1938–39 Port Vale F.C. season
season of football team
The 1938–39 season was Port Vale's 33rd season of football in the English Football League, and their first ever season in the Third Division South, having switched from the Third Division North in summer 1938. Under manager Tom Nolan and chairman Frank Huntbach, Vale played their home games at the Old Recreation Ground. They finished 18th in the 22‑team league with 37 points from 14 wins, 9 draws, and 19 losses, scoring 52 goals and conceding 58—safely clear of the re‑election zone but well adrift of promotion.
Port Vale began the season by integrating several new signings – most notably goalkeeper Arthur Jepson, left-back George Collin, half-backs George Hannah and Sid Wileman, and winger John Callender – in an attempt to rebuild the starting lineup. Early results were poor, with three league defeats in the first four games, before a turnaround saw five straight home wins, including a 5–1 drubbing of Walsall and a 3–1 away victory over Exeter City. However, a winless run from November through to the New Year left them perilously close to the bottom.
Their cup campaigns brought mixed fortunes. In the FA Cup, Vale beat Wrexham in the First Round before being eliminated by Second Division Southend United at home in the Second Round. In the ill-fated Third Division South Cup, Vale reached the semi‑final—defeating Walsall, Mansfield Town, and Ipswich Town – before the tournament was cancelled and all results voided due to financial and attendance issues.
Forward Tom Nolan was the club's leading scorer, contributing 17 goals across all competitions amid a generally low-scoring campaign.
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