-Gannon-plenty-prove-worrying-start/article-3266831-detail/article.html|url-status=dead}} After Horsfield was told to stay away from the club for two weeks he was invited back to his assistant role as before, with no disciplinary action taken against either party.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Club-action-coach-bust/article-3335829-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Club take no action over coach bust-up|last=Smith|first=Peter|date=16 March 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=16 March 2011}} As the club fell to seventh in the tale, Gannon made another loan signing by bringing Dominic Blizzard in from Bristol Rovers.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9429219.stm|title=Port Vale sign Bristol Rovers' Dominic Blizzard |date=18 March 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=18 March 2011}} Results continued to go against the Vale though, as on 19 March they lost 3–0 at Accrington Stanley, and as a result dropped out of the play-off zone for the first time in the season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9422367.stm|title=Accrington Stanley 3 – 0 Port Vale|date=19 March 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=19 March 2011}} Ugly post-match scenes at the Crown Ground saw Geohaghon confront fans who singled him out for abuse, whilst Gannon was ushered quietly out of the back door.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9430521.stm|title=Port Vale investigate Exodus Geohaghon clash with fans |date=20 March 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=20 March 2011}} Roberts told the media "I don't think the manager likes me and, to be honest, I don't like him".{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-don-t-like-manager-doesn-t-like-claims-axed-Roberts/article-3352569-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: I don't like the manager and he doesn't like me, claims axed Roberts|date=21 March 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=21 March 2011|archive-date=24 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324171457/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-don-t-like-manager-doesn-t-like-claims-axed-Roberts/article-3352569-detail/article.html|url-status=dead}} Rumours circulated that Gannon would soon be on his way out.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Board-discuss-Gannon-s-future/article-3352647-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Board to discuss under-fire Gannon's future (VIDEO)|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=21 March 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=21 March 2011}} These rumours were proved accurate two days later, as Gannon's departure was confirmed by the club.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9431553.stm|title=Manager Jim Gannon parts company with Port Vale |date=21 March 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=21 March 2011}} Loan signing Blizzard also left.{{cite web|url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2321142,00.html |title=Blizzard Returns to Rovers |date=21 March 2011 |work=port-vale.co.uk |access-date=21 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324104250/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2321142%2C00.html |archive-date=24 March 2011 }} Mark Grew took over as caretaker manager, though following a 2 April defeat to leaders Chesterfield he was forced to admit that automatic promotion was now out of reach.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-finish-admits-Vale-boss/article-3405107-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Top-three finish could be beyond us now, admits Vale boss|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=4 April 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=4 April 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Phil-Sherwin-let-s-just-hope-seven-isn-t/article-3404752-detail/article.html|title=Phil Sherwin: The top three is now beyond us ... let's just hope the top seven isn't|last=Sherwin|first=Phil|work=The Sentinel|access-date=4 April 2011}} Later in the month Grew released Kristian Cox,{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Ede-tips-young-stars-bright-future/article-3478347-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Ede tips young stars for bright future|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=22 April 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=22 April 2011}} before a home defeat to bottom of the table Stockport County on 23 April meant that winning their remaining three games no longer guaranteed them a play-off spot.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13102913.stm|title=Port Vale 1 – 2 Stockport|date=23 April 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 April 2011}} Their penultimate game of the season was a 7–2 mauling of Morecambe, which saw Louis Dodds and Justin Richards score the first hat-tricks at Vale Park since Martin Foyle hit three in 1994.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Phil-Sherwin-Bizarre-victory-fitting-Vale-Park-finale-bizarre-season/article-3509225-detail/article.html|title=Phil Sherwin: Bizarre victory a fitting Vale Park finale for a bizarre season|access-date=2 May 2011|author=Phil Sherwin|work=The Sentinel}} This was also the club's biggest home victory in more than fifty years. The final game of the season saw a celebratory pitch invasion at Underhill, as Barnet secured their Football League season with a 1–0 victory over Vale.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13247294.stm|title=Barnet 1 – 0 Port Vale|access-date=7 May 2011|author=Paul Fletcher|work=7 May 2011|date=7 May 2011}}

They finished in eleventh place with 65 points, one position and three points less than the previous campaign. Only Stevenage conceded fewer goals, though outside of the bottom two, only Bradford City and Hereford United scored fewer goals. They finished three points short of the play-offs following a point deduction to Torquay United and finished behind Crewe Alexandra on goal difference. Marc Richards was the top-scorer for the third successive season, netting twenty goals in all competitions. Justin Richards finished with fourteen goals, and no other player hit double figures.

