1929–30 Port Vale F.C. season
| 1929–30 season | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Frank Huntbach | |
| Manager | Joe Schofield (until 29 September) Tom Morgan (from October) | |
| Stadium | Old Recreation Ground | |
| Football League Third Division North | 1st (67 Points) | |
| FA Cup | Second Round (knocked out by Chesterfield) | |
| North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary Cup | Runners-up (knocked out by Stoke) | |
| Top goalscorer | League: Sam Jennings (24) All: Sam Jennings (27) | |
| Highest home attendance | 15,346 vs. York City, 18 April 1930 | |
| Lowest home attendance | 4,519 vs. Halifax Town, 28 December 1929 | |
| Average home league attendance | 9,176 | |
| Biggest win | 7–1 vs. Rotherham United, 22 February 1930 | |
| Biggest defeat | 0–2 (three games) and 2–4 | |
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The 1929–30 season was Port Vale's 11th consecutive season of football (24th overall) in the English Football League, and their first in the Third Division North. Under manager Joe Schofield (until his death in September) and subsequently Tom Morgan, the club rebounded impressively to finish as champions with 67 points, earning promotion back to the Second Division and setting a new division record for points accrued.
Vale's success was built on a dominant home record and a strong defence: they won 30 of their 42 league matches — a club record — and conceded just 37 goals, the best in all four Football League divisions that season. Veteran striker Sam Jennings led the attack, finishing as league top scorer with 24 goals and 27 in all competitions. Attendances varied widely, peaking at 15,346 for the York City match on 18 April 1930, although the average crowd was a respectable 9,176. In the FA Cup, Vale progressed to the Second Round before succumbing to Chesterfield. They also finished as runners-up in the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary Cup, losing to Potteries derby rivals Stoke.
The season was overshadowed early on by the passing of respected manager Joe Schofield, who died with the team top of the table, and saw reserve coach Tom Morgan take charge and maintain the momentum toward the club’s first-ever league title and promotion in league football history.