1970–71 Port Vale F.C. season
| 1970–71 season | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Mark Singer (until February) Graham Bourne (from February) | |
| Manager | Gordon Lee | |
| Stadium | Vale Park | |
| Football League Third Division | 17th (42 Points) | |
| FA Cup | First Round (knocked out by Notts County) | |
| League Cup | First Round (knocked out by Walsall) | |
| Player of the Year | Tommy McLaren | |
| Top goalscorer | League: John James (15) All: John James (15) | |
| Highest home attendance | 11,224 vs. Aston Villa, 19 October 1970 | |
| Lowest home attendance | 3,450 vs. Reading, 13 March 1971 | |
| Average home league attendance | 5,437 | |
| Biggest win | 4–0 vs. Swansea City, 17 October 1970 | |
| Biggest defeat | 3–7 vs. Shrewsbury Town, 12 September 1970 | |
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The 1970–71 season was Port Vale's 59th season of football in the Football League, and their first (seventh overall) season back in the Third Division following their promotion from the Fourth Division. Manager Gordon Lee oversaw the season, with Mark Singer as chairman until February before Graham Bourne took over. Vale ultimately secured safety with a 17th‑place finish, accumulating 42 points, thereby avoiding relegation back to the Fourth Division by a margin of three points.
Cup competitions offered no respite: Vale were eliminated in the First Round of both the FA Cup, losing to Notts County, and the League Cup, losing to Walsall. John James was once again the top scorer with 15 goals in the league and all competitions, while midfielder Tommy McLaren earned the club's Player of the Year award for his influential performances. Attendance figures saw a high of 11,224 against Aston Villa on 19 October 1970, a low of 3,450 versus Reading on 13 March 1971, and an average league turnout of 5,437 fans per match.
Overall, the 1970–71 season represented a solid consolidation year in the Third Division after promotion, characterised by mid-table stability under Gordon Lee, limited success in cup competitions, steady attendances, and dependable contributions from James and McLaren.