At the end of the season Doug Loft and Adam Yates signed new two-year deals.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9482906.stm|title=Port Vale offer Micky Adams manager position |access-date=11 May 2011|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 May 2011}} Gareth Owen had announced a move to rivals Crewe Alexandra, however, when Micky Adams signed a three-year contract to return as manager, Owen reversed his decision and signed a two-year deal as player-coach at Vale Park.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale/article-3555018-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Micky Adams is back to finish the job he started|access-date=13 May 2011|date=13 May 2011|author=Steve Shaw|work=The Sentinel}} Only full-back Kris Taylor and youth team graduate Matthew Bell were not offered new contracts by Adams.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9497985.stm|title=Kris Taylor and Matthew Bell released by Port Vale |access-date=27 May 2011|date=27 May 2011|work=BBC Sport}} Taylor moved on to Darlington and Bell signed with Mansfield Town – both Conference clubs.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13620041.stm|title=Darlington sign utility man Kris Taylor|access-date=2 June 2011|date=2 June 2011|work=BBC Sport}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13718777.stm|title=Mansfield Town sign Anthony Howell & Matt Bell |date=9 June 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=9 June 2011}} Defender Sutton also made the switch to Mansfield.{{cite web|title=Stags Snap Up Sutton |url=http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~2383088,00.html |publisher=Mansfield Town Official Site |date=28 June 2011 |access-date=28 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614042632/http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10325~2383088%2C00.html |archive-date=14 June 2012 |df=dmy }} However, chief scout Ray Williams did not have his contract renewed, after 39 years of service to the club, after falling out with the board.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Veteran-Williams-leave-club-backing-Chaudry-takeover/article-3563359-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Veteran Williams to leave club after backing Chaudry takeover|access-date=17 May 2011|date=17 May 2011|author=Steve Shaw|work=The Sentinel}}

On the financial side, in the pre-season, investor Mike Newton announced that he was willing to invest £400,000 in the club and take the board chair.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8875899.stm|title=Potential investor Mike Newton outlines Port Vale aims|date=2 August 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=12 August 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100805020216/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8875899.stm| archive-date= 5 August 2010| url-status= live}} Chairman Bill Bratt claimed to be unhappy with Newton's policy of negotiating in public (who had by then upped his offer to £500,000{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8910840.stm|title=Mike Newton increase Port Vale takeover offer|date=13 August 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=30 August 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100818192625/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8910840.stm| archive-date= 18 August 2010| url-status= live}}),{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8881408.stm |title=Port Vale chairman Bill Bratt unhappy with Mike Newton |date=3 August 2010 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=12 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806201332/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8881408.stm |archive-date=6 August 2010 |url-status=live }} and so Bratt remained as chairman. Newton claimed that his "efforts to become chairman and to invest in the club have been hampered and made almost impossible" by Bratt and his board,{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Newton-releases-open-letter-fans/article-2519060-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Mike Newton releases open letter to fans|date=12 August 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=12 August 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100818185828/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Newton-releases-open-letter-fans/article-2519060-detail/article.html| archive-date= 18 August 2010| url-status= live}} and said that the reasons giving to reject his investment were "one long round of excuses".{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Newton-hits-Vale-board/article-2557530-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Newton hits back at Vale board|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=23 August 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=30 August 2010}} Bratt was forced to deny claims by Newton that the club were heading for administration under his leadership.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Bratt-denies-administration-claims/article-2544805-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Bill Bratt denies Mike Newton's administration claims|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=19 August 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=30 August 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100824050103/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Bratt-denies-administration-claims/article-2544805-detail/article.html| archive-date= 24 August 2010| url-status= live}} In September 2010 Bratt gave up his role as chief executive, but remained as chairman,{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Bratt-relinquish-club-role/article-2592320-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Bill Bratt to relinquish chief executive role, but to remain as chairman|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=1 September 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=1 September 2010}} denying that this decision was influenced by the recent Newton takeover bid.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8960312.stm|title=Port Vale chief executive Bill Bratt steps down|date=1 September 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=1 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100904080629/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8960312.stm| archive-date= 4 September 2010| url-status= live}} By this time the club's debts were estimated at £2m, a level described by Bratt as "manageable".{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Bratt-defends-record/article-2597716-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Chairman Bill Bratt defends record in duel role|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=2 September 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=2 September 2010}} The nine-man board's share total was valued at £359,400.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Newton-considers-Vale/article-2617636-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Mike Newton could make individual offers for directors shares|last=Owen|first=Jon|author2=Michael Baggaley|date=8 September 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=8 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100912013425/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Newton-considers-Vale/article-2617636-detail/article.html| archive-date= 12 September 2010| url-status= live}}

In December 2010 local businessman and Water World owner Mo Chaudry went public with his investment proposal for the club,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9253655.stm|title=Mo Chaudry may consider Port Vale investment|date=3 December 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 December 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101209073613/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9253655.stm| archive-date= 9 December 2010| url-status= live}} however, Bratt said it was the first he had heard of the proposal, despite Chandry's legal advisor's claims they had spoken and that "it was made clear to me the club wasn't interested in selling to Mo Chaudry."{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Media-informed-investment-bid-says-Bratt/article-2976542-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Media informed us of investment bid, says Bratt|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=7 December 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=7 December 2010}} The board swiftly and unanimously rejected the £1.3 million proposal.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-reject-Chaudry-s-163-1-3-million-bid/article-2996522-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale reject Chaudry's £1.3 million bid|date=11 December 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=11 December 2010}} Following another anti-board protest from Vale supporters and the resignation of director Mike Thompstone, Bratt and his team decided to re-examine the Chaudry bid.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9284523.stm|title=Port Vale board will meet Mo Chaudry|date=14 December 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=14 December 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale/article-3001528-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Vale U-turn seems unlikely to lead to Chaudry deal|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=14 December 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=14 December 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale/article-3001510-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Mo keeps counsel as board are cast as panto villains|last=Tideswell|first=Martin|date=14 December 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=14 December 2010}} In January 2011, another group of prospective investors, this time a group of Texas businessmen, announced they had pulled out of talks with Bratt's board.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-American-consortium-pull-takeover-talks/article-3090825-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: American consortium pull out of takeover talks|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=12 January 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=12 January 2011}} The group said: "the deal is completely dead because the directors don't want to sell the club... we believe they [the Vale] are run by the wrong people... [and] we didn't get anything apart from a cup of tea before watching a game." Fans began a protest movement called "Black and Gold Until it's Sold" – inspired by Manchester United's anti-Glazer scarf protest – in which fans wore black and gold scarves to symbolise their opposition to Bratt and the board.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Gannon-urges-fans-beware-hurting-promotion-push/article-3152092-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Gannon urges fans to beware of hurting promotion push|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=27 January 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=27 January 2011}}

By February, Chaudry had agreed to sign a confidentiality agreement, and face-to-face negotiations began.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Vale-board-poised-buyout-talks/article-3199276-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Vale board poised for buyout talks|last=Baggaley|first=Michael|date=9 February 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=9 February 2011}} Chaudry was keen to accelerate the negotiations, accusing Bratt of stalling.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Chaudry-wants-progress-takeover-deal/article-3263272-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Chaudry wants to see progress on takeover deal|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=24 February 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=26 February 2011}} Chaudry had the stadium revalued at £3.4m, some £2.3m less than stated in the board's accounts – Staffordshire University academic Ian Jackson commented that these were a part of the "skirmishes of negotiation".{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Chaudry-fears-club-s-future/article-3270631-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Mo Chaudry fears for club's future after valuation|last=Smith|first=Peter|date=26 February 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=26 February 2011}} Despite this Chaudry's 12 March takeover deadline passed without comment from the Vale board,{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Angry-Mo-slams-board-ignore-bid-deadline/article-3322652-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Angry Mo slams board after they ignore his bid deadline|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=12 March 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=12 March 2011}} though another director, Paul Humphreys, resigned his position.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/VALE-director-resigns/article-3324434-detail/article.html|title=Vale director resigns|date=12 March 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=12 March 2011}} Chaudry then teamed up with another local businessmen, Mark Sims, to purchase the maximum allowed 24.9% of shares each (to give them a combined total of 49.8% control).{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9469083.stm|title=Port Vale fans boycott season tickets to oust board |date=27 April 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=27 April 2011}} In addition to the '[https://web.archive.org/web/20110131055541/http://www.valeforsale.co.uk/ Black and Gold]' campaign, two further fan-based organisations, '[https://web.archive.org/web/20110211032820/http://www.starve-em-out.co.uk/ Starve Em Out]' and '[https://web.archive.org/web/20111112045501/http://www.northlondonvaliants.co.uk/Home.html North London Valiants]', attempted to oust Bratt and his directors out of power at the club. Simms and Chaudry withdrew their joint bid after the Vale directors refused to discuss the proposal,{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Chaudry-Sims-shelve-join-bid-Vale/article-3498114-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Chaudry and Sims shelve join bid for Vale|last=Baggaley|first=Michael|date=28 April 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=28 April 2011}} calling the duo's proposal "not at all valid".{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Bratt-dismisses-joint-Sims-Chaudry-investment-offer-illegal/article-3509183-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Bratt dismisses joint Sims/Chaudry investment offer as illegal|date=2 May 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=2 May 2011}} Further resignations took the Vale board down to just five members.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Board-considering-strategy-fight-EGM-challenge/article-3505494-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Board considering their strategy to fight off EGM challenge|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=30 April 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=30 April 2011}}

Facing an EGM, Chaudry's cause was boosted when Broxap CEO Robert Lee announced that he would sell his £50,000 worth of shares to Chaudry, making the board's removal at the EGM more likely (however, Broxap later reversed their decision on the day of the EGM).{{Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Major-shareholder-ready-vote-board-Chaudry-agrees-buy-163-50-000-stake-club/article-3562541-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Major shareholder ready to vote against board if Chaudry agrees to buy his £50,000 stake in club|access-date=17 May 2011|date=17 May 2011|author=Steve Shaw|work=The Sentinel}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-EGM-Meeting-lived-billing-extraordinary/article-3621450-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale EGM: Meeting lived up to its billing... it was extraordinary|date=2 June 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=2 June 2011}} However, just ten days before the EGM Bratt announced a ten-year £1.6 million sponsorship deal with Ameriturf Global Sports.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Valiants-secure-seven-figure-sponsorship-deal/article-3583072-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Valiants secure £1.6m sponsorship deal with U.S. sports firm|access-date=23 May 2011|date=23 May 2011|author=Chris Travers|work=The Sentinel}} A further twist came five days later, when Robbie Williams handed his 24.9% worth of EGM proxy votes over to Port Vale Supporters' Club.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Pop-star-Williams-hands-proxy-votes-supporters-s-club/article-3603620-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Pop star Williams hands proxy votes to supporters's club|access-date=27 May 2011|date=27 May 2011|work=The Sentinel}} Many believed this would ensure the end of Bratt's reign,{{Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Williams-s-decision-leaves-board-brink/article-3606108-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Williams's decision leaves board on the brink|access-date=28 May 2011|date=28 May 2011|work=The Sentinel}} despite his warning that fans should "look at other clubs who have gone down this line and they have no longer got their ground and are paying vast sums in rent".{{Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Takeover-bid-hurdles-negotiate/article-3606054-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Takeover bid still has hurdles to negotiate|access-date=28 May 2011|date=28 May 2011|work=The Sentinel}} The result of the EGM was a vote of no confidence in the board; directors Peter Jackson and Stan Meigh were voted out,{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-EGM-Delight-disappointment-equal-measure/article-3621447-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale EGM: Delight and disappointment in equal measure|date=2 June 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=2 June 2011}} however, the controversial '24.9% rule' survived – to Chaudry's disappointment.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9502059.stm|title=Shareholders vote "no confidence" in Port Vale board |date=1 June 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2 June 2011}} Also remaining were chairman Bill Bratt and directors Glenn Oliver and Mike Lloyd,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9502847.stm|title=Mark Sims waits to accept position on Port Vale board |date=2 June 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2 June 2011}} three of the original nine that started the season. Each facing an individual vote received 51.07%, 50.64%, and 50.21% of the vote, respectively. The three survived as Broxap sold their shares to an unnamed director at the last minute, not to Chaudry as they had originally promised.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-EGM-Late-rescue-bid-Robbie-secures-Sims-s-seat/article-3621451-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale EGM: Late rescue bid from Robbie secures Sims's seat|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=2 June 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=2 June 2011}} Speaking of the change of heart from Broxap, Chaudry stated that "the board have engaged in dirty tricks from day one and there have been more at the 11th hour."{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-EGM-Lee-defends-Broxap-s-11th-hour-U-turn/article-3621452-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale EGM: Lee defends Broxap's 11th-hour U-turn|date=2 June 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=2 June 2011}} Many fans expressed disappointment at the result,{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-EGM-Fans-views/article-3621395-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale EGM: Fans' views|date=2 June 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=2 June 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-EGM-Fans-views/article-3621448-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale EGM: Fans' views|date=2 June 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=2 June 2011}} though Chaudry again announced he "will not walk away".{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-EGM-day-unfolded/article-3621392-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale EGM: How the day unfolded|date=2 June 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=2 June 2011}} The future remained unclear, with both Bratt and Chaudry taking gains and losses from the EGM.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-won-t-walk-away-despite-EGM-setback-says-Chaudry/article-3621394-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: I won't walk away despite EGM setback, says Chaudry|last=Shaw|first=Steve|work=The Sentinel|access-date=2 June 2011}} The club's constitution required four directors for the board to be considered valid, and so the board welcomed new director Mark Sims, a Chaudry supporter, who was voted on to the board at the EGM after he was sponsored by Robbie Williams.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Oliver-urges-Sims-make-quick-decision/article-3624658-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Oliver urges Sims to make quick decision|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=3 June 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=3 June 2011}} Sims stated his intention of convincing the three original directors of the merits of Chaudry's bid.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-EGM-Sims-outlines-boardroom-challenges/article-3621434-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale EGM: Sims outlines boardroom challenges|date=3 June 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=3 June 2011}} The board also invited supporters group North London Valiants to nominate a director.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Supporters-group-begin-director-search/article-3625126-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Supporters' group to begin director search|date=3 June 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=3 June 2011}} The EGM disrupted manager Micky Adams' transfer plans as the club's constitution stipulated that at least four directors must be in place for financial transactions such as issuing new contracts to take place. In a shock move Adams announced that he intended to take up a directorship at the club, purchasing £50,000 worth of shares with his own money (though former director Stan Meigh later said that it was he who provided the money{{cite news|title=Port Vale: Supporters demand answers from Valiant board|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Supporters-demand-answers-Valiant-board/story-13874540-detail/story.html|access-date=18 November 2011|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=17 November 2011}}) he declared that "this is a purely footballing decision... I understand that the last few months have been difficult for everyone and am asking all of our supporters to put their differences aside, to support my candidacy for the Board and then to get behind the team in the coming season."{{cite web|url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2371762,00.html |title=Micky announces candidacy to become a director |date=5 June 2011 |work=port-vale.co.uk |access-date=5 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320100639/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2371762%2C00.html |archive-date=20 March 2012 }} Supporters' groups opposed to Bill Bratt's chairmanship did not welcome the news.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Supporters-hit-Adams-board-announcement/article-3629697-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Supporters hit out at Adams' board announcement|date=6 June 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=6 June 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9505457.stm|title=Port Vale boss Micky Adams announces director candidacy |date=6 June 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 June 2011}} At the end of the season, Stoke-on-Trent city council confirmed that the two-year repayment holiday for a £2.25 million loan taken out in 2005 had come to an end.{{cite news|title=Port Vale FC to resume £2.25m council loan repayments|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-12961195|access-date=8 February 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=4 April 2011}}

In the FA Cup, Vale nearly slipped up at Princes Park to Conference South Dartford, and were saved only by an 84th minute John McCombe header.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9140223.stm|title=Dartford 1 – 1 Port Vale|date=6 November 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110125165746/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9140223.stm| archive-date= 25 January 2011| url-status= live}} Vale made no mistake in the replay, dispatching the "Darts" with a 4–0 win.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9191221.stm|title=Port Vale 4 – 0 Dartford|date=16 November 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110125165632/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9191221.stm| archive-date= 25 January 2011| url-status= live}} They booked themselves a Third Round date at Turf Moor with Championship club Burnley with a 1–0 home win over Accrington Stanley.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9206583.stm|title=Port Vale 1 – 0 Accrington Stanley|date=26 November 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110125165602/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9206583.stm| archive-date= 25 January 2011| url-status= live}} The Burnley game was Gannon's first game in charge, and resulted in a 4–2 defeat.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9341762.stm|title=Burnley 4 – 2 Port Vale|date=8 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120305092714/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9341762.stm| archive-date=5 March 2012| url-status= live}}

In the League Cup, Vale managed to defeat a Championship side by slaying high-flying Queens Park Rangers 3–1 at Loftus Road,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8882713.stm|title=QPR 1 – 3 Port Vale|date=10 August 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110125170843/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8882713.stm| archive-date= 25 January 2011| url-status= live}} new signing Richards scoring twice.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8882713.stm|title=QPR 1 – 3 Port Vale|date=10 August 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=10 August 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100818201812/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8882713.stm| archive-date= 18 August 2010| url-status= live}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8903569.stm|title=QPR win was no fluke, says Port Vale boss Micky Adams|date=11 August 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=11 August 2010}} Premier League opposition proved to be too much of a challenge however, as a strong Fulham side destroyed the Vale 6–0 at Craven Cottage – Zoltán Gera and Bobby Zamora both bagging braces.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8939681.stm|title=Fulham 6 – 0 Port Vale|date=25 August 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110125170630/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8939681.stm| archive-date= 25 January 2011| url-status= live}}

In the Football League Trophy, both the Richards strikers struck down Rochdale with a 2–1 win. League One Carlisle United awaited in the Second Round at Brunton Park and vanquished the "Valiants" on penalties following a 2–2 draw.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9041722.stm|title=Carlisle 2 – 2 Port Vale|date=5 October 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110126125314/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9041722.stm| archive-date= 26 January 2011| url-status= live}}

{{Main|2010–11 Football League Two}}

{{:2010–11 Football League Two|showteam=PTV}}

{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|legendpos=b

|header=Round

|label1= Ground

|res1=A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/A/A/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A

|label2= Result

|res2=W/D/W/L/W/W/W/W/W/L/D/D/D/W/D/D/W/W/L/L/L/W/L/L/D/L/W/D/D/W/L/W/W/D/L/L/D/D/W/L/D/D/L/L/W/L

|label3= Position

|res3=7/6/4/5/4/3/2/1/1/1/1/2/2/2/2/2/2/1/2/2/4/4/4/5/5/6/5/5/7/5/6/6/6/6/7/8/9/9/7/9/9/9/10/10/9/11

|text_H=Home|text_A=Away

|color_W=green2|text_W=Win

|color_D=yellow2|text_D=Draw

|color_L=red2|text_L=Loss

|color_-7=green1|color_23-=red1

|source=Statto[http://www.statto.com/football/teams/port-vale/2010-2011/results Port Vale 2010–2011 : Results & Fixtures] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819115324/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/port-vale/2010-2011/results |date=19 August 2011 }}. Statto Organisation. Retrieved 28 April 2012.

}}

{{Main|2010–11 FA Cup}}

{{Main|2010–11 Football League Cup}}

{{Main|2010–11 Football League Trophy}}

Sourced from Soccerway.{{cite web|title=England - Port Vale FC - Results, fixtures, squad, statistics, photos, videos and news - Soccerway|url=https://int.soccerway.com/teams/england/port-vale-fc/710/squad/|website=us.soccerway.com|access-date=9 October 2016}}

;Specific

{{reflist}}

;General

• [http://www.soccerbase.com Soccerbase]

{{Port Vale F.C. seasons}}

{{2010–11 in English football}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2010-11 Port Vale F.C. Season}}

Category:Port Vale F.C. seasons

Port Vale